The Earth has a lot to offer us, but we have to take advantage of it. One such thing our planet can give us is solar energy. The sun creates energy that we can use for many different things. Continue reading to learn more about this wonderful energy option.
If you are thinking about using solar power in your home, you must consider how much direct sunlight your home is actually exposed to. In order for solar energy to be worth it, your roof should have full sun exposure a minimum of 6 hours every day. You should also be wary of any areas of your roof covered by shade.
Your solar energy system needs to be exposed to the sun at all times. Most homeowners have their solar panels installed on their roof but you could also have some panels installed on your front lawn. Do not hesitate to cut a few trees to avoid shadows and have a professional help you determine the best place for your panels.
Your solar energy system will be more efficient if it allows you to use power at anytime of the day or night. New technology allows solar panels to get energy from the sun and use it anytime. This is useful for nighttime power.
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.
Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
You should find solar panel vendors located in your area and have them inspect your property to determine what kind of panels would be best for you and how many panels will be needed. There are many vendors on the Internet but working with a professional located in another state means they might not be familiar with weather conditions.
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.
Make sure to have your solar panels professionally installed. The installation of these panels needs to be very precise, and you do not want to mess it up. Having a professional installation also provides you with a warranty, and this gives you somewhere to turn if things are not working right.
When you’re planning on installing a solar energy system, you should shop around and get a few quotes. You’ll be able to see how much prices vary between providers. While you shouldn’t be completely swayed by price, it’s crucial that you don’t just go for the cheapest since cheaper components can cost you a lot more later.
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.
Check the weather before buying solar panels. Solar panels that are of high quality are going to create enough energy that can run your home if the panels are in the sun for about five hours a day. However, if your area experiences a lot of cloudy days or large amounts of snowfall, you may need to explore other green energy sources.
You don’t necessarily have to stick the solar panels in the typical locations you see in the brochures. There only needs to be a small gap of approximately 1″ behind the panel for air circulation. You can find interesting positions anywhere on your property that work with the style and design of the surrounding area.
Are you building a home or moving to a remote location? If so, then you might want to seriously consider using solar energy to power your place. Getting the local energy company to come out to you might be expensive or impossible, so using renewable solar energy is a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you need.
Taking advantage of the sun’s energy is not only helpful to us, but also helpful to the environment. Use what you learned here to help you make an informed choice. The energy from the sun can give you energy for the different things you need, just learn more about it.
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