How do you use the sun? Do you let it wake you in the morning? Or do you enjoy lying out in it on a summer's day? Do you use it to power your home or business? If not, today is the day to get started, so keep reading to find out more.
Be aware of the fact that there are a couple of different kinds of photo-voltaic solar energy panels. The cheapest are poly-crystalline, but mono-crystalline are more efficient. It makes the most sense to buy the highest-efficiency product possible if you intend to power your house with solar energy.
As you comparison shop for solar power systems, remember that not all brands were created equal. You want to go with a product that has a reputable manufacturer. It is wonderful if another brand offers a substantial warranty or a great discount, but those things won't help you very much if the company goes out of business in a few years.
Don't underestimate the importance of doing business with a reputable solar panel supplier. Although it may be tempting to purchase inexpensive panels from an overseas supplier, in the long run that may not be beneficial. Try to find businesses that will still be in operation in twenty years so that spare panels for your system will be readily available.
Install your solar panels so they receive the most sun throughout the year. If you do not know how to position them efficiently, look at the direction that the sun travels and think about how that changes with the seasons.
If you don't want to or can't go for full solar power, at least consider a solar water heating system. Many regional and community governments offer financial incentives, rebates and tax credits for even doing this, just like they do for full solar installations. Check with your local government before doing anything to know the perks.
Consider changing out your windows when you install a solar energy system. Installing energy efficient windows will help your home be easier to heat and cool, maximizing your energy savings. Since you will now be providing your own power, it is a good idea to save energy wherever you can.
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.
Seek out grants and rebates to assist you in paying for the installation of your solar energy system. Your solar energy system can cost quite a bit to get started with, but there is help available usually. Check into federal and state grants or rebates that reward renewable energy use. They work to lower the cost substantially. You can even get some deductions at tax time.
For each season, adjust the solar panel angles. The amount and angle of sunlight changes with each season. If you change the panel angles, you stand a good chance of optimizing the energy that you can capture, getting the most of your investment.
A charge controller is a great addition to any solar array, specifically those that are working above 10 watts on a regular basis. These small devices act as "ON" and "OFF" switches to protect your batteries. They prevent overcharging from damaging your batteries and can provide more advanced charging options depending on the make and model.
The amount of energy your solar panel will produce is rated by watts. For example, if your solar panel is rated 100 watts, then on a clear day, your solar panel will produce 100 watts per hour. To find out how much electricity you need to produce, look at your electric bill and divide the total by 30 days and then divide it by 3 as there is generally bright sunlight one third of the day.
Don't forget that solar power can be used for more than just electricity. They are able to warm water and give you heat. Therefore, using solar power can make a massive difference ) the energy costs you pay the electric company for every month.
Never install solar panels in a place that can easily be affected by storm debris. Solar panels are extremely sensitive, and because of this, should never be placed near trees or other tall structures that could cause damage to your panels if a strong storm were to hit the area.
Making the change to renewable energy is becoming more and more popular. With concerns about the health of the environment, more and more people are making the switch. Not only are they helping the earth, but saving money at the same time. It really seems like a win-win situation for both individuals and business alike.
Almost all solar systems are scalable to the amount of space you have in your home. A complete system is not required in many cases. If you do not have the room to fully power your home using solar, you can use the space you have to power part of your home.
If you are running low on space across the roof, install new panels at ground level for even more savings. Panels in the yard are still an improvement above typical fossil fuels. The idea is to add as many panels as you can and store as much energy as possible.
Make sure http://www.globalwarming.org/ your solar panels aren't shaded. You need to be sure that there is nothing new shading your panels either. If there's something like a tree in the way, it should be trimmed. Panels work exponentially, so having a fourth of a panel shaded can actually make you lose half of its output. If your panels can't get any sun, you're losing money.
If you ge led retrofit kits are thinking about installing solar panels in your home, it is very important that you purchase them from a reputable company. With solar power becoming so popular, there are a number of new businesses popping up all the time. Be sure and deal with a company that you can trust.
Now you should have a good idea as to how you can move forward with a plan for solar energy in your home or business. As you continue to learn more, keep these tips in mind that you've read. Remember the numerous benefits, and think about how this renewable energy source can help you.
