By the time you finish reading this article about solar energy, you are going to feel empowered. Solar energy really is the wave of the future, and there is much to know and learn about if you are going to start using it for your home or business. Keep reading to learn how you can devise a solar energy plan.
Find out if your local energy provider offers meter rollback programs. Once you have a solar energy system, you should consider joining one of these programs so you can sell the energy you produce to the main grid and draw the same amount of energy instead of purchasing an expensive battery system to store your power.
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.
Not every solar panel is created equally. Always buy from a reputable dealer that has been in business for a number of years. The solar energy marketplace is littered with businesses that do not succeed. Make sure the company you buy from will be around if you need help or have problems with your system.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
If you often travel with your electronic, you should consider investing in solar-powered chargers. These chargers include a small solar panels that can generate enough power to charge your cell phone or another electronic device such as a laptop. There are even cases including a small solar charger designed for tablets.
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.
If you will be switching to solar energy, begin with the easiest areas to convert. Start by investing in solar-powered appliances to make small changes to your lifestyle before investing in a full-scale system. Converting a little bit at a time can help you feel more confident about committing to solar energy for your home.
When you are building your own solar panel systems, expect to build multiple arrays for the highest-efficiency. A solar panel can only generate a certain amount of energy–usually a fairly low number–which means that you need more than one panel. Multiple panels in the right spots is a recipe for success.
Keep your solar panels clean. If your solar panels are dirty or obstructed in any way, they won’t work as well. Keep an eye on your solar panels and clean them if they’re not quite looking their best. Hosing them down occasionally will ensure that they are much more efficient.
Consider selling extra energy back to your local utilities. If you live in an area of abundant sunshine, you may be able to not only save money on your power, but earn a little extra too. Many power companies allow solar energy users to sell extra power back to them, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
Minimize the upfront costs of solar panels by considering a lease instead of a purchase. This spreads the payments over a long-term period into monthly installments, so you could actually start saving money immediately. Still, consider how long you will be in that building, as the long-term periods usually run a decade.
You don’t have to use solar panels on the roof. If you have a lot of extra space, this gives you more options. With adjustable mounts and tracking systems powered by the sun itself, you can gather much more energy than stationary, roof-mounted panels. Installing solar panels in your yard may take up space but the savings outweigh the loss of yard space.
Once you have solar energy panels installed on your home, make sure that you keep them clean. Many people do not realize a cleaner panel will attract more of the sun’s energy. Depending on the area you live in, you should wash your panels every two to four weeks or so.
Solar power heating, whether for heating water or for a direct heat source, is different from solar power electric. By installing one of these systems, you can reduce your gas bill by up to 50 percent. This is on top of the savings you have on your electric bill already.
Make sure that your solar panels are kept clean. Even the slightest amount of dirt on the cover can block the sun from coming through, which will prevent your system from operating as efficiently as it could otherwise. Therefore, aim to get on your roof and clean your panels about once per month.
Hopefully, this article has helped you realize how you can use solar energy in your home or business to save money and make a positive impact on the environment. As you can now see, there is much to consider when developing your plan, so keep everything that has been discussed in mind. The benefits will amaze you!
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