Solar Energy Can Bring In Cash And Save The Environment

Of all of the green energy choices, solar energy can bring in the most money. The sun comes up and shines for free and you can use it for nothing, if you have a solar system array on your roof. Check this article out to find out some of the ways that you can use to save money with solar energy.

Solar power can help you in a number of ways. You can buy a set of outdoor lights that use solar power and put them in the ground in your front yard; then, you'll have a lighting system to greet your guests without adding to your power bill. Any appliance that you can attach to your electrical system can benefit from solar power.

Adding solar power to a water heater is a common entry point for many people into solar energy for the home. Instead of installing a full array of panels, you just install a handful, and run the circuitry right to your hot water heater. Then, the power goes right from the sun for use in your hot water heater. If you aren't using your hot water heater, the energy goes into your grid for use throughout the rest of the house.

The best place for solar cells on most homes is the roof, because that has the most access to the sun without blockage from trees, telephone poles and other structures. You want to make sure, though, that the pitch of your roof will point the panels toward the incoming sunlight. A contractor can help you make that determination as to the best placement.

If you notify the electric company that you are installing solar panels, then you can arrange to sell them your excess power. If you do not use all of the energy that your solar panels generate in an entire month, then you should get a check back from your utility. Most utilities are glad to have the contributions, because electricity use is increasing in the United States each year, and the more customers there are with solar panels, the more relief the grid will get, especially in the hottest part of the summer.

You'll want to check with your HOA (homeowner's association) to find out if you can put solar panels in. Most associations do permit this, but there are some who will not allow it. The opposition to solar panels is not as passionate as the opposition to wind turbines is, because solar panels do not stand dozens of feet in the air and block views. However, you definitely want to find out before you place an order with a contractor.

Hopefully, this article has given you some ideas about things to consider when pondering a solar energy array for your house. Using these points as a springboard, you should be able to figure out what questions to ask your local government representative in charge of energy, and the contractors whom you interview when finding one to install your array.