When it comes to solar energy, you may have some questions as to whether or not it is right for you. After all, while solar energy is theoretically a great idea, it isn’t right for everyone. Depending on several factors, solar power may or may not be in your best interest. Use the following article to help you make that choice.
If you are thinking about using solar power in your home, you must consider how much direct sunlight your home is actually exposed to. In order for solar energy to be worth it, your roof should have full sun exposure a minimum of 6 hours every day. You should also be wary of any areas of your roof covered by shade.
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.
If you cannot afford a full-scale solar energy system, consider investing in a smaller one. Some vendors offer small systems designed to power a water heater or a generator. This small investment should help you save money within the next few years and you can easily expand your solar energy system by powering more appliances with solar panels.
Fossil fuels that are used around the world do not help our environment. In fact, the cause a great deal of damage to the world we live on. Solar energy will provide us with the power we need without causing any damage to our earth. There will be no more gases, carcinogens or even carbon dioxide produced by solar energy.
Do not clean your solar panels with abrasive chemicals. You should use some lukewarm water, a soft cloth and some biodegradable soap if needed. Clean your panels at least once a month or more frequently if you notice your green energy system is not producing as much power as it should.
The best time to incorporate solar power into the design of a home or building is in the initial construction. Windows are best facing south to let maximum sunlight (hence greenhouse heat) in during the winter. Likewise, avoid windows facing directly into the summertime sun to keep things cooler, so less power is needed for fans or air conditioning. The maximum roof space, however, should always get sunlight exposure.
Once your solar energy system is installed, be sure to keep it maintained. Overall, solar power does not require a great deal of upkeep, however there are a few precautions you should take. Check your solar panels frequently for anything that could obstruct their exposure to the sun. This includes fallen leaves in autumn or snow accumulation in winter.
When planning your panels, take into consideration the shadows that nearby trees may pass over the area. Solar panels usually need to be mounted high on the roof, in a location that is exposed to the sun for the longest period of time. However, what seems like a great spot may be covered in shade for a certain period of the day.
Once your panels are in place, keep an eye on them and monitor them regularly. Get to know what you daily output of energy is, what everything looks like when operating optimally and even keep a record of such things. This can help you quickly notice when something isn’t working correctly and help you ascertain where the problem is.
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.
If you do not want to invest in a full-scale solar energy system, invest in a solar-powered water heater. Water heaters can account for up to 35 percent of a home’s energy usage. With the upfront costs of solar water heaters being less than a full power system, more people are able to install these rather than full systems.
If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, but love the convenience of energy, solar energy is the perfect solution for you. There are many products, like fans and battery chargers, that use solar energy to product the energy needed to run them. Just think, you could camp in a hot location and still enjoy a strong breeze.
Find out what kind of warranty comes with any system you are considering. A solar energy system should last you for at least twenty years, so be sure the company you are dealing with can support it. If there is no warranty, or an extremely limited one, it may be time to keep looking, no matter how great the savings are.
One of the easiest things at your home to convert to solar power is your outdoor lighting. There are many attractive solar lighting options available at your local home center. These fixtures are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Spend some time browsing the selections and see which options will be suitable for your outdoor needs.
As you now know, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to install solar power in your home. Use the information provided in the article above to help you make an informed decision. After all, you won’t be helping the environment if you are using your solar power efficiently.
