If you want solar energy, pat yourself on the back. This new technology can save you a lot of money and is great for the environment. This article will give you the start you need.
Solar panels reduce the amount of energy used to heat your home and water. While the use of solar panels does cut down your energy costs, they are expensive and it may take several years to recoup the cost in reduced energy costs. Check for government incentive programs to help pay for them.
You may be able to get tax credits for a solar energy installation. You could receive a rebate of around 30 percent. Search the Internet or call a representative for information on local programs.
Take the time to compare different types of solar panels before you invest in a green energy system. There are different technologies and brands to compare and it is true that the most expensive panels are often the most efficient ones. Talk with vendors and professionals to learn more about solar panels.
If you are building a vacation, rental or retirement home in a rural area, solar power can make a lot of sense. It can spare you the cost of a power line being routed to your home. At the very least it can give you some power in the case of local grid outages, as rural areas have power restored far more slowly than what you might be used to in a city.
Outdoor lighting fixtures can be completely powered by solar energy. Search for outdoor fixtures that collect energy from the sun during the day and release it after dark. While these fixtures do not require a lot of energy, these systems are very convenient because there are no electrical wires to run or short out.
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.
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.
If you reside in an area where temperatures drop to freezing, you have to take special care of your solar energy system. Every time the weather gets very cold, you need to turn the system off and drain it. This will help you keep your system working for a much longer time.
Low prices can be very attractive but keep in mind that solar panels and their installation is not cheap. If a vendor has extremely low prices, you are probably getting low quality equipment or even second hand equipment. It is best to invest in quality solar panels and hire a trustworthy contractor to install them.
Solar energy water heaters are a viable option for those considering the solar energy market but not ready to make a huge investment. A solar water heater carries with it a minimal cost, and it can pay for itself in as little as a year or two. In contrast, solar panels for an entire home are much more expensive, and they sometimes take considerably longer to pay for themselves.
It is vital that the person who installs your solar power system is actually licensed to do so. An installer who is not licensed may install your solar panels incorrectly, or they may violate local regulations. In addition, a licensed installer can provide you with great information about these regulations that an unlicensed installer cannot.
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.
If you are a business owner, consider solar power for both the cost savings and the positive image it brings to your company. Many consumers are going green in today’s society, and they like to do business with companies that are also going green. If you opt for a solar system for your office space, you can take advantage of the cost savings, help the planet, and also let your customers know you have made a green choice that benefits your community.
Those of you how already have solar panels installed would be wise to take seasons into consideration. You should alter the positioning of your solar panels during each season so as to maximize their efficiency. Generally, you are going to get a lower output during the winter months than you do during the summer.
Solar panels are very durable. In fact, their lifespan is generally estimated at a little more than 30 years. They are specifically designed to be placed on a roof, so they are well-made and can handle things like rain and snow. Because they last so long, you should feel confident that you will make a profit off of them eventually.
With any luck, this article has shown you the light and convinced you to invest in solar energy. Solar power will save you money, help the environments and reduce our country’s dependence on oil from other countries. These reasons should convince you to begin using solar energy now.
Hickory NC
