If you are thinking about using solar energy in your home or business, then you need to keep reading. There is much to consider, and you want to be fully aware of your path as you move forward. You want to know the benefits, and you want to know what to look out for as you devise your plan.
Do your research before you buy or install anything. It is important that you know what you're allowed to have in place, what is the best choice for efficiency and what sort of a budget you're working with. Once you have those answers in hand, you'll be able to go forward with your project.
The efficiency of a solar energy system varies a lot depending on its exposure to the sun. If you live in a sunny area, your system should produce enough energy to cover all your needs but solar energy might not be such a good investment if you live in an area where the sky is usually filled with clouds.
One positive step toward helping helping the environment is to switch to a solar powered water heater. Many different water heating systems exist, including tankless solar powered systems. Both the roof and sunny outdoor locations are options for installation.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
Consider your home's outside design when thinking about solar energy. Having solar-powered pathway lights installed outside is an easy way to use solar energy at home. If you're building a home, positioning it so that it can take advantage of the sun's rays is also beneficial. Well-oriented homes filter in winter sun rays in the south-facing windows and that can reduce heating bills.
Your solar energy system can not only save you money, but help you make it too. If your system happens to make more energy than you need, then http://www.seattle.gov/light/green/greenpower/ you can sell it to the local energy company in your area. Imagine receiving money to produce energy instead of spending money to produce the same amount of energy?
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 very costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers out there near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
Do not be discouraged at the cost of starting solar energy. You may find it pricy to get the products you need for setting up a solar energy system. But, you will find a much cheaper electric bill every month, paying off the initial start up cost and then some.
Keep your solar panels clean. If your solar panels are dirty or obstructed in any way, they won't work as well. Keep an eye on your solar panels and clean them if they're not quite looking their best. Hosing them down occasionally will ensure that they are much more efficient.
Don't assume that you have to live in the desert to use solar panels on your roof. If your roof expanse gets a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight on an average day, there is likely a solar panel installation that can generate electricity for your home or building.
When you create your own solar http://my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/146087026033/50-posts?route=%2Fpost%2F%3Aid%2F%3Asummary/ power, you can actually make money off the process. It is possible for you to sell your extra power to an energy company in your area. If you think you would be interested in this, get in touch with your local power company and talk to them about how it would work.
You don't necessarily have to stick the solar panels in the typical locations you see in the brochures. There only needs to be a small gap of approximately 1" behind the panel for air circulation. You can find interesting positions anywhere on your property that work with the style and design of the surrounding area.
When you are serious about your move to solar energy and begin using panels that sink more than 6 watts, invest in a solar controller. These small controls help maximize the efficiency of the charge cycle and prevent any wasted overcharging from occurring. When there is a lot of energy at stake, these are a must have for your solar-home.
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 over, maybe switch out your outdoor lighting.
Don't waste your time lining the solar panels beneath an array of florescent lights--though it may sound tempting. Solar cells are not designed to generate a voltage from fluorescent light sources and this is a waste of energy of time. Any spot in the yard would be a better location for the panels.
If you can afford to, you should invest in a sun tracking system. A sun tracking system will determine where the sun rays are coming from and adjust the angle of your panels so their exposure is maximized. Sun tracking systems are expensive but you will be able to produce a lot more energy.
Have a certified technician check your solar energy system on a regular basis, at least twice a year. Solar batteries can become damaged if they are flooded with too much power, and this can happen if the inverter or charge controller is not working correctly. By having your system checked regularly, you can avoid expensive repair and replacement costs.
Double check how much sun your panels are getting frequently. Sometimes tree sprouts new branches or neighbors put up new buildings in the way. Monitor your panels at all times of the day to ensure you're getting the optimal amount of sun to produce as much power as is possible in your location.
Taking advantage of the sun's energy is not only helpful to us, but also helpful to the environment. Use what you learned here to help you make an informed choice. The energy from the sun can give you energy for the different things you need, just learn more about it.
