A move from traditional fossil fuels to a renewable source of energy is not something to be taken lightly. There are costs involved and variables, such as location and funding that influence the outcome. Solar energy is always a better solution in the long-run and when you do make the change, the tips below will only help increase the savings and improve your experience.
Contact your local government to ask them about rules in place where you live. No solar technology should be in use without permission from the powers that be. You may find yourself fined and having to take down all that you worked so hard to put in place if you don't inquire first.
Initial installation of solar panels is always intended to take the most advantage of available sunlight; however, this can change with time. You don't want trees blocking the sunlight from reaching your panels.
If you're thinking about installing solar panels to generate your own electricity, make sure that the roof you'll https://www.epa.gov/greenpower be installing them on gets plenty of good sunlight. Good sunlight occurs between 9am and 3pm. You'll generate the most electricity navigate to this site if your roof receives full, exposed sunlight between those hours every day.
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.
Check that your solar panels will be mounted in a way that works with the climate you live in. Some areas are prone to cyclones and tornadoes, and it is important to choose a mounting system for your panels that can withstand high winds if you live in these areas. If you fail to do this, the first natural disaster could result in your panels becoming unattached and useless.
As a business entrepreneur, you want people to look at your business in the best possible light. One way to show your customers and potential customers that you are doing your part to be eco-friendly is by choosing to run your business with solar energy. This will help appeal to those who are conscientious about the earth.
As people begin thinking about utilizing solar power, many are unfortunately under the misconception that you have to live in a sunny location. If they don't feel like their living conditions are ideal, they give up on their dream. It is important to note, though, that power can be generated from the sun even on overcast days.
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.
Check for government certification on any solar panel you are considering buying. Consider this tip a must. The government's seal of approval lets you know that these panels are deemed quality and efficient. Plus, some of the financial benefits of using solar panels (tax credits, etc.) rely on using certified panels.
You should check the background of the company you're buying your panels from. You'll want use a company that will still be in business 20 years down the road. You need a company with longevity to ensure that they are around to uphold the promises of your warranty.
Assess how much shade is around your home when considering whether solar power is right for you. If you have a lot of shade, solar panels may not be the right choice. Your panels cannot get the energy they need from the sun if they are always in the shade, which entails that solar panels may not be the best choice.
Don't allow the first store you visit to convince you that their solar panels are the best. It may seem that solar cells are typically the same wherever you go, but there is actually a big difference across the market and it's easy to miss the important statistics. Pay attention to wattage, size, and cost on each option.
The mounting system of your panels should be adapted to your area. If your home is often exposed to strong winds, earthquakes or even tornadoes, you need to find a mounting system that can withstand these extreme conditions. Contact your local government to find out more regarding regulations on solar panel mounts.
There is a common misconception that all solar energy systems are gigantic and take up too much space on a home. The truth is, solar energy are scalable to any size. If you want a large solar array to power your home, you can. You can also choose to use something smaller that will offset normal energy costs from your local power company.
IF you are thinking about using solar energy in your home, you must determine whether or not it is a cost effective decision. Weigh the costs of installation and purchasing the equipment against the amount you are likely to save at your latitude. If it doesn't make financial sense, don't do it.
Before you install a PV system in your home, contact the local utility company for an energy audit. An energy audit assesses the amount of energy you are using before you supplement it with solar power. This will help you find areas where you can save electricity or areas that need to be fixed before the system is installed.
After having read this article, you should feel like you have what it takes to start writing out a plan for solar energy in your home or business. Knowing the many benefits makes it definitely worthwhile. Remember everything you've learned so that you can fully take advantage of all opportunities.