The sun shines every day, warming us and providing us with light. Without the sun, we wouldn't exist. That said, we can also use the sun to power all the things which run on electricity we use daily. This article will show you how to start using solar energy in your life.
Start small if you are just starting out with solar energy. Pick up some inexpensive outdoor lights to get your feet wet. Solar powered outdoor lighting is popular and you can find them at most home improvement shops. Installing them means nothing more than shoving them into the soil.
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 http://www.greenenergy.com.kw/ work in your area.
Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.
If you are comparing prices on a solar energy unit, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some companies might offer bargain priced systems, but these systems might not hold up, be backed by a credible warranty or function in a way that really saves you money. Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to spend a little more now so that you save a lot more in the long run.
Look into portable solar energy battery packs. These can be extremely useful when you are somewhere that does not have access to power. For example, it could be used to charge your cell phone while you are camping in a remote location. It http://www.my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/144950702198/led-retrofit-kit-sizes-pie-chart-each-kit-broken has recently become very popular, and because of this, it is relatively inexpensive.
Find a vendor who offers a lengthy warranty for your solar panels. A lengthy warranty is a sign that the vendor has faith in the products and it will help you save a lot of money in case your panels malfunction. Do some background research on the vendor you chose to make sure they are likely to still be around over the next decades.
Once you have solar energy panels installed on your home, make sure that you keep them clean. Many people do not realize a cleaner panel will attract more of the sun's energy. Depending on the area you live in, you should wash your panels every two to four weeks or so.
Don't underestimate the effect that shade can have on a solar panel's output. One tree branch can produce enough shade to reduce the amount of solar energy produced by almost 80 percent and that's without leaves. Take the time to properly situate any solar panels you install to maximize their efficiency.
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.
When you're planning on installing a solar energy system, you should shop around and get a few quotes. You'll be able to see how much prices vary between providers. While you shouldn't be completely swayed by price, it's crucial that you don't just go for the cheapest since cheaper components can cost you a lot more later.
To ensure your solar panels are functioning at maximum capacity, install a sun tracker. Through the tracker, your panels will constantly adjust to maintain maximum exposure to the sun. The initial cost is more but the savings add up over time.
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.
Solar energy water heaters are a viable option for those considering the solar energy market but not ready to make a huge investment. A solar water heater carries with it a minimal cost, and it can pay for itself in as little as a year or two. In contrast, solar panels for an entire home are much more expensive, and they sometimes take considerably longer to pay for themselves.
If you are located in the Northern hemisphere, your solar panels should be facing south. People who live in the Southern hemisphere should install their panels facing north. Putting them in any other way will defeat the entire purpose since the panels will not have a chance to collect a large amount of energy from the sun.
Choose a mount that will allow you to change the orientation of your solar panels. If you can move the panels around, you will be able to get better efficiency. Use a sun tracker or hire a professional to help you determine which angle is ideal for your solar panels.
Energy bills can get high, especially if your family includes several children. Between computers, charging cell phones and televisions being on all the time, it can be frustrating as a parent to keep reminding your kids to conserve the electricity. A switch to renewable solar energy can save you on energy costs without that extra effort.
If you know that you cannot reach your solar panels to clean them, the best thing to do would be to hire a professional to clean it for you. if you are not sure of who to call, you should ask the company that came and installed the panels for you.
If you live in a remote area and do not have access to the main power grid, the local energy provider might help you invest in a solar energy system since solar panels will be more affordable than extending the power lines. Contact different local energy providers to see if you can join a solar energy program.
As was already discussed, tons of people change to solar energy these days because of all the benefits it gives. Before you read this article, however, you may not have known too much about it. Now that you have read the article, you are on your way to become a solar energy genius. Use these tips to begin using this wonderful energy source.
