The potential benefits and cost savings of solar energy have caused countless individuals over the past several years to seek additional knowledge of the subject. The key to understanding solar energy http://my-led-lighting-guide.blogspot.com/2016/11/where-are-led-vapor-tight-lights-used.html/ is to learn as much as possible on the topic. By reviewing the information that follows, you will be off to a terrific start.
The power produced by solar panels depends on how many you install and their efficiency. You will need to do a little math to calculate the number of panels you will need. Higher-efficiency panels are often your best bet cost-wise.
If you decide to put solar energy panels on your home, remember to keep them clean. Your solar panels must reflect the sun's rays in order to store the sun's energy for use in your home or business. If they are dirty, they can not effectively do this. By keeping them clean, you will get the most bang for your buck!
Before purchasing solar panels, check the track record of the company that is selling them. Many panels come with lengthy warranty periods of up to twenty five years, but this warranty is only good if the company is still in business. Make sure to ask how long the company has been in operation and check ratings with organizations like the BBB before making your purchase.
One great way to take advantage of solar energy is by constructing a heat well just inside the south facing windows or patio doors of your home. This well collects heat from the sun during the day and releases it after dark. This form of solar energy is completely passive and requires no maintenance.
Even locations with cold weather and clouds can benefit from switching to solar energy. It doesn't need to be like Florida all year round for it to be a big part of your energy savings goals. In fact, many people say that some of their best solar power days come on less than pretty ones.
Do some serious calculations before you invest in solar panels. Installing solar panels may not be a financially sound investment for you. If you rush into purchasing a solar power system, you may be unpleasantly surprised.
Converting your whole house to solar power can be expensive. Before you commit, look at how much you can afford. The initial investment will be very large, but there will come a time when you will break even, then start realizing your savings. Work out the numbers so that you will know how it will affect your long-term budget.
When purchasing a solar energy system, make sure that you read the manufacturer's warranty carefully. This is a very expensive item, and you want to know that you will be able to get a replacement in the event something happens to it. You should purchase an extended warranty if the one that is offered is very limited.
If you aren't ready to take the plunge into a solar power system, consider using a solar attic fan. These fans have temperature sensors that switch automatically on when the attic reaches a certain threshold. This will help to reduce the heat in your house which results in lower cooling costs. The fan itself will not increase your electric bill since it is solar-powered.
Do not clean your solar panels with abrasive chemicals. You should use some lukewarm water, a soft cloth and some biodegradable soap if needed. Clean your panels at least once a month or more frequently if you notice your green energy system is not producing as much power as it should.
If you don't want to make the commitment to a fully solar powered energy system, consider investing in solar water heating. Water heaters make up a large portion of the energy that a home consumes during the year. With their lower initial cost, solar water heaters can enable you to see your energy savings much sooner than a fully system.
Solar water heating systems still have a way to go. For example, the top-performing systems offer modest improvements over the most efficient traditional units. Nonetheless, they can still generate impressive cost savings. Second, don't assume showers in the dark morning mean cold water. Solar water heaters will stay hot or warm for around a day.
Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your town's federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.
Make sure to allow for adequate spacing around your solar panels. When overheated, these panels do not work effectively, and this can diminish the amount of energy they create for your family. Allowing for space between and around each panel helps to promote air flow and maximize both the functioning and lifespan of your panels.
Almost all solar systems are scalable to the amount of space you have in your home. A complete system is not required in many cases. If you do not have the room to fully power your home using solar, you can use the space you have to power part of your home.
Make sure your solar panels aren't shaded. You need to be sure that there is nothing new shading your panels either. If there's something like a tree in the way, it should http://www.climatehotmap.org/ be trimmed. Panels work exponentially, so having a fourth of a panel shaded can actually make you lose half of its output. If your panels can't get any sun, you're losing money.
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 end up losing power when you need it.
As you now know, there is more than one form of solar energy. Depending on your needs and the environmental factors in your area, different types of solar energy gathering methods may be more beneficial to you. Use the information you have just read if you are serious about making use of solar energy in your home.
