There can be little debate that solar energy is a topic of intense interest to many. However, not enough people seem to have a thorough understanding of all of the ways in which solar energy can improve their daily lives. Continue reading to get a better grasp of the true potential solar energy offers.
Solar energy through the use of solar panels can last up to 30 years. It is a long-lived use of energy and requires very little maintenance on your part. Since there are no movable parts, solar-energy panels don't break or need repair. This can provide years of electricity bill savings.
One of the major benefits of solar energy is that it is renewable. The sun (generally) shines each and every day, and there is no reason to worry that drawing power from the sun will somehow render it unusable in the future. Using solar energy, therefore, is a safe and reliable way to power the Earth.
The efficiency of your solar energy system is determined by the thickness of the panels you choose. Panels with a higher density are usually more expensive but their cost is justified since you will be able to produce a lot more power with these more performing products. Check to decide the one that fits your home and your needs before your purchase.
If you often travel with your electronic, you should consider investing in solar-powered chargers. These chargers include a small solar panels that can generate enough power to charge your cell phone or another electronic device such as a laptop. There are even cases including a small solar charger designed for tablets.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you've got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you've got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
There are many companies who claim to be specialists in solar conversion. However, it is up to you to confirm that they have the proper qualifications and credentials. Check with the Better Business Bureau for their current business standing. Do an online search for any reviews. If you turn up any negative information, look for another service.
If you cannot afford a full-scale solar energy system, consider investing in a smaller http://www.prettygreen.com/ one. Some vendors offer small systems designed to power a water heater or a generator. This small investment should help you save money within the next few years and you can easily expand your solar energy system by powering more appliances with solar panels.
If you are located in the Northern hemisphere, your solar panels should be facing south. People who live in the Southern hemisphere should install their panels facing north. Putting them in any other way will defeat the entire purpose since the panels will not have a chance to collect a large amount of energy from the sun.
When were the panels you're interested in designed? You want to find panels that were designed within the last year or two. Older versions come at lower price points, but newer ones deliver better long-term results.
If you are planning on meeting with a consultant to install a solar panel system, you need to make sure you are prepared. Have a list of all electrical appliances along with their wattage and the number of hours you use them on hand. Any good consultant will need to know this information before a solar panel can be installed.
When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.
Contact different vendors and ask for quotes before you invest in a solar energy system. If possible, get quotes for different types of panels or mounts and compare the efficiency of each system to figure out which one corresponds to your needs and budget. Stay away from vendors who offer extremely low quotes or do not give you details on how they calculate the quote.
The amount of energy your solar panel will produce is rated by watts. For example, if your solar panel is rated 100 watts, then on a clear day, your solar panel will produce 100 watts per hour. To find out how much electricity you need to produce, look at your electric bill and divide the total by 30 days and then divide it by 3 as there is generally bright sunlight one third http://www.clunet.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-grants/outside-scholarships.html/ of the day.
Do not install a solar system in your home without first doing an energy audit. An energy audit will assess your energy needs and will help you utilize savings before installing a solar system. The last thing you want to do is install a solar system to pay for energy you are wasting.
One of the most efficient methods of gathering sunlight for your solar panels is to invest in a sun tracker. These trackers following the movement of the sun so as to maximize the exposure of your solar panels. While they may cost more initially, they will output the most electricity possible.
Do not use any harsh chemicals when cleaning the solar system of your home. You should make sure that it stays clean, but be careful about the products you use. The best thing to do would be to combine warm water and a mild dish soap and use that to clean it.
If you are thinking about installing solar panels in your home, it is very important that you purchase them from a reputable company. With solar power becoming so popular, there are a number of new businesses popping up all the time. Be sure and deal with a company that you can trust.
With any luck, the article you have just read has given you some valuable information about how solar energy works. Use this information to help you make the decision of whether or not solar energy is right for you. At the end of the day, solar energy can both help save the environment and reduce your energy costs.
