Are you interested in switching to solar energy? There are a few things you should know before you start looking at solar panels. Read this article to make sure solar energy is your best option.
Solar energy is a great way to help preserve the environment and reduce your energy bills if you live in an area where you have access to sufficient resources. Solar panels will not produce enough energy to meet your needs if you cannot count on good exposure to the sun. The southwestern United States is the best area for solar energy: you should explore another green source of energy if you do not live in a sunny area. Keep in mind that you can improve your exposure to sun rays by cutting some trees or placing solar panels on a certain part of your property instead of the roof of your house. Get a professional to assess your resources if you are not sure where your solar panels should go.
Assess your needs in energy very carefully. You can use your bills or install an energy monitor to keep track of how much electricity you use. Try reducing this amount by replacing your old appliances and getting some energy-efficient light bulbs. The number of solar panels you get and their exposure to the sun will determine how much energy they can produce. In some cases, solar energy will not be enough to cover your needs, especially if you do not live in a very sunny area. If this is your case, you should consider getting a few solar panels to cover only a part of your needs.
There are different types of solar panels to choose from: take the time to learn more about different models and compare prices before you choose which panels you want. Photovoltaic panels are popular: they include mono-crystalline and polycrystalline panels. Mono-crystalline panels are more expensive but they are more efficient, while polycrystalline panels produce less electricity but are more affordable. Thin film solar panels are more expensive than photovoltaic ones, but they are easier to install and much more efficient. Your solar panel vendors will probably try selling you a battery to charge the electricity your panels produce: you should know that the batteries currently available on the market do not store energy for very long.
If you decide to switch to solar energy, the best way to finance your panels is to remain connected to the main power grid. You will then be able to join a financing program and sell some of the energy you produce to the main power grid instead of storing it in an battery. You will then get money from the main grid or be able to draw an equivalent amount of power when your panels are not producing any energy. You should get in touch with your energy provider to find out more about the rates at which you can sell your electricity: this will help you figure out how long it will take you to pay your panels off.
Keep in mind that solar panels are a long-term investment. Take the time to compare models and programs before you decide to purchase a system.