There is no doubt that solar energy is a topic of great interest that seems to grow by the day. However, not everyone has sufficient knowledge about its potential benefits. By reading the information that follows, you will be able to gain the information you need to undertake a sound plan of action when it comes to integrating solar energy into your life.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels to generate your own electricity, make sure that the roof you’ll be installing them on gets plenty of good sunlight. Good sunlight occurs between 9am and 3pm. You’ll generate the most electricity if your roof receives full, exposed sunlight between those hours every day.
You can integrate solar energy into your home’s current energy source. Buying some solar energy lights to use in landscape lighting can save power and help the planet. You can find these at most major retailers. The installation is simple enough for the budding do-it-yourselfer to accomplish.
Saving the environment can start with cleaner water-heating devices. There are many different types of cost effective water heating systems, like tankless solar powered heaters and solar water tanks. You can have them installed on your roof or in a location with full sun.
If you only want to go partially solar, look at small-scale applications for this energy source. There are a couple of ways you can achieve this. The first is to look for window-mounted panels that can be used to charge your portable electronic devices. Second, purchase solar powered camping products like lanterns or stoves. Every little bit shaves a little off of your electric bill.
Check that your solar panels will be mounted in a way that works with the climate you live in. Some areas are prone to cyclones and tornadoes, and it is important to choose a mounting system for your panels that can withstand high winds if you live in these areas. If you fail to do this, the first natural disaster could result in your panels becoming unattached and useless.
Be careful when positioning solar panels on your home. These panels need direct sunlight, at least during the main portion of the day. If there are a lot of trees that shade the panel, you’ll reduce your overall output by a lot. Plan ahead and look at all of your placement options.
If you cannot afford to purchase a solar energy system for your entire house, consider using it in just one or two spaces. Solar energy is a great option for heating swimming pools for instance, or bringing additional warmth to a cooler bedroom. You can always start small and purchase more later, as your budget allows.
Contact your insurance agent to find out if a solar energy system could be included in your insurance policy. Expect your homeowner’s insurance premiums to go up once your system is installed and consider switching to a different insurance agency if you find that your premiums have become too expensive.
Never install solar panels in a place that can easily be affected by storm debris. Solar panels are extremely sensitive, and because of this, should never be placed near trees or other tall structures that could cause damage to your panels if a strong storm were to hit the area.
When people talk about solar energy, they mainly think about the large panels installed on the roof of a home. These are popular, but they are not the only way to use the heat of the sun for power. Install attic fans in your roof. The heat from your attic causes the blades to spin and generate power.
Scientists are constantly making advances in the solar field. This is particularly true when it comes to smaller solar systems, the ones that are perfect for homeowners. Therefore, if you didn’t think purchasing a system was right for you in the past, it may be time to reevaluate your decision and consider moving forward with a plan.
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.
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.
Some vendors claim that they have panels able of generating power in the shade. It is true that certain technologies such as thin film panels are more efficient than other products when the sky is overcast, but keep in mind that producing solar energy in the full shade is absolutely impossible.
Don’t look at solar panels as a do it yourself project. You are putting serious funds into these panels, and any mistake can be very costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers out there near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
Solar energy is something in which lots of people are developing a keen interest. The fact remains, however, that many individuals need to acquire a bit more education before they jump in. With any luck, the tips and advice above have provided you with just the sort of start you needed to begin.
Palm Bay FL
