Can Solar Energy Be An Option For You? Check Out These Helpful Ideas!
It can be confusing to completely understand solar energy. All that's needed is the proper information to make the most of all the opportunities that are available. Keep reading to find out more about how solar energy can benefit your home or business.
How much power you generate is based on how many panels you have and how well those panels work. You should figure out exactly how many panels you need. You might be able to get away with having fewer panels if they are of higher quality.
A reliable energy storage system is needed to store your solar energy. Buy a good quality battery which can store a large amount of power over a long period or contemplate selling the produced energy to the principal power grid in order to keep getting power from it.
Do your own research and find out if there are any rebates available for adding a solar system to your home. There are many local, state and federal programs that offer rebates for installing solar power in your home. Also check to see if you are eligible for tax incentives as well.
One of the biggest and best advantages of solar energy is that it does not release any harmful substances in the environment. Fossil fuels, which are used for regular energy, give off harmful substances, like carbon dioxide. In the end, these gasses can ruin the environment and harm animals and plants.
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.
Keeping your solar panels clean is essential to getting the most out of them. Dirty panels will not absorb the solar rays as well as clean panels will. It seems to be common sense to keep them clean, but many people assume that the rain will clean them. But they still need a thorough cleaning to keep them in optimum condition.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
Outdoor lighting fixtures can be completely powered by solar energy. Search for outdoor fixtures that collect energy from the sun during the day and release it after dark. While these fixtures do not require a lot of energy, these systems are very convenient because there are no electrical wires to run or short out.
Experiment with various angles and placements, monitoring the power stored on a daily basis and making changes as necessary. Any angle might be acceptable, but there are times when a small tweak in the position can have a noticeable impact. Try different options and stick with the spot that works best.
You should never set foot on your panels. They're pricey and they need to work like they're supposed to. If you cannot avoid walking on them, avoid the more fragile ends and step in the middle.
Once you have solar energy panels installed on your home, make sure that you keep them clean. Many people do not realize a cleaner panel will attract more of the sun's energy. Depending on the area you live in, you should wash your panels every two to four weeks or so.
Solar power heating, whether for heating water or for a direct heat source, is different from solar power electric. By installing one of these systems, you can reduce your gas bill by up to 50 percent. This is on top of the savings you have on your electric bill already.
Find out what kind of warranty comes with any system you are considering. A solar energy system should last you for at least twenty years, so be sure the company you are dealing with can support it. If there is no warranty, or an extremely limited one, it may be time to keep looking, no matter how great the savings are.
Solar power is a good thing to consider if you use a lot of power and your roof gets a minimum of five hours direct daily sunlight. Although you will have to make an initial investment in the solar panels, the money you spend will be completely worth it.
You can now feel better about the knowledge you've gained about solar energy. The greater your knowledge base, the more confidence you will have in your solar energy system. You are now aware of what you need to do to get started.