It is time you looked further into the opportunity of using solar energy as a renewable energy source for your home or business. There are probably many things you don’t know about the subject, so it’s important that you keep reading to find out more. Surely you are going to like what you read.
Install panels a few at a time to break down the cost in setting up your home to operate off of solar power. There is no need to buy everything all at once, as there is much planning involved. You need to give yourself time to make adjustments and learn more as you go along.
Even a small change, such as a solar-powered hot water heater, can help you save money and live greener. Choose a water heating system that fits your needs and your budget. You can put these in a good location positioned on your roof.
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.
The best solar systems have a way to reposition the panels depending on the season. If you have to put in panels with fixed angles, try to position it so it will work for both winter and summer months.
If you get solar panels installed, make a habit of checking the inverter. A solid green light is what you want to see. Anytime it’s blinking, or if there is no light at all, call a professional. Diagnosing a solar panel issue is generally outside the expertise of owners. A visit from a technician should be free if you bought panels with a 25-year warranty, which is common.
If you will be switching to solar energy, begin with the easiest areas to convert. You’ll want to begin with smaller appliances so that you don’t take on too much in the beginning. Converting a little bit at a time can help you feel more confident about committing to solar energy for your home.
Once you buy a home, you should explore the option of installing a full solar energy system. The reason to wait until you own the home is so that you are not saddled with both a mortgage and the financing of your installation, as you risk losing it all.
Panels need to be placed where the most sunlight is found. Check on them often to make sure there is no foliage blocking them from the sun.
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.
Take into consideration the purpose and location of the solar panel, particularly where the power is utilized and the voltages that it will require. Most panels work with 12VDC outputs, but there are other alternatives available for certain needs. Check the voltage ratings on the panels and find a size that fits.
Don’t allow the first store you visit to convince you that their solar panels are the best. It may seem that solar cells are typically the same wherever you go, but there is actually a big difference across the market and it’s easy to miss the important statistics. Pay attention to wattage, size, and cost on each option.
One of the easiest things at your home to convert to solar power is your outdoor lighting. There are many attractive solar lighting options available at your local home center. These fixtures are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Spend some time browsing the selections and see which options will be suitable for your outdoor needs.
It doesn’t matter how much sun your property receives every day if shade covers your roof for most of the day. If a solar company tells you any different, avoid them. This is false.
Before you install a PV system in your home, contact the local utility company for an energy audit. An energy audit assesses the amount of energy you are using before you supplement it with solar power. This will help you find areas where you can save electricity or areas that need to be fixed before the system is installed.
There is a common misconception that all solar energy systems are gigantic and take up too much space on a home. The truth is, solar energy are scalable to any size. If you want a large solar array to power your home, you can. You can also choose to use something smaller that will offset normal energy costs from your local power company.
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.
To help you receive the maximum benefits from your solar energy, choose energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Solar power can be used to heat the water needed for your showers, laundry and dishes. Solar heating can be used to heat or supplement your current heating. Also, solar energy can be used to help light the exterior of your home.
Are you thinking about how you can use everything you’ve read to save yourself some money? Who wouldn’t be thinking that? It is time you put these tips to good use so that you can fully benefit from everything that solar energy has to offer you as an energy source.
