Solar energy is quickly gaining popularity. Many people are now using it as a viable alternative energy in their homes. If you are unsure as to whether solar energy is right for you, you’ve come to the right place. The following article will help inform you of all the benefits solar energy has to offer.
When using solar energy for the first time, it’s probably a good idea to start out small. Pick up some inexpensive outdoor lights to get your feet wet. Low-voltage outdoor solar lighting is available at most home improvement stores. They are very easy to install.
Heating water with a solar-powered heater can help save the environment. There are many different types of cost effective water heating systems, like tankless solar powered heaters and solar water tanks. They can easily be installed up on your roof to take advantage of the sun’s energy.
Only lease equipment which allows you to transfer the lease. This is most important when it comes time to sell your house, as you could be saddled with the cost of a solar energy system you are not able to use. Having that transfer option can help you out of the contract and let the new homeowners enjoy its benefits.
Know that solar panels do not immediately mean free energy forever. You need to be mindful of the fact that solar installations often carry a large up-front price tag. However, you also need to balance that with how much energy you can save over the long run, government incentives and the possibility of selling your excess power into the grid.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if a sun tracker is a good fit for your system. Sun trackers use very little energy and will maximize the amount of power your system can produce. If you have the space and resources, a sun tracking system can help you maximize your energy production.
Keep shade issues in mind when installing solar panels. A panel that loses a quarter of its light can lose half its power production. The main thing to keep in mind is tree foliage. Are any trees going to grow in between the panels and sunlight? Consider trimming them back a little.
Solar panels are not very easy to install, so you should hire a professional to get the job done. While you will save a bit of money by trying to do it in your own, you do not want things to be less than perfect. Also, you will most likely end up paying someone to come out and fix the mess you made.
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.
Do you have a pool? You could save a lot by investing in solar panels. There are small solar energy systems designed to power a water heater or a water pump and since you only use your pool during the warmer months, your panels will work perfectly when you need them.
Living a green life helps protect the environment and generally helps you save money. By choosing solar energy options such as solar heating, solar hot water heating and solar lighting, you can rest assured that you are helping to save the planet. Keep your solar products free from dirt and debris for best results.
If you are planning on meeting with a consultant to install a solar panel system, you need to make sure you are prepared. Have a list of all electrical appliances along with their wattage and the number of hours you use them on hand. Any good consultant will need to know this information before a solar panel can be installed.
Decide whether you want to be on or off the power grid. Many people look forward to getting “off the grid” when they switch to solar power, however this may not be the best choice. Staying on your power grid means that when you have poor sunlight conditions you have the ability to purchase additional power when you need it. As a bonus, when you produce more power than you use, you can sell the excess back to the utilities.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, solar energy is quickly becoming a popular form of alternative energy in residential homes. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of all the benefits it can provide you. Use the information you’ve just read to help you make the decision as to whether or not solar energy is something that could benefit you.
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