Solar energy is great for the environment and also for your wallet. Solar energy may help commercial and residential owners in various ways. If you still aren’t convinced, these tips should be of interest.
When it comes to solar energy, the sky is truly the limit, so learn about your options before you buy. How much space are you allowed, by local law, to fill with solar equipment? Can you sell excess energy back to the grid? What sort of regulations are in place?
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels to generate your own electricity, make sure that the roof you’ll be installing them on gets plenty of good sunlight. Good sunlight occurs between 9am and 3pm. You’ll generate the most electricity if your roof receives full, exposed sunlight between those hours every day.
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.
If you are comparing prices on a solar energy unit, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some companies might offer bargain priced systems, but these systems might not hold up, be backed by a credible warranty or function in a way that really saves you money. Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to spend a little more now so that you save a lot more in the long run.
If you are buying a solar energy system, make sure your panels can be easily adjusted. As seasons change, so does the angle of the sun. Your panels will need to be adjusted every three months or so. Make sure that you know how to do this or talk to your contractor about seasonal maintenance.
Be sure mountings on solar energy panels are engineer certified for your area. For instance, if if you’re in an area that gets frequent cyclones, the mountings need to be cyclone rated. High-quality systems will be wind certified to ensure they don’t blow away in a huge wind storm. Mounting is an important part of the system and not all suppliers regard them that way. Stay alert when buying your system to make sure they have proper certifications.
If you are planning to convert your home to solar power, start with areas that are the most convenient to convert. You may wish to begin with small appliances to avoid a major disruptive transition with your daily routine. Gradually converting is going to help you with your commitment for the long term.
When you reach the point of your life where you’re a homeowner, going full blown solar makes sense. If you are still making payments on your home, your solar panels will represent an additional financial obligation, and you might end up losing both investments if you cannot make payments on your home anymore.
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.
Staying connected to the main power grid is an option once you switch to solar power. You can choose to be independent if you are ready to invest in a battery and a backup generator. Also, you will be done with paying power bills during the year.
Install your solar panels so their exposure to the sun is optimal. Solar rays produce your energy; therefore, its important to orient your panels for maximum sun exposure.
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.
Even if you are an expert at home repairs and updates, consider asking a professional to provide a consult and help with your solar power system installation. A professional can help you to determine how many panels you need, where they should be placed and how to get the most energy from them.
When installing your solar power system, take the time to do a whole house assessment of your energy needs. If you are interested in solar power, you are likely interested in finding green solutions that are economical and allow you to conserve power. By doing a whole house assessment, you can gauge where you can make simple changes that can reduce your power usage.
World-wide, solar power is being used today. Solar power is widening in acceptance lately, and you too can benefit. Not only does it help protect the Earth and her many species, it can also aid you in saving money. Take what you have learned here and go forward with a “greener” mindset!
