If you have been thinking about how to reduce your home or business’s energy usage, then you have likely thought about solar energy. Solar energy can lower your utility costs and is a smarter choice for the environment. This article can educate you about the basics of solar power and what it can offer you.To maximize the effectiveness of your solar panels, opt for installations that are independent of the sun’s movement. Several newer panels can store sun’s energy when it’s up, but will allow you to use it any time during the day. If you most of your energy usage occurs at night, this is ideal.
Position solar panels on the east or west side of your home or business. Since the sun travels from east to west throughout the day, placing solar panels on areas of your roof that face north or south is a waste. You’ll get much better energy returns by following the same path as the sun.
When it comes to solar energy, you must keep the solar panels clean for best results. Dirty solar panels do not allow the solar panels to absorb the maximum amount of energy. Therefore, to ensure your solar panels are running at peak performance, keep a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.
Your home or business should receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per day to get the most from solar energy. Obviously more sun is better when it comes to solar panels, however 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.
Solar energy systems allow you to cut your ties to the outside world. You can go completely off grid with one of these systems. You will not have to pay monthly fees or wonder who is watching your power use. You can increase your level of privacy while saving the environment and your money.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you’ve got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
You can get started with simple things like installing a solar powered hot water heater. Photovoltaic panels are most effective in regions that have a minimum of 5 continuous hours of sunlight. Heating through solar-powered water can cut swimming pool heating costs.
Do not be discouraged at the cost of starting solar energy. You may find it pricy to get the products you need for setting up a solar energy system. But, you will find a much cheaper electric bill every month, paying off the initial start up cost and then some.
Keeping your solar panels clean is essential to getting the most out of them. Dirty panels will not absorb the solar rays as well as clean panels will. It seems to be common sense to keep them clean, but many people assume that the rain will clean them. But they still need a thorough cleaning to keep them in optimum condition.
Don’t underestimate the effect that shade can have on a solar panel’s output. One tree branch can produce enough shade to reduce the amount of solar energy produced by almost 80 percent and that’s without leaves. Take the time to properly situate any solar panels you install to maximize their efficiency.
An easy way to put in solar lights at home or at your office is by using solar lights along your pathway to the entrance. These little lights soak up the sun’s rays during the day and shine a path through the darkness at night. It is simple to install then and make outdoor spaces charming.
Steer clear of solar energy salespeople with high-pressure tactics. Salesmen who are too focused on the sale and not your needs should be avoided. You should be able to tell them that you’ll consider a deal later instead of right away. If they can offer you a good deal now, they can offer it to you again at a future date. Decisions made under pressure usually cost more in the long run.
When you create your own solar power, you can actually make money off the process. It is possible for you to sell your extra power to an energy company in your area. If you think you would be interested in this, get in touch with your local power company and talk to them about how it would work.
Carefully calculate the dollar/watts ratio of any solar panel before making the final purchase. Technology is moving fast and you should judge your decision based on the standards of the current market. The panels that produce more wattage are the panels that typically cost more, but a high-wattage yesterday may not be as significant today.
Putting in a device that tracks the sun is going to allow you to get the most out of your solar energy setup. Sun trackers will follow sun rays and determine the best angle for your solar panels. While they cost a bit more, the increased efficiency saves you more money in the long term.
Switching to solar energy should not be taken lightly, but it should be viewed with optimism. It not only saves you a lot of money, it’s so much cleaner for the environment. It could even be one of the best decisions you make. Thanks to this article, you’re ready to make it so.
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Summerville SC
