Solar energy has increased in popularity over the years. Going green is something most people want to do and everyone would like to save money. This article will show you some of the many benefits of switching to solar power.
Seek out grants and rebates to help you afford solar panel installation. It can be expensive to install your solar panels; however, help may be available. Look into state and federal grant opportunities intended to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. They can significantly reduce the costs. If you qualify for a tax rebate, you will receive a tax return to cover a part of your expenses.
Try getting recommendations for solar energy home equipment. If you have loved ones or colleagues that have solar energy at home, ask them to provide details of their experience or any issues they’ve been through with their system. It’s important to consider other opinions on what you should or should not do.
One of the greatest benefits of solar energy is the fact that it will never run out. Short of the sun burning out, it will always be there to provide us power. Using solar energy is unlike any other energy source because it is a consistent power source and will be there until the end of days.
Don’t cheap out on the installation! Yes, you’ve spent a lot of hard earned cash on these solar panels, but that’s the point entirely. You’ve made a huge investment, and you’ll want these panels to be secured perfectly. If you opt for someone with less experience or a spotty track record to save a bit of cash, then you’ll likely have lots of issues in the future.
Learn how much energy your household uses. Before going out and switching to solar power, you need to know how much energy you need to produce for your home. The amount of power you need will determine the size and number of solar panels you require. You should go over a year’s worth of utility bills to see how energy use changes.
If you are building a vacation, rental or retirement home in a rural area, solar power can make a lot of sense. It can spare you the cost of a power line being routed to your home. At the very least it can give you some power in the case of local grid outages, as rural areas have power restored far more slowly than what you might be used to in a city.
If you are unable to afford a complete solar-powered system, solar water heaters are a more affordable option. A water heater can represent upwards of thirty-five percent of a single home’s energy use. It will cost you less to install a solar heater for water than to install a whole-house solar energy system.
Don’t waste your time lining the solar panels beneath an array of florescent lights–though it may sound tempting. Solar cells are not designed to generate a voltage from fluorescent light sources and this is a waste of energy of time. Any spot in the yard would be a better location for the panels.
Solar panels don’t just help the lights turn on. For example, did you know that they can generate heat for your home and water? Therefore, using solar panels can significantly decrease your monthly utility bills. the amount you pay on your electricity.
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 could benefit you, even if you live in a region that sees a lot of clouds year-round. Many people are under the misconception that solar energy is only useful in areas that see a lot of sun. The current technology actually can use the energy that penetrates the clouds to power your 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.
People often worry about space for solar panels or the panels becoming eye sores. However, most solar heating systems only require two to four meters of roof space and solar electric panels not much more. On top of this, panels can be designed to match your roof and blend in much better.
Use winter sunshine hours instead of summer hours whenever you are calculating how many solar panels you will need. This is because winter sunshine hours only add up to about half that of summer. It is better to overestimate how many panels you will need rather than underestimate. If you underestimate, you will end up losing power when you need it.
Do you have some outside lights for your home? You should consider using solar panels to power them. An outside light system can easily be powered by one or two solar panel and you will see a difference on your energy bills right away. Make sure you use energy-efficient light-bulbs for your outside light and you will save even more.
Hopefully after this article, you feel much more knowledgeable about what solar energy is and how it can benefit you and the environment. You can save money and save the Earth at the same time. Use the tips and advice to save the planet and some money.
Davie FL
