It is important that you fully understand solar energy before you make a decision on whether or not it is right for your home or business. It is new, and there is much unexplored territory, but this article is here to help you make your move. Keep reading to find out more about how you can take advantage of solar energy.
When it comes to solar energy, the sky is truly the limit, so learn about your options before you buy. How much space are you allowed, by local law, to fill with solar equipment? Can you sell excess energy back to the grid? What sort of regulations are in place?
If your roof cannot to support the weight of photo-voltaic solar panels, you can save a lot of money by investing in thin film solar panels. These panels are very light and flexible, which makes the installation much easier and affordable. Their higher price is also justified by their efficiency.
If you don’t want to or can’t go for full solar power, at least consider a solar water heating system. Many regional and community governments offer financial incentives, rebates and tax credits for even doing this, just like they do for full solar installations. Check with your local government before doing anything to know the perks.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
Search for grants and rebates to help pay for solar panel installation. The installation costs of solar power are overwhelming. Look into grants and rebates from the state and federal governments that are incentives for using renewable energy. This will help cut your expenses significantly. You might be able to get extra deductions on your taxes.
If you have the space and the resources, the absolutely best system for generating solar electricity is a sun tracking panel system. These systems will follow the sun as it moves during the day. The cost is relatively steep compared to a fixed option, but the benefits more than outweigh the costs.
There is really no reason to even consider getting a solar energy system if you live in an area that rarely sees the sun. This does not mean that a less than reputable company will not try to sell you a solar system though. If your roof does not receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day, you should not consider solar power.
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.
Be sure to account for maintenance and upkeep costs when figuring out the costs of a solar energy system. While solar energy has the potential for a lot of savings, it greatly depends on your location. Solar power is not right for every situation, and even has the possibility of costing you more money in the long run.
Consider selling extra energy back to your local utilities. If you live in an area of abundant sunshine, you may be able to not only save money on your power, but earn a little extra too. Many power companies allow solar energy users to sell extra power back to them, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
Minimize the upfront costs of solar panels by considering a lease instead of a purchase. This spreads the payments over a long-term period into monthly installments, so you could actually start saving money immediately. Still, consider how long you will be in that building, as the long-term periods usually run a decade.
Are you building a home or moving to a remote location? If so, then you might want to seriously consider using solar energy to power your place. Getting the local energy company to come out to you might be expensive or impossible, so using renewable solar energy is a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you need.
Find out about incentives that may be available to you if you get solar panels. The federal governments offers some tax relief to people who use solar energy. Some local governments do as well. Finding out what credits you are eligible for may help you make your final decision on whether you want the panels.
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.
Now that you have learned more about solar energy and what it can do for you, it’s important that you start devising a plan. You want to benefit from great ideas behind solar energy, and you need to remember the advice you’ve read here as you do just that. You are going to be amazed!
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