Do you know much about solar energy? Solar energy works from the sun and provides electricity. It is a vital weapon in the fight against global warming. This article contains the information you need to add solar energy to your life.
If you really want to see how your solar panels are working, keep a diary of the day-to-day energy output. Make a note if you are recording data on a dark or shady day. Having this information can help you to understand how your panels work, and this can help you optimize their performance.
You don’t have to remove your entire roof to use solar energy. At the very least, you can replace your outdoor light fixtures with solar light sources. This type of lighting charges all day in the sun so that it can run through the night.
It’s important to have a storage solution for solar energy. Buy a good quality battery which can store a large amount of power over a long period or contemplate selling the produced energy to the principal power grid in order to keep getting power from it.
You can have solar power even in a cloudy or cold locale. You don’t need perfectly direct sunlight, or a specific temperature, to use solar energy to fulfill your energy needs. Many folks say that their top power days sometimes come on seemingly less than optimal days.
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.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if a sun tracker is a good fit for your system. Sun trackers use very little energy and will maximize the amount of power your system can produce. If you have the space and resources, a sun tracking system can help you maximize your energy production.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
Don’t underestimate the effect that shade can have on a solar panel’s output. One tree branch can produce enough shade to reduce the amount of solar energy produced by almost 80 percent and that’s without leaves. Take the time to properly situate any solar panels you install to maximize their efficiency.
No matter which solar power system you decide to use, make sure the panels are facing in the sun’s direction. The sun provides the energy, so the panels need to have unobstructed access to its rays.
Solar Power System
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. The number of people that have experience with these systems may surprise you. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
When you look at it over time, solar power is less expensive than buying energy from a local company. Although you have to put up a bit of money initially, a solar power system pays for itself right away. Once you get back your initial investment, you are simply making a profit. This differs greatly from getting a bill in the mail every month.
One major advantage of solar power is that there are a wide range of systems on the market. While there are those that are very expensive, others are quite affordable. Therefore, regardless of your income level, you can afford to set up a solar power system. You just need to do your research and figure out what product is best for you.
Lots of folks fail to realize the fact that with a solar energy system, connecting to the grid is optional. Solar power can enable your family or business to become independent of an electric company and ever-increasing power bills. You will no longer have a monthly utility bill or have the task of establishing service each time you move.
Regardless of the solar energy system you choose, it’s important that the panels always face towards the sun. The panels must be oriented so that they collect as many of the sun’s rays as possible for maximum energy production.
Keep in mind that purchasing a solar power system often enables you to receive tax credits from the government. You may find that you get back as much as 30 percent of the total cost of your system. So, if you look into a system and think that it costs too much, investigate whether or not you will get credit back to determine how affordable it actually is.
Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your town’s federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.
It is vital that something actually licensed the person who installs your solar power system to do so. An installer who is not licensed may install your solar panels incorrectly, or they may violate local regulations. In addition, a licensed installer can provide you with great information about these regulations that an unlicensed installer cannot.
Are you ready to take the plunge? Knowledge of solar energy is only useful if you actually use it. Apply all that you learned from this piece and take advantage of solar power. Share with your friends and allow them to reap the rewards also.
