If you have thought about implementing solar energy in your home or business in the past, then you have likely run into many questions. Continue reading this article to answer some of your questions and to find out how you can use solar energy to your benefit. You are going to be surprised at how many benefits there really are.
Are your energy bills getting a little out of control these days? If you are tired of paying costly energy bills then it is time to switch to solar energy. It might cost a little more upfront, but will ultimately end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
Position solar panels on the east or west side of your home or business. Since the sun travels from east to west throughout the day, placing solar panels on areas of your roof that face north or south is a waste. You’ll get much better energy returns by following the same path as the sun.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
Try to choose solar panels that can have their angles adjusted easily. The angle at which the sun hits the Earth changes throughout the year. This means that the best angle to catch the suns rays can be very different between summer and winter. Ideally you want to at least be able to adjust the angle of your panels twice a year, however if you can find some that allow adjustments four times a year (spring, summer, fall, winter) that is even better.
Solar panels reduce the amount of energy used to heat your home and water. While the use of solar panels does cut down your energy costs, they are expensive and it may take several years to recoup the cost in reduced energy costs. Check for government incentive programs to help pay for them.
Power sources that are run by fossil fuels are run by machines that require motors. Those motors require constant maintenance. With solar energy systems, there are limited parts required so they are extremely low maintenance. You will save money on fuel as well as maintaining the system over the years.
If you are thinking about using solar power, begin with the simplest areas. Start by investing in solar-powered appliances to make small changes to your lifestyle before investing in a full-scale system. Converting a little bit at a time can help you feel more confident about committing to solar energy for your home.
The cost of panels is high, so buy as few as possible. You should have an energy audit done on your home. This audit helps you identify where you can save energy by making a few changes. You won’t need that many panels installed if you do.
Change solar panel angles during the seasons, or four times per year. Remember that the available amount and direction of sunlight changes with the seasons. When you take care to adjust your panels accordingly, you can make the most of available sunlight.
Check for government financial incentives when you considering solar energy. While the cost of purchasing and installing panels can be high, there are certain government grant, loan and rebate programs that can help offset this cost. By understanding these programs, you can make a smart financial investment that allows you to take advantage of this green energy source.
Maximize the output of your solar panels by adjusting them seasonally. Adjusting your panels twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, will ensure that your panels are producing the maximum amount of energy by taking into account the earth’s changing position relative to the sun.
If you choose to buy solar panels, make sure you compare prices of the panels themselves, as well as the cost of installation. Be sure you understand what is included in each estimate. You don’t want to automatically choose the cheapest contractor, but you also don’t want to pay more than you need to.
The mounting system of your panels should be adapted to your area. If your home is often exposed to strong winds, earthquakes or even tornadoes, you need to find a mounting system that can withstand these extreme conditions. Contact your local government to find out more regarding regulations on solar panel mounts.
Talk to any friends or neighbors who have taken the plunge into solar energy. Ask them about what works well, what can potentially go wrong, and who they worked with that seemed top of their game. It’s this type of insider information that’ll help you make the right decisions moving forward.
The normal price range for solar energy systems is between four and six thousand dollars. Consider how quickly you’ll get your money back by saving money on your bills and keep generating profit for years to come. You do not have to install all of your solar panels at one time.
For better savings on your utility bill, keep your solar panels clean. Solar panels are practically silent and since you don’t touch them, you can easily forget them. The cleaner their glass panels are, the more clear surface area the sun has to “work with.” There’s no set amount of time that you should clean them. If you live in an area with lots of wind, dust or construction, they may need cleaned frequently. Some ares may require weekly cleanings.
After having read this article, you should feel like you have what it takes to start writing out a plan for solar energy in your home or business. Knowing the many benefits makes it definitely worthwhile. Remember everything you’ve learned so that you can fully take advantage of all opportunities.
