Considering Going Solar? Read This Valuable Solar Energy Advice First!

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October 23, 2017 Simon Weiner 0 Comments

Considering Going Solar? Read This Valuable Solar Energy Advice First!

If you are considering a plan for solar energy for your home or business, then you need to be well-informed. Continue reading to find out how you can save money and positively impact the environment. Solar energy is a newbie subject for many, so this article should prove rather informative.

Are your energy bills getting a little out of control these days? If you are tired of paying costly energy bills then it is time to switch to solar energy. It might cost a little more upfront, but will ultimately end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.



Only lease equipment which allows you to transfer the lease. This is important because if put your home on the market, you may get stuck with paying for a leased solar energy system that you are not able to use. Having the transfer of lease option can get you out of your contract and allow the new homeowners to enjoy the benefits.

Cleaning your solar panels does not need to be labor intensive. You want to avoid abrasive soaps at all costs, as they can deteriorate and even destroy your panels. So long as there is not caked up dust or bird droppings, frequent rinses with just hose water should be more than enough.

Find a reputable company. With the rapidly rising popularity of solar energy, new companies are springing up left and right to take advantage. A solar energy installation is a big purchase that should last you many years. When shopping for your system, look for a company that you can be confident will still be around ten or even twenty years from now.

Many people don’t realize that when you have a solar power system, you do not have to hook up to a power grid. You can operate one yourself, and this will make your family independent from everyone else in your area. You will no longer have a monthly utility bill or have the task of establishing service each time you move.

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 it comes to solar water heaters, be realistic. They’re typically only 30% more efficient than any other form of water heater. You should also know that showering in the morning when it’s still dark out doesn’t mean you’ll have cold water. Water heated by solar power should stay warm for 24 hours.

Buying a small solar panel system is better than not having one at all. For many people, it is far too expensive to install a system that would power their entire home, but starting small is better than not doing anything. There are many options out there when it comes to size, so check them out.



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 have the ability to purchase additional power when you need it. As a bonus, when you produce more power than you use, you can sell the excess back to the utilities.

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.

If you choose to buy solar panels, make sure you compare prices of the panels themselves, as well as the cost of installation. Be sure you understand what is included in each estimate. You don’t want to automatically choose the cheapest contractor, but you also don’t want to pay more than you need to.

Solar panels do not necessarily need to be placed on your roof. You can place them somewhere in your yard if you have enough space. Systems that track the sun or adjustable panel mounts can provide more energy. Of course, this will take up some space on your land or in your yard.

It is vital that the person who installs your solar power system is actually licensed to do so. An installer who is not licensed may install your solar panels incorrectly, or they may violate local regulations. In addition, a licensed installer can provide you with great information about these regulations that an unlicensed installer cannot.

The mounting system of your panels should be adapted to your area. If your home is often exposed to strong winds, earthquakes or even tornadoes, you need to find a mounting system that can withstand these extreme conditions. Contact your local government to find out more regarding regulations on solar panel mounts.

Solar water heating is a great way to use the sun’s power to heat up your swimming pool. It can also be used to heat the water for your home. That said, the energy savings is typically only 30% over traditional water heating devices, so keep that in mind as you create a budget.

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 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.

What do you think about using solar energy in your home or business now? If you know what to do and what to consider, then it becomes a much more viable option. The many benefits of solar energy await you as you use all of what you’ve learned to formulate your plan.







I hope you enjoyed my post: Considering Going Solar? Read This Valuable Solar Energy Advice First!

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