It probably wouldn't surprise you to learn that solar energy is among the fastest growing forms of alternative energy out there. You've probably seen solar panels installed in many homes in your area. If you are considering turning to solar power for your energy, this article is for you. Read on and learn everything you need to know about residential solar energy.
You should assess how much energy you need for your household before investing in a solar energy system. You will get the most out of your solar energy system if it is powerful enough to cover all your energy needs and allows you to sell a small quantity of power to the main grid.
You might be wondering how you can use solar energy, without having to spend a fortune. Solar energy systems can be expensive, but they can also be very affordable. Try using solar powered lights on your walkway or around your yard. You can also add solar panels slowly to your home overtime to bring down some of the costs little by little.
Get quotes from several contractors before signing any solar energy installation company. Just as with any other construction product, it pays to shop around before you commit to a particular company. Check out their reviews online and their standing with the Better Business Bureau. A little research ahead of time can save you a big headache later.
To help keep your solar energy panels running efficiently, keep a record of your solar panels performance. On this record, note when the days are overcast and how much energy your panels produced. This will help you plan your energy consumption better. For example, if the forecast is cloudy, then you should wait to do household chores that use a lot of energy.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if a sun tracker is a good fit for your system. Sun trackers use very little energy and will maximize the amount of power your system can produce. If you have the space and resources, a sun tracking system can help you maximize your energy production.
To get the best performance out of your solar panels during the summer, you'll want to adjust them to be as flat as possible. Even so, the heat during the summer months will cause a performance reduction in most solar panels. Budget for this drop in electricity generation when developing your solar energy plan.
Take the time to compare different types of solar panels before you invest in a green energy system. There are different technologies and brands to compare and it is true that the most expensive panels are often the most efficient ones. Talk with vendors and professionals to learn more about solar panels.
Look into solar powered appliances. There are a number of products that are available that are powered by solar energy. One of the most popular is the solar powered water heaters. Just having one appliance run by solar energy can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.
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 http://www.motherearthnews.com/ 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.
There are other sites where solar panels can be installed besides the roof. Land space can be used as an optional garage led lighting place for panels. Using adjustable mounts or sun tracking systems can ensure that your solar panels gain much more exposure than if they were fixed in one location on the roof. You must consider the loss of yard space, though.
Get your set-up checked twice yearly. This evaluation entails verifying that all connections are fully functional, your panels are correctly angled, and that the power inverter still functions.
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.
Solar water heating is a great way to use the sun's power to heat up your swimming pool. It can also be used to heat the water for your home. That said, the energy savings is typically only 30% over traditional water heating devices, so keep that in mind as you create a budget.
Before buying panels from a company, research their financial background. Ensure that the business you choose is reputable and doing well. This will ensure your warranty stays valid as well as give you a resource if you need replacement parts.
Many solar systems require little or no maintenance to operate smoothly throughout the year, but you should have them service occasionally. Dirt, leaves and dust can accumulate and reduce the amount of power that your system can produce. Have a licensed installer come out regularly to preform maintenance on your system.
Think about having your solar panels connected to the power grid. This allows you to sell off your extra energy produced. In this way, you can offset your own start-up costs and the system will soon pay for itself.
Those of you who want to use solar power but are off-put by the cost of purchasing such expensive equipment may want to consider leasing. These years, solar companies will lease you their solar equipment for a number of years. Just be careful and many of these leases run for around 10 years.
Solar panels are very durable. In fact, their lifespan is generally estimated at a little more than 30 years. They are specifically designed to be placed on a roof, so they are well-made and can handle things like rain and snow. Because they last so long, you should feel confident that you will make a profit off of them eventually.
Hopefully after reading this article, your doubts about solar energy are gone. The technology behind solar energy is so advanced that it can power your home and so much more. Rather than feeling doubtful, you can feel hopeful about solar energy. Remember this article and prepare to let solar energy work for you.
