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Quick Tips On Utilizing Passive Solar Energy

How do you feel about solar energy? For some, the idea that the sun can power everything they need can seem too good to be true. There's no reason to be doubtful of what solar energy can do. If you're feeling skeptical about solar energy, try reading the following article, as it may change your mind.

If you really want to see how your solar panels are working, keep a diary of the day to day energy output. Make a note if you are recording data on a particularly dark or shady day. Having this information can help you to understand how your panels work, and this can help you to optimize their performance.

For the best results, place your solar panels in a http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarming/ location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.

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.



If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.

You should find solar panel vendors located in your area and have them inspect your property to determine what kind of panels would be best for you and how many panels will be needed. There are many vendors on the Internet but working with a professional located in another state means they might not be familiar with weather conditions.

Keep shade issues in mind when installing solar panels. A panel that loses a quarter of its light can lose half its power production. The main thing to keep in mind is tree foliage. Are any trees going to grow in between the panels and sunlight? Consider trimming them back a little.

A solar energy system is a great addition to your house as a homeowner. These panels can save you a lot of money during the course of the year on energy.

Though solar panels are put in areas with the most sunlight, some factors could affect the sun getting to them. Check on them often to make sure there is no foliage blocking them from the sun.

If you're constructing a new home, consider solar energy to provide power to your house. Solar energy leaves no devastating footprint on the environment. If you haven't considered this energy yet, you should do so now.

Check with your local power company as to whether they have a program to buy excess electricity collected by your solar panels. Some utility companies will give homeowners credits to apply to any energy provided to them. These programs are becoming more available as more and more people install solar panels on their home.

Avoid stepping on solar panels, unless you really need to. They are quite costly and you always want them working properly. If you need to step on the panels, you shouldn't walk near the end of them because they're more likely to become broken if you do.

Learn the local and state regulations that apply to you before installing a solar power system. Permits are required in a lot of locations. You wouldn't want to install a system only to have to remove it.

One of the nice features of using solar energy is that it not only saves you money, but it is also totally renewable, soundless and produces no pollution. This is why it is such a great option for both private residences, and large businesses to be more environmentally friendly.

Solar panels produce DC electricity but your appliances need AC energy. You will have to invest in a quality power inverter to turn DC electricity into AC power. Select your power inverter carefully and do not hesitate to invest in an expensive one since the efficiency of your inverter could directly impact the amount of power you can generate with your panels.

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 too. Building solar energy into a new integral led troffers home is much easier than adding it onto an old one!

You might have been putting off a solar energy system because you are concerned that you will not have enough sunlight. Many solar energy systems can coexist with your current system to give you that extra energy. This can be helpful in places like Washington that get a lot of rain throughout the year.

If you do not have enough room on your roof to install solar panels to power your home, consider buying a heat transfer system instead. A heat transfer system will heat the water in your home. Usually in a standard home up to 20% of the power bill is spent on heating water sitting in a tank.

Some state governments or city governments offer incentives to help homeowners invest in solar energy. You should contact your local government to find out if you qualify for any tax credits, grants or other types of incentives. Make sure your solar energy system corresponds to the rules and regulations set by your local governments to benefit from these incentives.

As was mentioned earlier, solar energy is among the best renewable energy sources. That said, there are a variety of things you have to consider. Use the information from this article to help guide you. If all goes well, you'll be using solar energy in the near future.