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Thinking Of Setting Up Solar Panels? Read This Expert Recommendations!

It is important that you strive to educate yourself when considering solar energy is a viable alternative. There are many things to be considered, and you can't knowingly devise a plan or decide against this energy source without having first looked into everything, especially the many benefits. Keep reading to learn more so that you can make a well-informed decision.

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 you run a business you know that there are a lot of costs associated with that, one of them being your energy bill. If you have been looking at ways to save the company some money, you should switch over to renewable solar energy. This will not only save you money, but let people know that you are environmentally conscious.

Consider complementing your solar panels with other forms of energy production. Aside from night, your solar panels are least productive when it is cloudy, which usually means winds, rain or both. Put in some small wind turbines on your roof and micro-hydroelectric generators at ends of gutters for some power production when solar panels are not up and running.

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.

If you cannot afford to purchase a solar energy system for your entire house, consider using it in just one or two spaces. Solar energy is a great option for heating swimming pools for instance, or bringing additional warmth to a cooler bedroom. You can always start small and purchase more later, as your budget allows.

You can get started with simple things like installing a solar powered hot water heater. Photovoltaic panels work most efficiently in areas with at least 5 hours of uninterrupted sunlight. Swimming pools are often heated using solar heating.

Before installing solar panels on your roof, check with your home owners association. Some associations have restrictions on what you are allowed to do to the outside of the property, and this might mean solar panels are not an option for you. It is better to have this information up front than to purchase the panels and be forced to remove them at a later time.

Don't cheap out on the installation! Yes, you've spent a lot of hard earned cash on these solar panels, but that's the point entirely. You've made a huge investment, and you'll want these panels to be secured perfectly. If you opt for someone with less experience or a spotty track record to save a bit of cash, then you'll likely have lots of issues in the future.



Steer clear of solar energy salespeople with high-pressure tactics. Switching to solar energy is a large investment and one you should think about first. Always be ready to inform them you'll think about their options in the near future but that you're not going to commit right this moment. Beware of deals that depend on you acting quickly. Pressured decisions can cost you a lot more later on.

Be sure to account for http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming maintenance and upkeep costs when figuring out the costs of a solar energy system. While solar energy has the potential for a lot of savings, it greatly depends on your location. Solar power is not right for every situation, and even has the possibility of costing you more money in the long run.

If you are considering installing a solar panel system, it is important that the panel faces in the sun's direction. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If your panel does not have sun, it won't power up. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, your panel should face South towards the horizon.

Do a financial background check on any company that you may buy solar panels from. Ensure that the business you choose is reputable and doing well. Also, find a company that offers a quality coverage plan.

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.

Clean your panels by rinsing them off with a water hose. A once-weekly spray from your garden hose should eliminate the need to climb on your roof and perform manual cleaning. You will also be able to let go of any worries about scratching the panels.



While solar panels can continue to work on days when it is not sunny, you should not have them installed if you live in an area that is cloudy most of the time. The amount of energy you save with them will not be worth the amount you paid for them.

When you choose to make an upgrade to solar energy, you are making a lifetime investment that will always provide some benefit. Most solar panels have an expected life between 5 and 25 years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer. Among these numbers, most devices last up to 80% of this maximum and come with warranties to cover this period.

Don't waste your time lining the solar panels beneath an array of florescent lights--though it may sound tempting. Solar cells are not designed to http://my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/146651135633/the-clean-green-power-plan-opportunity/ generate a voltage from fluorescent light sources and this is a waste of energy of time. Any spot in the yard would be a better location for the panels.

Before you purchase a solar panel system, understand that it will take at least 10 to 12 years for the system to pay for itself. If you want a system that will pay for itself in a shorter time frame, consider purchasing a solar water heating system. These will typically pay for themselves in about 4 years.

If you have read the entire article, you are hopefully starting to gain a better understanding of the subject of solar energy. It is a wise way to save on electricity and a great way to contribute to saving our planet. Apply the information from this article to ensure that that both your wallet and planet are safe.