By using the natural, endless energy produced by the sun, a solar energy system can save you money and save planet earth. It can help people who have commercial or residential real estate. This article will educate you so that you'll feel more confident in your choice to use solar energy systems.
You might be wondering how you can use solar energy, without having to spend a fortune. Solar energy systems can be expensive, but they can also be very affordable. Try using solar powered lights on your walkway or around your yard. You can also add solar panels slowly to your home overtime to bring down some of the costs little by little.
If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.
Before you pull the trigger and buy a system, take a look at how long the manufacturer guarantees the product for. You want a fairly long warranty because the system will have to pay for itself over time and help you begin to generate a profit. Therefore, make sure the warranty is for at least 25 years.
Teaching your children about solar energy will help them embrace this alternative energy in their adulthood. Help them understand the difference between a renewable resource and the limitations of other types of fuel. If you start instilling this way of thinking early on, your children will be more responsible in their choices when they lead their own lives.
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.
Always use non abrasive cleansers on your solar panels. An abrasive cleaner can scratch the surface of the panel and cause permanent damage and affect how well the solar panel works. There are commercial cleaning solutions to use or you can use a pool skimmer with a very soft cloth on it.
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.
It is crucial to speak with other homeowners who have invested in solar panels before you consider purchasing your own green energy system. Ask about price, performances and what kind of issues they ran into. You could also get some references for vendors, contractors or repairmen. Once you have your own system, do not hesitate to help other homeowners who are interested.
Teaching your children about solar energy will help them embrace this alternative energy in their adulthood. Help them understand the difference between a renewable resource and the limitations of other types of fuel. If you start instilling this way of thinking early on, your children will be more responsible in their choices when they lead their own lives.
Consider selling extra energy back to your local utilities. If you live in an area of abundant sunshine, you may be able to not only save money on your power, but earn a little extra too. Many power companies allow solar energy users to sell extra power back to them, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
Living a green life helps protect the environment and generally helps you save money. By choosing solar energy options such as solar heating, solar hot water heating and solar lighting, you can rest assured that you are helping to save the planet. Keep your solar products free from dirt and debris for best results.
Dry your clothes outdoors on a line. This old-fashioned idea is still an excellent way to make use of the sun. Rather than using electricity to both wash and dry your clothes, just put your clothing on the clothesline to dry. Your clothes will have a nice scent while saving money.
Before hiring a solar energy installer, be sure to perform a background check. You should give your business to a solid company who will be around http://energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/renewable-energy in years to come. This is crucial in the case of warranties and in the event you need your panels replaced.
The amount of energy your solar panel will produce is rated by watts. For example, if your solar panel is rated 100 watts, then on http://www.my-led-lighting-guide.tumblr.com/post/143268424763/led-high-bays-with-7-uplight-myledlightingguide a clear day, your solar panel will produce 100 watts per hour. To find out how much electricity you need to produce, look at your electric bill and divide the total by 30 days and then divide it by 3 as there is generally bright sunlight one third of the day.
Reduce your energy consumption before thinking seriously about solar panels. While solar energy can do the job, it's a good idea to start thinking conscientiously about what you can do to make your energy usage go down in the first place. That way, when you do get panels, you will spend less money because you will not have such high energy needs.
Solar panels produce DC electricity but your appliances need AC energy. You will have to invest in a quality power inverter to turn DC electricity into AC power. Select your power inverter carefully and do not hesitate to invest in an expensive one since the efficiency of your inverter could directly impact the amount of power you can generate with your panels.
Check your panels every few months to verify that they are getting as much sun as possible. As trees grow and new homes are built, your panels may not get the sun that they need to work their very best. Try to do this check every three months or so, or even more often if you think to do so.
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.
Lots of people have yet to fully appreciate the true potential solar energy offers. Fortunately, with some simple, factual information, that dilemma can easily be solved. Hopefully the article above has given you the sort of foundation of understanding necessary to continue a personal exploration of how you might integrate solar technologies into your lifestyle.
