Solar energy is among the fastest growing forms of alternative energy in the world. It can help you save money and it is great for the environment. If you are thinking about installing solar panels in your home, this article is for you. Read on and learn everything you need to about residential solar energy.
Know that solar panels do not immediately mean free energy forever. You need to be mindful of the fact that solar installations often carry a large up-front price tag. However, you also need to balance http://www.nmsea.org/Curriculum/Primer/Global_Warming/fossil_fuels_and_global_warming.htm that with how much energy you can save over the long run, government incentives and the possibility of selling your excess power into the grid.
If your roof cannot to support the weight of photo-voltaic solar panels, you can save a lot of money by investing in thin film solar panels. These panels are very light and flexible, which makes the installation much easier and affordable. Their higher price is also justified by their efficiency.
You can depend on solar panels. They don't have moving pieces, so when you buy a system, you can rest assured that you will not have to fix anything or buy any new parts. It takes very little effort on your part to create enough energy to power your home, making these systems a very attractive option for most people.
It is a fact that solar energy systems have come a crosstour led wall pack photometrics long way in the last few decades. It was very expensive in the past, but the cost has gone down to match the affordability of a common household. Regardless of your needs, there is a solar energy system that is just right to power your home or your business. Be sure to take ample time to research the options.
Talk to your local government about doing any major solar installations in your home or business. You want to be properly permitted and within building, zoning and construction codes and regulations. However, you may also discover tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives. They may also have data and information about how well certain solar technologies work in your area.
For the best results, place your solar panels in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.
Once you buy a system, one of the first things you will notice is how quiet your solar cells are. As they draw in energy from the sun, they make absolutely no noise. This is something that most owners appreciate, as all other renewable energy sources make some noise as they operate. Particularly if you have a stressful job or a stressful life, the last thing you need is a noisy system interrupting your few moments of peace.
Think about the money that you send to your power companies each month. How would you like to keep that money in your pocket? Changing to solar power will do that for you. After you pay off the initial investment, the money you used to pay to the power company will stay in your wallet.
We rely heavily in the United States on foreign energy sources, especially oil. This is money that is going to another country. By making the switch to solar energy you are helping to reduce the US's dependence on foreign energy, and helping to keep the earths natural resources from becoming ultimately depleted.
Solar panels are installed initially at the optimal location and angle that maximizes exposure to the sun, but things can happen over time that adversely affects the exposure. Make sure that you check your panels regularly to prevent anything from obstructing sunlight getting to the panels.
Look at a company's financial background prior to buying anything from them. Choose a company that has been around for a while and has a good reputation. Also, find a company that offers a quality coverage plan.
The southwestern United States is a great place for using solar power. Exposure to the sun is ideal in these states and you could save a lot on your energy bills by investing in a solar energy system. If you haven't examined the costs and benefits of solar energy, it would be a good idea to begin now.
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.
Carefully calculate the dollar/watts ratio of any solar panel before making the final purchase. Technology is moving fast and you should judge your decision based on the standards of the current market. The panels that produce more wattage are the panels that typically cost more, but a high-wattage yesterday may not be as significant today.
Check your panels every few months to verify that they are getting as much sun as possible. As trees grow and new homes are built, your panels may not get the sun that they need to work their very best. Try to do this check every three months or so, or even more often if you think to do so.
If you want to take advantage of government rebates, be sure to purchase the correct solar panels. Most rebate and incentive programs for solar energy have requirements for specific solar panel certifications. These certifications ensure the panels have been tested and proven to work efficiently. Make sure your panels meet the guidelines before you commit to a purchase.
If you are using solar energy to heat your water, make sure to place your panels close to your water tank. The further the energy has to travel before it gets to your tank, the less efficient your system will become. Long pipes that are not properly insulated can also offset any gains you are making with your solar system, making it less cost effective to own.
Reduce your energy consumption before thinking seriously about solar panels. While solar energy can do the job, it's a good idea to start thinking conscientiously about what you can do to make your energy usage go down in the first place. That way, when you do get panels, you will spend less money because you will not have such high energy needs.
Anyone can benefit from solar power today. Sadly, few people realize this. Now you should have enough information to do some more exploring of solar energy.
