Are you aware of the details regarding solar energy? Would you use it for your business or home? If that’s the case, you must learn all you can and have a good plan for going forward. Keep reading to take advantage of solar energy.
Contact your local government to ask them about rules in place where you live. No solar technology should be in use without permission from the powers that be. You may find yourself fined and having to take down all that you worked so hard to put in place if you don’t inquire first.
Your home or business should receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per aver if you get less than this solar energy can still be a viable option. If you are in an area where energy bills are sky high, solar might still save you money even if you don’t have the optimal sun exposure.
If you are comparing prices on a solar energy unit, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some companies might offer bargain priced systems, but these systems might not hold up, be backed by a credible warranty or function in a way that really saves you money. Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to spend a little more now so that you save a lot more in the long run.
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.
Before you invest in a solar energy system, find other homeowners in your areas who use solar panels. Ask them how much energy they are able to generate thanks to their system and find out how much the installation cost them. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
If you are thinking about having a solar system installed, make sure that your home or business is suited for it. Sometimes the layout of the roof will not accommodate the proper angle for maximum energy production. Talk to more than one company to ensure the contractor is being honest about your solar situation.
After your solar panels are installed, be sure to check your inverter on a regular basis. Look for a green light to make sure that things are working well. If it is blinking, or off altogether, you need to call in an expert. Don’t think you can diagnose the issue by yourself! Most owners can’t. Most solar panels come with a good warranty, so a visit from the technician may not cost you anything.
Many governments offer tax savings for consumers who install green energy products. These tax savings can help offset the installation cost of a new solar energy system. Additionally, many state’s also allow you to deduct some or most of the costs of the installation on your state’s tax return allowing double savings.
Many companies are now allowing consumers to lease solar energy products. This is perfect if you are unsure if you are a good candidate for solar energy or if you do not have the financial means to purchase a solar energy system. Ask your local electric company for suggestions of companies who lease solar energy products.
Think about heating your hot tub or pool water with solar energy. These devices are some of the most energy consuming things that people have in their homes these days. If you use solar energy instead of standard energy to power these you could greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the end.
It is best to install your panels at an angle that will maximize their exposure to the sun’s rays. Check on them often to make sure there is no foliage blocking them from the sun.
Experiment with various angles and placements, monitoring the power stored on a daily basis and making changes as necessary. Any angle might be acceptable, but there are times when a small tweak in the position can have a noticeable impact. Try different options and stick with the spot that works best.
Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your town’s federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.
Seek out great ways to utilize solar energy at home. For instance, many systems can just provide portions of energy for keeping a heater system running. That said, they could power your water heater. Knowing these differences can help you to make the best choice for your home.
If you are interested in joining the green movement and helping the Earth, harnessing power from the sun is the way to go. It’s natural, it’s clean and it’s renewable, which means that you can’t use it all up. Therefore, not only can solar power help you save money on your electricity bill, it is also good for the environment.
Do your best to reduce your energy consumption before investing in solar energy. Your solar energy system will be more affordable if you can live with a reasonable quantity of energy. Start by improving your insulation, make an effort to turn off appliances and replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with the necessary information that you need to help you get started with implementing solar energy in your home or business. The benefits of this renewable energy are numerous. Use the information you’ve just read and make the switch to solar today, you won’t regret it.
Pittsburgh PA
