The Earth has a lot to offer us, but we have to take advantage of it. One such thing our planet can give us is solar energy. The sun creates energy that we can use for many different things. Continue reading to learn more about this wonderful energy option.
Start small when you want to start using solar energy. You can buy a solar landscape light set in a box that will save you money on outdoor lighting and reduce your carbon footprint. You can find them at various home improvements stores and large retailers. Installation is as simple as placing them in the ground along your walkway.
The efficiency of a solar energy system varies a lot depending on its exposure to the sun. If you live in a sunny area, your system should produce enough energy to cover all your needs but solar energy might not be such a good investment if you live in an area where the sky is usually filled with clouds.
Even though solar energy panels are affixed to your roof, you must be able to adjust the panels’ angles as needed. Fixed angle panels are just not that efficient.
Do your own research and find out if there are any rebates available for adding a solar system to your home. There are many local, state and federal programs that offer rebates for installing solar power in your home. Also check to see if you are eligible for tax incentives as well.
Think about the money that you send to your power companies each month. How would you like to keep that money in your pocket? Changing to solar power will do that for you. After you pay off the initial investment, the money you used to pay to the power company will stay in your wallet.
Be realistic about the costs of having a solar energy system. If you’re paying much less than other systems that are around the same size as yours, you may have poor equipment or installation work. Like with many things in life you get what you pay for. Quality installation work and equipment isn’t going to be cheap. You may have substantial savings by going with a large company, but other companies may be cutting corners to keep costs down.
Seriously consider installing solar energy panels or another renewable power source if you are building a new home. Solar energy is a great alternative energy source since it hardly affects the environment at all. If you haven’t thought about it before, you should definitely do a little research.
Learn the local and state regulations that apply to you before installing a solar power system. You might need to obtain some permits before installing some solar panels on your property. You wouldn’t want to install a system only to have to remove it.
Smaller panels are often a more sensible choice than larger ones. The quality of each panel is affected by many factors, like wattage and warranty. All of these things should be considered when looking into this large purchase.
If you are considering installing a solar panel system, it is important that the panel faces in the sun’s direction. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If your panel does not have sun, it won’t power up. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, your panel should face South towards the horizon.
Interview a few different solar panel installers before choosing the one for you. You’ve made a big investment by choosing solar panels, and you don’t want any costly mistakes occurring during the installation. Find a team that knows their stuff. A company that has a track record that you can respect.
Just because some high profile companies have been failing recently doesn’t mean solar energy is a failing proposition. Choosing solar power can help you save money every month. Look around and find a company near you that can help you get started with solar energy.
If you have decided to install solar panels on your home, make sure that you purchase quality panels and have have a reputable company install them. Cheap panels will not produce as much energy and will not last as long as well made ones. A good installer will make sure your panels are situated properly on your site.
If you are a business owner, consider solar power for both the cost savings and the positive image it brings to your company. Many consumers are going green in today’s society, and they like to do business with companies that are also going green. If you opt for a solar system for your office space, you can take advantage of the cost savings, help the planet, and also let your customers know you have made a green choice that benefits your community.
For better savings on your utility bill, keep your solar panels clean. Solar panels are practically silent and since you don’t touch them, you can easily forget them. The cleaner their glass panels are, the more clear surface area the sun has to “work with.” There’s no set amount of time that you should clean them. If you live in an area with lots of wind, dust or construction, they may need cleaned frequently. Some ares may require weekly cleanings.
Check into all of your potential rebates. You know there are rebates, correct? The government (in certain states) has a bunch of ways that they’ll reward you for taking the solar energy plunge. And there are also benefits during tax season. Look into them all so you’ll get every penny coming back to you.
One of the most efficient methods of gathering sunlight for your solar panels is to invest in a sun tracker. These trackers following the movement of the sun so as to maximize the exposure of your solar panels. While they may cost more initially, they will output the most electricity possible.
Taking advantage of the sun’s energy is not only helpful to us, but also helpful to the environment. Use what you learned here to help you make an informed choice. The energy from the sun can give you energy for the different things you need, just learn more about it.
Scranton PA
