Everyone is looking for ways to save money, and producing your energy with solar power can help you do so. However, solar energy is a complicated subject, and it can be hard to know how to get started. The following advice will get you started on the right foot.
One positive step toward helping the environment is to switch to a solar-powered water heater. You have many options, such as tank-free models and solar-powered water tanks for heating your water. Both the roof and sunny outdoor locations are options for installation.
The best solar panels can be re-positioned to accommodate the seasonal shifting of the sun. If you have to have panels at a fixed angle, try to find the angle that will work best for both summer and winter.
Consider installing more solar panels than your home will ever need. If you do this, you will be doing two good things. First, you will earn money on any energy created that your home does not use. Second, you will be reducing the number of fossil fuels burned to power your neighbors’ homes.
Many companies claim to be specialists in solar conversion. However, it is up to you to confirm that they have the proper qualifications and credentials. Check with the Better Business Bureau for their current business standing. Do an online search for any reviews. If you turn up any negative information, look for another service.
Preserve your solar panels by having twice yearly maintenance performed on them. During a check, the technician can check connections, make sure panels are angled properly, and ensure the inverter stays on and works right.
If you are located in the Northern hemisphere, your solar panels should be facing south. People who live in the Southern hemisphere should install their panels facing north. Putting them in any other way will defeat the entire purpose since the panels will not have a chance to collect a large amount of energy from the sun.
Keep in mind that purchasing a solar power system often enables you to receive tax credits from the government. You may find that you get back as much as 30 percent of the total cost of your system. So, if you look into a system and think that it costs too much, investigate whether or not you will get credit back to determine how affordable it is.
Always look for a good and qualified contractor to install your solar system. Just because you have a new technology installed in your home does not mean that you should look for new contractors. The type of work is very specialized and having a quality contractor with a proven track record is critical to having your system installed properly.
Find a vendor who offers a lengthy warranty for your solar panels. A lengthy warranty is a sign that the vendor has faith in the products, and it will help you save much money in case your panel malfunctions. Do some background research on the vendor you chose to make sure they are likely to still be around over the next decades.
Don’t look at solar panels as a do-it-yourself project. You are putting serious funds into these panels, and any mistake can be costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
Make sure that your solar panels are kept clean. Even the slightest amount of dirt on the cover can block the sun from coming through, which will prevent your system from operating as efficiently as it could otherwise. Therefore, aim to get on your roof and clean your panels about once per month.
One of the easiest things at your home to convert to solar power is your outdoor lighting. There are many attractive solar lighting options available at your local home center. These fixtures are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Spend some time browsing the selections and seeing which options will suit your outdoor needs.
You may have lots of sunlight in the area, but if the roof is in full shade, it simply will not matter. Never trust a solar firm that says you can generate lots of power even if your panels are placed in a shady spot. That isn’t right.
If you know that you cannot reach your solar panels to clean them, the best thing to do would be to hire a professional to clean them. If you are unsure who to call, you should ask the company that came and installed the panels for you.
There is a common misconception that all solar energy systems are gigantic and take up too much space in a home. The truth is that solar energy is 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 to offset normal energy costs from your local power company.
Check that your solar-energy installer has the proper licenses and insurance. Installing solar panels on a steep roof is a delicate job, and you should feel confident that your installers know what they are doing. At a minimum, look for a contracting license, workers compensation insurance, and general liability insurance.
When designing a new place, have several large windows facing the south for more heat from the sun. Also, consider the full heat of the summer sun and how it can increase your cooling bills in the summer. There are people you can hire to help you design an energy-efficient home.
Conclusion:
Once you know a little more about solar energy, you will realize how much money you can save by installing solar panels. Doing so does not have to be a complicated or overly expensive process. Just use the advice you have read here to start using solar power right away.
