If you want to take advantage of solar energy, then you might have thought of many questions. How do you get started? What are some helpful tips you should know? By the end of this article, you should have a good outlook on solar energy and how it can benefit your home or business.
Don't assume that just because you want to switch to solar that you will have to go all out and replace your whole roof. You could simply start with switching all of your outdoor lights to solar versions. They charge up all day to shine all night, except perhaps the predawn hours of the longest nights of winter.
Using any type of solar energy unit can help the environment significantly. There are several varieties of water heating systems including solar powered tankless styles and solar heated water tanks. You can have them installed on your roof or in a location with full sun.
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 Recommended Browsing your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
When cost and square footage are of no concern, a sun-tracking system of panels is an excellent option. These systems follow the movement of the sun across the sky throughout the day and the seasons. These systems are more expensive but you will be able to produce more power and get more from your investment.
Not every solar panel is created equally. Always buy from a reputable dealer that has been in business for a number of years. The solar energy marketplace is littered with businesses that do not succeed. Make sure the company you buy from will be around if you need help or have problems with your system.
Be sure that you choose a company that has a great deal of experience if you plan to have a solar-energy system installed. Installation is the most important factor in whether or not your system will produce the most amount of energy possible, and a bad installation could cost you thousands in repairs.
Solar energy systems allow you to cut your ties to the outside world. You can go completely off grid with one of these systems. You will not have to pay monthly fees or wonder who is watching your power use. You can increase your level of privacy while saving the environment and your money.
Contact your insurance agent to find out if a solar energy system could http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ be included in your insurance policy. Expect your homeowner's insurance premiums to go up once your system is installed and consider switching to a different insurance agency if you find that your premiums have become too expensive.
When you look at it over time, solar power is less expensive than buying energy from a local company. Although you do have to put up a bit of money initially, a solar power system starts paying for itself right away. Once you get back your initial investment, you are simply making a profit. This is much different than getting a bill in the mail every month.
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.
Find the most effective usages of solar energy. For instance, a heating system needs a lot of energy to work, and a solar system may not be able to provide this. But, they can give you enough energy to run a water heater. You can also use other alternate energy options if you find solar power cannot fulfill all of your needs.
Most solar heating systems cost between 4000 and 6000 dollars. Figure out how long it will take you to recoup your initial costs, after which you will continue to save for many years. When switching to solar panels, you do not have to do so all at once.
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.
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.
You should invest in a sun tracker to produce more power. It moves the panels along the sun's path. A sun tracker is higher priced than standard solar panels, but well worth the investment in the long run.
If you want to take advantage of government rebates, be sure to purchase the correct solar panels. Most rebate and incentive programs for solar energy have requirements for specific solar panel certifications. These certifications ensure the panels have been tested and proven to work efficiently. Make sure your panels meet the guidelines before you commit to a purchase.
Do not forget to think about ancillary considerations as you determine your likely solar energy output. There are outputs printed with the panels, but they're meant for locations with constant sunlight. Any obstruction from trees or from a cloudy day will decrease the output.
The first location to consider for your new solar panel installation should be the roof, particularly best when facing south and unobstructed. An east-west roof that is in constant exposure is also a good alternative. The key is to find an area free of trees or other obstacles that will block the sunlight and reduce your efficiency.
As the start of this piece discussed, whether you know about solar energy yet or not, you have to be well educated on the subject to truly take advantage of its benefits. The article above has provided you with solar energy tips to help increase your knowledge. Use this advice to see how wonderful it is to have solar energy in your life.
