Becoming less dependent on fossil fuels and foreign oil is a goal for many people. If you are interested in saving the environment and want to save on your energy bills, you should consider investing in a solar energy system. This article will show you how to begin using it yourself.
If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.
Solar energy harnesses the energy from the sun to power everything from little garden lights to huge corporations. Unlike coal and oil, the sun is a renewable energy, meaning it will never run out like other energy sources. Making the switch to solar power is a wise investment for your future.
Many solar panels appear to be attached to a home’s roof permanently. But, panels that provide good electricity can be adjusted for seasons. This is why investing in panels that track the sunlight are best for optimal performance.
Cleaning your solar panels does not need to be labor intensive. You want to avoid abrasive soaps at all costs, as they can deteriorate and even destroy your panels. So long as there is not caked up dust or bird droppings, frequent rinses with just hose water should be more than enough.
You should do your math before making the investment in solar energy. Installing solar panels may not be a financially sound investment for you. When you buy first and do the math later, you may not like the outcome.
Find a reputable company. With the rapidly rising popularity of solar energy, new companies are springing up left and right to take advantage. A solar energy installation is a big purchase that should last you many years. When shopping for your system, look for a company that you can be confident will still be around ten or even twenty years from now.
Power sources that are run by fossil fuels are run by machines that require motors. Those motors require constant maintenance. With solar energy systems, there are limited parts required so they are extremely low maintenance. You will save money on fuel as well as maintaining the system over the years.
Have solar panels installed in the best positions to get more sun during the whole year. If you don’t know where you should put them, you may want to look at the sun’s path sun in your area and think about the changes that happen every season.
One of the greatest benefits of solar energy is the fact that it will never run out. Short of the sun burning out, it will always be there to provide us power. Using solar energy is unlike any other energy source because it is a consistent power source and will be there until the end of days.
There is really no reason to even consider getting a solar energy system if you live in an area that rarely sees the sun. This does not mean that a less than reputable company will not try to sell you a solar system though. If your roof does not receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day, you should not consider solar power.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
If you have animals that require electric fencing to contain them, use solar powered fencing units to provide power for them. A great advantage to these systems is that they are completely mobile, and can be easily moved. If you are a horse owner who enjoys overnight horse-camping, the fencer can be easily taken along.
Installing solar panels is no easy task. Because of this, it should be treated like home renovation. Do your research on different contractors and ask them to share references from other customers. Look into the fine print of your contract to confirm that you are not getting ripped off.
You should not consider investing in green energies unless you are ready to spend at least fifteen years in your home. Paying off your solar energy system will take you years and the return on your investment will depend on how long you stay in the same home and keep using the solar energy system.
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.
In the near future, things should start to improve in regards to helping the environment and lowering the cost of power. The time has come to start adopting solar power. Check out all the options you have right now, and discover how much you can save and how much you can decrease your carbon footprint by using solar panels.
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