A Definitive List Of Expert Solar Energy Secrets
Everyone knows that solar panels can be great for the environment. This is a crucial investment. You need to ascertain that solar energy will benefit you before investing in a system. You can learn more about the financial side of solar energy in this article.
- If you perform regular maintenance on your solar power system, it will function well for a long time. Look over the equipment one time a month and keep the panels clean. If you are not able to do so yourself, you should have a trained professional come to your home. Tackling the project on your own could save a great deal of money, however.
2. Heating your water using a solar energy water heater is one way to help protect the environment. Many different water heating systems exist, including tankless solar powered systems. They’re affordable to install and save you money.
3. Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
4. Try to choose solar panels that can have their angles adjusted easily. The angle at which the sun hits the Earth changes throughout the year. This means that the best angle to catch the suns rays can be very different between summer and winter. Ideally you want to at least be able to adjust the angle of your panels twice a year, however if you can find some that allow adjustments four times a year (spring, summer, fall, winter) that is even better.
5. You should find solar panel vendors located in your area and have them inspect your property to determine what kind of panels would be best for you and how many panels will be needed. There are many vendors on the Internet but working with a professional located in another state means they might not be familiar with weather conditions.
6. Before installing solar panels on your roof, check with your home owners association. Some associations have restrictions on what you are allowed to do to the outside of the property, and this might mean solar panels are not an option for you. It is better to have this information up front than to purchase the panels and be forced to remove them at a later time.
7. Think about the money that you send to your power companies each month. How would you like to keep that money in your pocket? Changing to solar power will do that for you. After you pay off the initial investment, the money you used to pay to the power company will stay in your wallet.
8. One of the biggest and best advantages of solar energy is that it does not release any harmful substances in the environment. Fossil fuels, which are used for regular energy, give off harmful substances, like carbon dioxide. In the end, these gasses can ruin the environment and harm animals and plants.
9. 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.
10. Do you have a pool? You could save a lot by investing in solar panels. There are small solar energy systems designed to power a water heater or a water pump and since you only use your pool during the warmer months, your panels will work perfectly when you need them.
11. If you have animals that require electric fencing to contain them, use solar powered fencing units to provide power for them. A great advantage to these systems is that they are completely mobile, and can be easily moved. If you are a horse owner who enjoys overnight horse-camping, the fencer can be easily taken along.
12. Experiment with various angles and placements, monitoring the power stored on a daily basis and making changes as necessary. Any angle might be acceptable, but there are times when a small tweak in the position can have a noticeable impact. Try different options and stick with the spot that works best.
13. You don’t necessarily have to stick the solar panels in the typical locations you see in the brochures. There only needs to be a small gap of approximately 1″ behind the panel for air circulation. You can find interesting positions anywhere on your property that work with the style and design of the surrounding area.
14. 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.
As people begin thinking about utilizing solar power, many are unfortunately under the misconception that you have to live in a sunny location. If they don’t feel like their living conditions are ideal, they give up on their dream. It is important to note, though, that power can be generated from the sun even on overcast days.
Never use an abrasive material to clean your solar panels. Doing so could cause them to become scratched and less useful than they were when they were installed. Your best bet is to have a gentle cleanser and cloth on hand to clean your panels so that you know that you have what you need when the time comes.
Hopefully, this article has given you information that you need to answer your questions and motivate you to consider solar power. The idea sounds perfect, but if the location of your home does not get any direct sunlight, other energy options might be better for you. Use this information to help you decide whether solar panels are a good option for you.