Solar energy decreases the cost of energy, whatever size the property is. Studies have shown that the cost of energy doubles every decade. That’s why it’s smart to see what solar energy can do for you as a home or business owner. Continue reading to find out more about how you can use solar energy for your benefit.
You don’t have to go big to enjoy solar power. You can try solar energy without making a major commitment by installing solar landscaping lights. You should not have any problem finding these lights at a store near you. The installation of the lights is not complicated, and most are ready to go from the box right into the ground.
If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.
Be careful when positioning solar panels on your home. These panels need direct sunlight, at least during the main portion of the day. If there are a lot of trees that shade the panel, you’ll reduce your overall output by a lot. Plan ahead and look at all of your placement options.
Keep shade issues in mind when installing solar panels. A panel that loses a quarter of its light can lose half its power production. The main thing to keep in mind is tree foliage. Are any trees going to grow in between the panels and sunlight? Consider trimming them back a little.
You should know the difference between off-grid solar energy and on-grid solar energy in order to figure out which is best for you. On-grid energy requires the use of the state’s electricity grid. On the other hand, off-grid energy means the home or business uses its own solar-hybrid or solar source.
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.
If you are considering a specific type of panel, learn when the technology it uses was designed. The recent solar panels are best, but many companies will try to sell older models. It’s cheap, but you won’t get much out of it.
You should not consider investing in green energies unless you are ready to spend at least fifteen years in your home. Paying off your solar energy system will take you years and the return on your investment will depend on how long you stay in the same home and keep using the solar energy system.
Be mindful about opening your curtains. If you want the room to stay cool in the summer, leave your curtains drawn on warm days. If you want it to warm up in that space, open the curtains and let the sun flood in. This can be an easy way to help control temperature without touching a thermostat.
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.
When you are serious about your move to solar energy and begin using panels that sink more than 6 watts, invest in a solar controller. These small controls help maximize the efficiency of the charge cycle and prevent any wasted overcharging from occurring. When there is a lot of energy at stake, these are a must have for your solar-home.
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.
Having children inside your home can help you understand the cost of energy. Kids use many electronic devices, like their mobile phones, computers, and televisions, and it can be quite a challenge to get them to remember to save energy. For this reason, switching to solar is a very family friendly option because it reduces your electricity bill tremendously.
If you want to take advantage of government rebates, be sure to purchase the correct solar panels. Most rebate and incentive programs for solar energy have requirements for specific solar panel certifications. These certifications ensure the panels have been tested and proven to work efficiently. Make sure your panels meet the guidelines before you commit to a purchase.
Never use an abrasive material to clean your solar panels. Doing so could cause them to become scratched and less useful than they were when they were installed. Your best bet is to have a gentle cleanser and cloth on hand to clean your panels so that you know that you have what you need when the time comes.
Life can improve and the planet can be saved by those who use solar energy. With any luck, this article has given you the information you needed to go green. You won’t find everything you need to know in this article, but is should serve as a great starting point.
Akron OH
