Solar Energy Advice That Can Work For You
The idea of installing solar panels in your home or business should not be taken lightly. It is a major step, and it's important that you're well-informed about all of your options and what all they entail. Continue reading to find out more about solar energy so that you can make the right moves.
Talk to your local government about doing any major solar installations in your home or business. You want to be properly permitted and within building, zoning and construction codes and regulations. However, you may also discover tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives. They may also have data and information about how well certain solar technologies work in your area.
As a business entrepreneur, you want people to look at your business in the best possible light. One way to show your customers and potential customers that you are doing your part to be eco-friendly is by choosing to run your business with solar energy. This will help appeal to those who are conscientious about the earth.
You can take advantage of solar power with solar panels. The layout of your home could help you save on energy by maximizing your exposure to the sun. Consider making some changes to your home such as adding large windows so you can benefit from natural light and warmth from the sun.
If the cost of solar panels is prohibitive, you might consider buying one at a time. See if you can enlist the help of someone that can help you with an energy audit. This can give you a good idea of whether you are wasting money or not. You won't need to install that many 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 home is much easier than adding it onto an old one!
If you're in southwest USA, then solar panels are definitely something you should consider. This area gets the most solar energy year round, making it extremely beneficial financially to become reliant on the sun for your energy needs. You should start comparing prices and learning more about solar energy.
Hang your clothes out to dry. In the days before electricity, people used this to dry their clothes. It really works! Rather than using electricity to both wash and dry your clothes, just put your clothing on the clothesline to dry. You will save money and energy and have crisp, fresh smelling clothes.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is odorless, tasteless and deadly as well. This silent killer takes the lives of too many unsuspecting families. Help avoid this tragedy altogether by changing your current system over to safer and renewable solar energy. It will help to save you money, and give you peace of mind at the same time.
Many solar systems require little or no maintenance to operate smoothly throughout the year, but you should have them service occasionally. Dirt, leaves and dust can accumulate and reduce the amount of power that your system can produce. Have a licensed installer come out regularly to preform maintenance on your system.
Low prices can be very attractive but keep in mind that solar panels and their installation is not cheap. If a vendor has extremely low prices, you are probably getting low quality equipment or even second hand equipment. It is best to invest in quality solar panels and hire a trustworthy contractor to install them.
A charge controller is a great addition to any solar array, specifically those that are working above 10 watts on a regular basis. 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.
When you choose to make an upgrade to solar energy, you are making a lifetime investment that will always provide some benefit. Most solar panels have an expected life between 5 and 25 years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer. Among these numbers, most devices last up to 80% of this maximum and come with warranties to cover this period.
If you have a pool, you may want to consider investing in a solar water heating system. This form of solar energy is among the most cost effective. In most cases, you will offset the cost of installation within the first few years. Shop around in your area to find the best deals.
Now that you know the information that you've read in this article, you should feel better about devising a solar energy plan. While there is much to consider, the right information directs you properly, and you are going to see the many benefits. Remember the advice that has been discussed, and move forward with solar energy.