Top Tips And Advice For Taking Advantage Of The Power Of The Sun
Millions of people have been positively impacted by solar energy. People who embrace solar energy find that it truly saves them money while protecting the environment. The following article will help introduce you to solar energy and answer common questions that you might have.
There is no need to tear apart your roof to use solar energy. You could simply start with switching all of your outdoor lights to solar versions. They’ll charge up during the day to light all night, with exception of pre-dawn hours during long winter nights.
It is still possible to have solar energy in a cloudy, chilly region. Direct sunlight isn’t necessary, nor is a particular temperature. A cold and sunny place can receive more sun that a hot but shady one.
If you want solar panels that are efficient, you should try to get ones that don’t always have to rely on when the sun is out. Contemporary panels do not rely on the sun to stay effective. Since we all use electricity 24 hours a day, this is essential.
If you have resources and space available, a panel system that tracks the sun is the best. This type of system tracks the sun over the course of the day and during all seasons. Although this system costs more upfront, it will pay for itself over time.
You should do your math before making the investment in solar energy. Installing solar panels may not be a financially sound investment for you. If you jump into solar panel without figuring out these statistics, the result may be an unpleasant one.
Solar Power
Panels that are easily rotated have the best efficiency. If you have no choice but to get fixed panels, you will have to find the best angle for all seasons.
The advances in solar power increase with each year. What used to cost a small fortune now has lowered to the point where many consumers can afford them. Regardless of your energy needs, you can find a good solar power system if you try.
Consider a solar powered attic fan if you are not ready to make the full switch to solar energy. Solar-powered attic fans have temperature sensors that will turn your fan on and off automatically based on the attic’s temperature. A good attic fan can reduce energy costs by removing excess heat from your attic. Additionally, as it is solar powered, your power bill will go down, not up.
Avoid salespeople who are pushy when trying to sell you a solar power system. It’s common to find these salespeople in the solar energy industry. You should make sure that they know that you’ll think over the deal and won’t make a decision on the spot. If they say they have a great deal right now, then it really should still be a good deal next week too. Pressure can lead to poor decisions.
You need a backup solution in case your solar panels are not functioning like they should. You can either purchase a generator, or simply stay connected to your local power grid, drawing extra power as you need it. If you choose to go the generator route, consistently test it. You may also want to have multiple generators.
Be realistic about what a solar water heater system can do for you. The best solar-powered models are a third more efficient than electric models but solar energy will help you save money. It is also important to remember that just because you are showering while it is still dark out that you will not have hot water. Solar-heated water should stay warm or hot for up to 24 hours.
Solar Panels
You have to see how much shade is present when you are considering solar panels for your home. If you have a lot of shade, solar panels may not be the right choice. If a shadow is case over your solar panels, their efficiency could drop by as much as 80%, which means you should consider other forms of green energy.
A solar energy system is a great way to save money if you are ready to make a long-term investment. Solar panels are quite expensive and it could take years before your panels are paid off and you actually start saving money on energy. A solar panel investment take a lot of commitment, so make sure you are ready in advance.
If your budget does not allow for the purchase of solar panels and you prefer not to turn it into an investment for the long-term, you should think about leasing a system. Since leasing won’t be quite as expensive initially, you can save money this way.
A sun tracker will increase your ability to capture solar energy. Sun trackers will follow sun rays and determine the best angle for your solar panels. While they may cost a little more than traditional solar panels, it makes up for it in increasing the energy that’s put out.
There is nothing that drives up your energy bills faster than children. Kids seem to have some device or another plugged in and on for most of the day, with no concept of how it effects your energy bill. Rising energy costs are one of the main reasons that people consider solar power.
Seek out grants and rebates to help you afford solar panel installation. It can be expensive to install your solar panels; however, help may be available. Many government departments will offer you money once your set-up is installed. You might be surprised at how much you can save. Often, the initial cost of your solar panel system will net you a tax break.
Generally speaking, a solar energy system for home heating costs $4000 – $6000. Your monthly saving will add up and your solar powered system will pay for itself and pay you back in the years after that. Panels can also be added in small batches.
If your roof tends to be shady, it probably isn’t the best spot to place your panels. Any company which says otherwise is questionable. This is just false.
Check your panels regularly to make sure that they are in tip-top condition. While you won’t need to maintain them too often, you should regularly check to make sure they aren’t damaged. Finding out about something is wrong by the arrival of a massive energy bill is never a pleasant surprise.
Instead of turning solar power into electricity, you can instead use it to heat water or even your home. Photovoltaic panels work best in areas that get about five hours of unobstructed sunlight. Solar water heating is often used to reduce the cost of heating a swimming pool.
Solar roof tiles are a great alternative to panels if you’re unsure about being able to keep them clean on your own. They don’t take as much effort to maintain.
Solar Energy
If you are not quite ready to purchase a solar energy system, you can always lease a system first. Leasing solar panels should be more affordable than buying a full-scale system. Many companies offer a solar energy panel leasing option. This might be a smart choice for you if you want to go solar right away.
Are you in the middle of building a home? Think about solar power as construction gets underway. Solar energy leaves no devastating footprint on the environment. Now is the best time to consider solar energy.
There is no easy way to save our planet, but by choosing to go green using solar energy, you can save the planet and cut energy costs. Your electricity expenses are set to double every decade. Use the information presented here to go solar and green up your life.