Solar energy can be a confusing topic, but it’s not all that complicated. You need the right information to grab the opportunity by the horns. This article can help you understand more about solar power.
Are you wondering how you can help reduce your carbon footprint on the earth? There are many small ways to do this, but by switching to solar energy, you can help make a big impact. Solar energy is renewable, meaning healthy for the environment and good for your wallet.
If you often travel with your electronics, consider investing in solar-powered chargers. These chargers include a small solar panel that can generate enough power to charge your cell phone or another electronic device such as a laptop. There are even cases including a small solar charger designed for tablets.
Solar energy can help save you money on your utility bill. The sun’s energy is free for you to use and can help you save money when you have solar energy panels installed on your home or place of business. If you want to learn how you can save money with solar energy, call a professional in your area.
If you consider a specific type of panel, learn when the technology it uses was designed. Many current technologies are better, but some panel vendors sell a couple of years old technology. It’s cheap, but you won’t get much out of it.
If you are building a new home, now is the time to factor in solar energy! Ask a consultant to design windows that warm your home in winter while saving you a bundle on heating. Consider planting trees for shade and leaving space in the yard for solar panels. Building solar energy into a new home is much easier than adding it to an old one!
Outdoor lighting fixtures can be completely powered by solar energy. Search for outdoor fixtures that collect energy from the sun during the day and release it after dark. While these fixtures do not require much energy, these systems are very convenient because there are no electrical wires to run or short out.
Teaching your children about solar energy will help them embrace this alternative energy in adulthood. Help them understand the difference between a renewable resource and the limitations of other fuel types. If you start instilling this way of thinking early on, your children will be more responsible in their choices when they lead their own lives.
Hang up your clothes on a line for drying purposes. In the days before electricity, people used this to dry their clothes. It works! Instead of using your dryer on a sunny day, hang your laundry outside on a clothesline to dry. Your clothes will get dry, and you will save some money and energy.
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 can purchase additional power when you need it. As a bonus, you can sell the excess back to the utilities when you produce more power than you use.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless, and deadly. This silent killer takes the lives of too many unsuspecting families. Help avoid this tragedy altogether by changing your current system to safer and renewable solar energy. It will help save you money and give you peace of mind simultaneously.
A charge controller is a great addition to any solar array, specifically those working above 10 watts regularly. These small devices act as “ON” and “OFF” switches to protect your batteries. They prevent overcharging from damaging your batteries and can provide more advanced charging options depending on the make and model.
Even though some solar energy companies fail, solar energy isn’t failing. If you are located in a sunny area and have reasonable expectations for your solar energy system, solar power could be an excellent option for you. Look for local companies who can provide you with solar energy and the support for your system that you will need throughout the years.
Use winter sunshine hours instead of summer hours whenever you are calculating how many solar panels you will need. This is because winter sunshine hours only add up to about half that of summer. It is better to overestimate how many panels you will need rather than underestimate. If you underestimate, you will lose power when you need it.
Make sure your solar panels aren’t shaded. It would be best to be sure that there is nothing new shading your panels either. If there’s something like a tree in the way, it should be trimmed. Panels work exponentially, so having a fourth of a panel shaded can make you lose half of its output. If your panels can’t get any sun, you’re losing money.
Do you have some outside lights for your home? It would be best if you considered using solar panels to power them. One or two solar panels can easily power an external light system, and you will see a difference in your energy bills right away. Make sure you use energy-efficient light bulbs for your outside light, and you will save even more.
Since children are the ones who will be running the future, it is important to teach them early about renewable energy. As a parent, you can set the example by using solar energy whenever possible. If it is not possible to swap your entire house, maybe switch out your outdoor lighting.
Conclusion:
You now should know much more about solar energy. The more information you have, the more confident you feel when dealing with solar energy. You have been convinced of the wisdom of solar, and you now understand how to get the ball rolling.
