Are you wishing that you didn’t have to pay for your energy in the long run? Looking into solar energy can help you identify how that can be your future. However, it takes having the right information in your hands in order to know what to do, so keep reading to find out more.
Your solar energy system needs to be exposed to the sun at all times. Most homeowners have their solar panels installed on their roof but you could also have some panels installed on your front lawn. Do not hesitate to cut a few trees to avoid shadows and have a professional help you determine the best place for your panels.
When it comes to solar energy, you must keep the solar panels clean for best results. Dirty solar panels do not allow the solar panels to absorb the maximum amount of energy. Therefore, to ensure your solar panels are running at peak performance, keep a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.
Your home or business should receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per day to get the most from solar energy. Obviously more sun is better when it comes to solar panels, however if you get less than this solar energy can still be a viable option. If you are in an area where energy bills are sky high, solar might still save you money even if you don’t have the optimal sun exposure.
If you decide to lease your solar energy unit instead of buying it, make sure your contract offers you the ability to transfer your lease. If you decide to sell your house, you’ll still have to pay for the lease if you can’t transfer it. If you can transfer it to the new owners, you’ll be fine.
Consider your home’s outside design when thinking about solar energy. Having solar-powered pathway lights installed outside is an easy way to use solar energy at home. If you’re building a home, positioning it so that it can take advantage of the sun’s rays is also beneficial. Well-oriented homes filter in winter sun rays in the south-facing windows and that can reduce heating bills.
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.
Look for rebates and grants to help with the cost of installing solar panels. It can be challenging to come up with the money need to install a solar energy unit. Just remember, help is available. Check into federal and state grants or rebates that reward renewable energy use. They can significantly reduce the costs. Often, the initial cost of your solar panel system will net you a tax break.
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.
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. 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.
When you look at it over time, solar power is less expensive than buying energy from a local company. Although you do have to put up a bit of money initially, a solar power system starts paying for itself right away. Once you get back your initial investment, you are simply making a profit. This is much different than getting a bill in the mail every month.
It is not necessary to be hooked up to power grids in order to connect solar power systems. You can choose to be independent if you are ready to invest in a battery and a backup generator. You will not have to pay any service fees to your energy provider if you choose to remain independent.
Ensure your solar panels face in the direction to get the maximum exposure. Your solar energy system will be more efficient if your panels are always facing the sun, even if it means adjusting them throughout the seasons.
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 the person who installs your solar power system is actually licensed 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.
When installing a solar power system, you need to make your home energy efficient. Put in new installation, replace incandescent light bulbs with florescent ones, etc. If you reduce the amount of solar panels you need, you can reduce the size of your solar system. As a result, you can save a lot of money.
You have taken a good first step by reading more about solar energy and how it can benefit you. Now, it’s time to devise a plan to implement solar energy in your home or business so that you can realize those benefits further. Keep in mind what you’ve read so that you can get started.
