It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that solar energy is among the fastest growing forms of alternative energy out there. You’ve probably seen solar panels installed in many homes in your area. If you are considering turning to solar power for your energy, this article is for you. Read on and learn everything you need to know about residential solar energy.
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.
Solar energy harnesses the energy from the sun to power everything from little garden lights to huge corporations. Unlike coal and oil, the sun is a renewable energy, meaning it will never run out like other energy sources. Making the switch to solar power is a wise investment for your future.
Consider your home’s outside design when thinking about solar energy. Having solar-powered pathway lights installed outside is an easy way to use solar energy at home. If you’re building a home, positioning it so that it can take advantage of the sun’s rays is also beneficial. Well-oriented homes filter in winter sun rays in the south-facing windows and that can reduce heating bills.
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.
Once you buy a system, one of the first things you will notice is how quiet your solar cells are. As they draw in energy from the sun, they make absolutely no noise. This is something that most owners appreciate, as all other renewable energy sources make some noise as they operate. Particularly if you have a stressful job or a stressful life, the last thing you need is a noisy system interrupting your few moments of peace.
Look into the warranties of the solar panels you are considering. A quality solar panel should have a warranty for twenty years or more. If you don’t get that with the panels you are considering, then move in a different direction. It may cost a little more, but it’ll be worth it for the peace of mind.
You need to find an efficient way to finance your solar panels. Most homeowners borrow some money from their financial institution so they can cover the initial costs and then pay this money back in small monthly payments. You can even set the monthly payments so they correspond to your usual energy bills in order to keep a balanced budget.
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.
Solar water heaters have been around for hundreds of years. For over 50 years people have been using them to heat everything inside and outside the home. Over the years, these solar water heating systems have become much more efficient. If you are located in sunny areas of the country, you should look into buying a solar water system.
We rely heavily in the United States on foreign energy sources, especially oil. This is money that is going to another country. By making the switch to solar energy you are helping to reduce the US’s dependence on foreign energy, and helping to keep the earths natural resources from becoming ultimately depleted.
Smaller panels are often a more sensible choice than larger ones. Other factors like wattage and materials make a difference. You should carefully go over everything before making a decision.
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.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless and deadly as well. This silent killer takes the lives of too many unsuspecting families. Help avoid this tragedy altogether by changing your current system over to safer and renewable solar energy. It will help to save you money, and give you peace of mind at the same time.
Take into consideration the purpose and location of the solar panel, particularly where the power is utilized and the voltages that it will require. Most panels work with 12VDC outputs, but there are other alternatives available for certain needs. Check the voltage ratings on the panels and find a size that fits.
With any luck, the article you have just read has given you some valuable information about how solar energy works. Use this information to help you make the decision of whether or not solar energy is right for you. At the end of the day, solar energy can both help save the environment and reduce your energy costs.
Chester PA
