It is important that you fully understand solar energy before you make a decision on whether or not it is right for your home or business. It is new, and there is much unexplored territory, but this article is here to help you make your move. Keep reading to find out more about how you can take advantage of solar energy.
Look into your states initiatives on solar energy. Many have unique programs that can give you cash back for your solar energy commitment. There are other benefits as well, including benefits at tax time, so do led area lights done your homework on what you may have coming back to you for being a solar energy leader.
Not every solar panel is created equally. Always buy from a reputable dealer that has been in business for a number of years. The solar energy marketplace is littered with businesses that do not succeed. Make sure the company you buy from will be around if you need help or have problems with your system.
If you cannot afford to purchase a solar energy system for your entire house, consider using it in just one or two spaces. Solar energy is a great option for heating swimming pools for instance, or bringing additional warmth to a cooler bedroom. You can always start small and purchase more later, as your budget allows.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you've got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don't underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.
If you appreciate the environment, you should consider solar energy. Solar energy uses the sun to power your home. Do your part to use less fossil fuels by using solar energy instead.
Once your solar panels are installed, you need to keep track of how much power you are producing and using on a daily basis. Invest in a quality monitoring system and look at the data as often as possible. If you notice your panels are not producing as much energy as usual, it might be time to clean them.
Be sure to account for maintenance and upkeep costs when figuring out the costs of a solar energy system. While solar energy has the potential for a lot of savings, it greatly depends on your location. Solar power is not right for every situation, and even has the possibility of costing you more money in the long run.
Solar power heating, whether for heating water or for a direct heat source, is different from solar power electric. By installing one of these systems, you can reduce your gas bill by up to 50 percent. This is on top of the savings you have on your electric bill already.
If you are building a new home, now is the time to factor in solar energy! Ask a consultant to design windows that warm your home in winter while saving you a bundle on heating. Consider planting trees for shade and leaving space in the yard for solar panels too. Building solar energy into a new home is much easier than adding it onto an old one!
If you are planning on meeting with a consultant to install a solar panel system, you need to make sure you are prepared. Have a list of all electrical appliances along with their wattage and the number of hours you use them on hand. Any good consultant will need to know this information before a solar panel can be installed.
Solar panels produce DC electricity but your appliances need AC energy. You will have to invest in a quality power inverter to turn DC electricity into AC power. Select your power inverter carefully and do not hesitate to invest in an expensive one since the efficiency of your inverter could directly impact the amount of power you can generate with your panels.
A charge controller is a great addition to any solar array, specifically those that are working above 10 watts on a regular basis. These small devices act as "ON" and "OFF" switches to protect your batteries. They prevent overcharging from damaging your batteries and can provide more advanced charging options depending on the make and model.
Do you feel better knowing how beneficial solar energy, a renewable source, can be for you? You can use it in your home or business, and in the long run, you are going to save much money and realize how much you're helping the environment. Remember what you have read so that you can do just that.
