When it comes to solar energy, there is no question that it is great for the environment. After all, you are using a renewable energy source that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. However, there are a number of factors to consider when installing solar panels in your home. The following article will serve to aid you in that department.
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.
Your solar energy system needs to be exposed to the sun at all times. Most homeowners have their solar panels installed on their roof but you could also have some panels installed on your front lawn. Do not hesitate to cut a few trees to avoid shadows and have a professional help you determine the best place for your panels.
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.
Don’t be scared off from solar energy because you see certain companies shutting their doors. Solar energy is a big part of the country’s future. It’s not only great for the environment; it also saves you a lot of cash. That’s a win-win across the board, and you’ll be happy for looking into it now.
You can get hefty credits from the government if you switch to solar energy. Your government could offer around 30% of your system’s costs as a rebate. You should do some research on the Internet or get in touch with your local government to find out more about the incentives and programs you are eligible for.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you’ve got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
Think about heating your hot tub or pool water with solar energy. These devices are some of the most energy consuming things that people have in their homes these days. If you use solar energy instead of standard energy to power these you could greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the end.
Before purchasing any solar panels, make sure they are government certified. This may seem like a small deal, but it really affects your bottom line. Many of the government rebate programs require that your solar panels are government certified. If they aren’t, you’ll be missing out on some of the cash back opportunities out there for you.
Before you begin to install solar panels, you should check out your area’s regulations. In some areas, you must have special permits. It would be horrible to set the system up, only to have to move it again.
Buying a small solar panel system is better than not having one at all. For many people, it is far too expensive to install a system that would power their entire home, but starting small is better than not doing anything. There are many options out there when it comes to size, so check them out.
Find a vendor who offers a lengthy warranty for your solar panels. A lengthy warranty is a sign that the vendor has faith in the products and it will help you save a lot of money in case your panels malfunction. Do some background research on the vendor you chose to make sure they are likely to still be around over the next decades.
When most people think about solar energy, they think that it has to cost a lot of money, but it doesn’t. If you want to use solar energy, but you have a limited budget, you can install solar powered lights in your yard. This is a good way to save energy without spending more than you can afford.
Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your town’s federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.
When researching for a good solar panel installer, don’t forget the Internet. Yes you may start out in the phone book, but the Internet will give you a lot more information as well. You may find testimonials from other clients and ideas for contractors that you may not have realized are out there.
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.
Now that you’ve read the article above, you should have a better understanding of how solar energy works. As you now know, solar energy isn’t for everyone, and there are many cases in which it won’t make financial sense. Use the information provided to aid you in your decision as to whether you should install solar panels in your home or not.
Urbana IL
