In spite of abundant supplies of energy in the United States, energy costs seem to continue rising. One way to offset the extra expense is to use solar energy in our homes as much as possible. There are some valuable tips in the following article that can help you take advantage of the sun's energy as much as possible.
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.
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if food grade led lights you can wear 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.
Remember - you get what you pay for! Yes, there are a lot of cheaper solar panels flooding into the market from abroad. But many of those panels might not last more than a few years, and solar energy is about a long term investment. It's better to get solar panels known for their quality that'll last for decades, rather than a cheap option that may only last a few years.
Do not be discouraged at the cost of starting solar energy. You may find it pricy to get the products you need for setting up a solar energy system. But, you will find a much cheaper electric bill every month, paying off the initial start up cost and then some.
After your solar panels are installed, be sure to check your inverter on a regular basis. Look to be sure that the indicator light is solid green. If it's off or blinking, you should call an expert. Unless you are an expert, you may be unable to diagnose the cause of the problem. Most panels come with a generous long-term warranty, which typically includes onsite maintenance.
You should attend renewable energy fairs or visit renewable energy demonstration centers located in your area. You will get a chance to meet with experts and learn more about solar energy and the different types of panels you can invest in. You will make a better decision if you are properly educated.
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.
Dry your clothes on a clothes line. It may be an old idea, but it still works! Rather than drying clothes in the dryer, hang them outside on nice days. This method will save you a lot of electricity, and therefore, money.
When researching for a good solar panel installer, don't forget the Internet. Yes you may start out in the phone book, but the Internet will give you a lot more information as well. You may find testimonials from other clients http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/solutions/fight-misinformation/global-warming-skeptic.html and ideas for contractors that you may not have realized are out there.
When you create your own solar power, you can actually make money off the process. It is possible for you to sell your extra power to an energy company in your area. If you think you would be interested in this, get in touch with your local power company and talk to them about how it would work.
If you have animals that require electric fencing to contain them, use solar powered fencing units to provide power for them. A great advantage to these systems is that they are completely mobile, and can be easily moved. If you are a horse owner who enjoys overnight horse-camping, the fencer can be easily taken along.
If you are a business owner, consider solar power for both the cost savings and the positive image it brings to your company. Many consumers are going green in today's society, and they like to do business with companies that are also going green. If you opt for a solar system for your office space, you can take advantage of the cost savings, help the planet, and also let your customers know you have made a green choice that benefits your community.
It is crucial to speak with other homeowners who have invested in solar panels before you consider purchasing your own green energy system. Ask about price, performances and what kind of issues they ran into. You could also get some references for vendors, contractors or repairmen. Once you have your own system, do not hesitate to help other homeowners who are interested.
Determine what the most cost effective ways to implement solar energy are. For instance, many systems can just provide portions of energy for keeping a heater system running. On the flip side, they can often totally replace a water heater. Knowing how it works and how much it can power can help you make the best decision.
If you're going to get solar energy system where you live, you have to keep the batteries stored close to your panels. If the batteries are placed far away, your energy can be misdirected, and the system is likely to produce less energy.
For families with four people, a solar energy system should produce approximately 5,000 kilowatts. This allows you to wash and dry five loads of laundry a week, run the dishwasher five times a day and power multiple televisions and lights. When deciding on the system, choose one larger than what you think you need. You can always sell the extra power produced to the electric company.
Remember to take any additional influences into consideration when calculating your estimated output from the solar system. There are some intended outputs specified on panels, but that is only accurate if they are placed in an area that is sunny all the time. Any trees around your home will also decrease the sunlight your panels actually receive.
While we're all made of stars, literally, we also can use the sun's power to run our devices. From solar phone chargers to solar arrays, this power can be harnessed to allow us to have the things we need without wasting the Earth's resources. What a wonderful technology solar energy is!
