The potential benefits and cost savings of solar energy have caused countless individuals over the past several years to seek additional knowledge of the subject. The key to understanding solar energy is to learn as much as possible on the topic. By reviewing the information that follows, you will be off to a terrific start.
You should understand that there are two different kinds of photo-voltaic panels. Less expensive panels are usually poly-crystalline, but they are not as effective as the more expensive mono-crystalline panels. Invest in the best system you can afford.
Heating water with a solar-powered heater can help save the environment. You could invest in a solar-powered water tank or in a tankless system. Pick a sunny spot on your roof, and install a solar water heater tank.
You ought to have a backup resource should your solar panel system fail to work properly. You can use a generator or stay on the power grid and use this when your solar panels are down. If you choose to get a generator, keep a few on hand and test them on a routine basis.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if a sun tracker is a good fit for your system. Sun trackers use very little energy and will maximize the amount of power your system can produce. If you have the space and resources, a sun tracking system can help you maximize your energy production.
Purchase batteries to store excess solar energy. These batteries are similar to rechargeable batteries; however, they use the sun’s energy to power up the batteries. This energy can be used in the evenings and at night to help power your appliances, televisions and lighting requirements. These batteries are relatively inexpensive making them a great choice for the beginner.
Solar powered automobiles would surely be great for the environment; however, we aren’t quite there yet. But, there are other devices that work well on solar energy. Solar powered generators can be purchased, and are a great source of energy in emergencies.
You should attend renewable energy fairs or visit renewable energy demonstration centers located in your area. You will get a chance to meet with experts and learn more about solar energy and the different types of panels you can invest in. You will make a better decision if you are properly educated.
Once your solar panels are installed, you need to keep track of how much power you are producing and using on a daily basis. Invest in a quality monitoring system and look at the data as often as possible. If you notice your panels are not producing as much energy as usual, it might be time to clean them.
Always use non abrasive cleansers on your solar panels. An abrasive cleaner can scratch the surface of the panel and cause permanent damage and affect how well the solar panel works. There are commercial cleaning solutions to use or you can use a pool skimmer with a very soft cloth on it.
When you are building your own solar panel systems, expect to build multiple arrays for the highest-efficiency. A solar panel can only generate a certain amount of energy–usually a fairly low number–which means that you need more than one panel. Multiple panels in the right spots is a recipe for success.
Don’t assume that you have to live in the desert to use solar panels on your roof. If your roof expanse gets a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight on an average day, there is likely a solar panel installation that can generate electricity for your home or building.
Do you have a pool? You could save a lot by investing in solar panels. There are small solar energy systems designed to power a water heater or a water pump and since you only use your pool during the warmer months, your panels will work perfectly when you need them.
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.
Do regular checks to verify that your solar panels are still in great condition. Although solar panels require very little maintenance for the most part, you should still check on them regularly so that you can ensure their performance remains optimal. Don’t find out the worst when it’s too late!
Solar energy has been touted as a great way to generate tremendous cost savings in an environmentally friendly manner. The fact remains, though, that many people still do not have a tremendous understanding of what it truly entails. Hopefully, having read the piece above, you have gained the necessary insights to move forward in the world of solar energy with confidence.
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