There can be little debate that solar energy is a topic of intense interest to many. However, not enough people seem to have a thorough understanding of all of the ways in which solar energy can improve their daily lives. Continue reading to get a better grasp of the true potential solar energy offers.
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.
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
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.
Cleaning your solar panels does not need to be labor intensive. You want to avoid abrasive soaps at all costs, as they can deteriorate and even destroy your panels. So long as there is not caked up dust or bird droppings, frequent rinses with just hose water should be more than enough.
Remember – you get what you pay for! Yes, there are a lot of cheaper solar panels flooding into the market from abroad. But many of those panels might not last more than a few years, and solar energy is about a long term investment. It’s better to get solar panels known for their quality that’ll last for decades, rather than a cheap option that may only last a few years.
If you are able to afford the cost and the necessary space, a panel system that tracks the sun is your best bet for power generation. This system shifts the solar panels throughout the day so that your panels can absorb the maximum amount of energy. Solar tracking systems may be more expensive initially, but they pay off with the extra energy they produce.
If after installing solar panels you find that you are producing more energy than you need, you can sell the extra energy that you produce back to the electric company. This method will help you recoup the cost of your solar energy system’s installation and parts. Additionally, after you have recovered your costs, you will be making a profit.
Consider installing more solar panels than your home will ever need. If you do this you will be doing two good things. First, you will earn money on any energy created that your home does not use. Second, you will be reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to power the homes of your neighbors.
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.
Monitor your current energy use. You should know the amount of power you need before switching to solar panels. Making the right choices for your needs is essential to getting the most for your money. In order to get a good estimation, you should look at your electricity bills in a year’s time since the amount of energy that you use can vary during different seasons.
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.
If you lease solar panels to save the upfront costs, check the contract for the possibility of transferring the lease. If you sell your home or building that panels are installed in within the lease period, you want to be able to legally transfer the lease to the new owners of the property.
Be mindful about opening your curtains. If you want the room to stay cool in the summer, leave your curtains drawn on warm days. If you want it to warm up in that space, open the curtains and let the sun flood in. This can be an easy way to help control temperature without touching a thermostat.
The amount of energy your solar panel will produce is rated by watts. For example, if your solar panel is rated 100 watts, then on a clear day, your solar panel will produce 100 watts per hour. To find out how much electricity you need to produce, look at your electric bill and divide the total by 30 days and then divide it by 3 as there is generally bright sunlight one third of the day.
Solar energy is something that has captured the attention of many in recent years. The fact remains, though, that there are many individuals who still have much to learn on the subject. Hopefully, having read the article above, you now possess sufficient understanding of solar energy to start spreading the good word to others.
Lorain Solar OH
