Solar power is one of the best ways to use green energy and to be as energy-efficient as you can. Here are some great tips for making sure that your solar equipment provides you with maximum power and to make sure that you are using it to the best of its ability.
1. Make sure that your system will be facing the sun. The installer should help you figure out the best location for your system, but only you are the one emotionally and financially connected to that decision. The system should be in the part of your property that gets the most sun all year. Most of the places on your property get good sun exposure, but you want to make sure you get the best vantage point.
2. Think about wattage and how many panels you need. This is a decision that must be taken seriously. If you get too many inefficient panels that are huge, you ruin your chances for replacing them later without another big expense. Calculate how much wattage you use monthly to get an idea of what you will require--but do it based on winter sunshine hours and the most expensive months you have had with your utility company. You want to plan for a worst case scenario so that you are sure that the solar panels you buy will power you adequately throughout the year.
3. Get a professional to put your panels in. There is a lot of talk about putting in your own panels to save costs, which is possible. However, you have to think about costs over time as well. Can you do an installation as good as someone who is paid to do it every day? Are you absolutely sure you know what you're doing? This is one of the few times that you should not go the cheap way. These panels have to last you a long time, so make sure they are put in correctly so you don't have to pay more money later.
4. Maintain your panels well. Solar panels need very little maintenance, but keep an eye on them and make sure they stay clean. You can always have someone come out and take a look at them as well.
5. Before you buy, compare prices and quotes. If there is a wild divergence in prices, find out why. Make sure the manufacturer offers a warranty, and make sure that the warranty is for more than 20 years.
6. Talk about your system to your neighbors. A lot of people are uncomfortable with the idea of green energy, just because they don't know much. But when they find out how much money you are saving, they are going to be much more likely to think about it for themselves.
Using these tips before you install your solar panel system will ensure that you get the best use from solar energy that you can. You will also make sure that you are being as cost-efficient as you can so you can have energy that lasts for years.