It seems like everywhere you go there are people touting the benefits of going green. While this may seem like something that will drastically change your life, it will definitely change things for the better. Make sure to read this article before you attempt to insert solar energy into your life.
Do your research before you buy or install anything. It is important that you know what you’re allowed to have in place, what is the best choice for efficiency and what sort of a budget you’re working with. Once you have those answers in hand, you’ll be able to go forward with your project.
When it comes to solar energy, you must keep the solar panels clean for best results. Dirty solar panels do not allow the solar panels to absorb the maximum amount of energy. Therefore, to ensure your solar panels are running at peak performance, keep a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.
For the best results, place your solar panels in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
In an effort to encourage citizens to use greener forms of energy, many governments agencies are offering rebates and tax credits for choosing solar energy. You might get as much as 30% of the installation cost back! Just look online to find more information on the subject, or you could contact the local representative.
Find a reputable company. With the rapidly rising popularity of solar energy, new companies are springing up left and right to take advantage. A solar energy installation is a big purchase that should last you many years. When shopping for your system, look for a company that you can be confident will still be around ten or even twenty years from now.
Photovoltaic panels and solar water heating are two ways you can use solar power to save on your heating costs. For photovoltaic panels to effective, you will need a minimum of 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Soar power is one of the best ways to keep a pool heated while saving money.
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.
Check for government certification on any solar panel you are considering buying. Consider this tip a must. The government’s seal of approval lets you know that these panels are deemed quality and efficient. Plus, some of the financial benefits of using solar panels (tax credits, etc.) rely on using certified panels.
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.
If you don’t want to make the commitment to a fully solar powered energy system, consider investing in solar water heating. Water heaters can consume up to 35% of your total energy consumption. With the upfront costs of solar water heaters being less than a full power system, more people are able to install these rather than full systems.
Figure out how geography factors into the cost benefit analysis of solar panels. Two things have to be taken into account. First, your global latitude and distance from the equator determine your sunlight amounts and angle. Secondly, your local and national government come into play too, given any rebates or incentives they might offer. Both of these need to be factored numerically in determining if solar panels are going to even make or save money for you.
Carefully consider the types of solar panels you plan on having installed. Long ago, if you didn’t have enough roof space, you’d need very expensive high efficiency mono-crystalline panels. There are now more advanced polycrystalline panels and even thin film panels. If you’ve got enough roof space, you might wish to look at the size of the panels in relation to their output capacity to avoid having insufficient panels that you need more of later.
Going green is not a fad, it is a lifestyle change that many people have made. You should think about doing the same since it will help cut down on the use of other energy sources. The information provided above should be more than enough to help you get started.
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