If you want to take advantage of solar energy, then you might have thought of many questions. How do you get started? What are some helpful tips you should know? By the end of this article, you should have a good outlook on solar energy and how it can benefit your home or business.
If your roof cannot to support the weight of photo-voltaic solar panels, you can savae a lot of money by investing in thin film solar panels. These panels are very light and flexible, which makes the installation much easier and affordable. Their higher price is also justified by their efficiency.
Before purchasing solar panels, check the track record of the company that is selling them. Many panels come with lengthy warranty periods of up to twenty five years, but this warranty is only good if the company is still in business. Make sure to ask how long the company has been in operation and check ratings with organizations like the BBB before making your purchase.
Not every solar panel is created equally. Always buy from a reputable dealer that has been in business for a number of years. The solar energy marketplace is littered with businesses that do not succeed. Make sure the company you buy from will be around if you need help or have problems with your system.
Be prepared to keep your solar panels clean. The dirtier they get, the less efficient they are at generating power. While it is true that rain and wind can often take care of a lot of this for you, you do need to get up there sometimes and dust them off yourself.
Although the initial cost of solar panels can be quite expensive, you need to think in terms of future savings. Once your initial investment is paid off, you will never have to be dependent on another energy company again. This is because you will get all the energy you need from the sun.
Think about the money that you send to your power companies each month. How would you like to keep that money in your pocket? Changing to solar power will do that for you. After you pay off the initial investment, the money you used to pay to the power company will stay in your wallet.
If the environment is a concern to you, consider converting to solar energy. The sun is a renewable resource, so you are not deteriorating the environment. Do your part to use less fossil fuels by using solar energy instead.
When you look at it over time, solar power is less expensive than buying energy from a local company. Although you do have to put up a bit of money initially, a solar power system starts paying for itself right away. Once you get back your initial investment, you are simply making a profit. This is much different than getting a bill in the mail every month.
Consider installing more solar panels than your home will ever need. If you do this you will be doing two good things. First, you will earn money on any energy created that your home does not use. Second, you will be reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to power the homes of your neighbors.
The best time to incorporate solar power into the design of a home or building is in the initial construction. Windows are best facing south to let maximum sunlight (hence greenhouse heat) in during the winter. Likewise, avoid windows facing directly into the summertime sun to keep things cooler, so less power is needed for fans or air conditioning. The maximum roof space, however, should always get sunlight exposure.
Don’t assume that just because a company sells and installs solar panels means they are good and trustworthy people. Shop around. Get a minimum of three quotes. Read all contracts. Check backgrounds of potential contractors. Deal with this like any other home-improvement project that you would otherwise do.
Do you feel better now after having read this article? Solar energy, while still fairly new, is making great strides when climbing up the energy ladder. It is set to take over, and it is a renewable energy source that can help you realize great savings in the long run.
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