If you want to cut away your dependency on expensive, wasteful energy sources and fossil fuels, then solar energy is the switch you have been looking for. Utilizing solar power as efficiently as possible will make this transition effortless and extremely beneficial. This isn't a small decision to make, though small changes can make a big difference as they accumulate. Fully research the expenses, technology, and capabilities of solar power in your area and apply the advice you will find in the paragraphs below.
Contact your current energy provider and ask how they arrive at the price found on your previous bill. Most electricity providers will bill a set price per watt/hour and this number will grow as your electric devices are ran throughout the day. Different factors can also influence the cost of your energy, such as climate, location, community, laws, and availability. Of course, different formulas will apply to alternative energy sources like gas. The best part is that solar power has none of these fees!
Find previous bills from your energy provider and average the typical consumption per day according to watts/hour. With this number, you can estimate the number and size of solar panels that you will need to install to provide the same amount of energy. If you live alone and practice proper energy efficient habits, this can be a fairly small number that is easily replaced with a equally-small number of panels. However, a large family that has several appliances running may require a larger initial investment.
Find areas of your energy bill where you can cut down on consumption. Your goal is to replace your current provider with solar panels and the higher your consumption is on a typical day, the more money you will need to invest into purchasing and installing panels. If you look through the bill and find the problem areas where prices seem to spike, you can find the source of the problem and remove it. Focus on building energy efficient habits like turning the lights off when leaving a room and only running appliances when needed.
Your location is going to play a vital role in how easily you can make the transition from fossil fuels to solar power. If you live in an area with constant sunlight, it will be much easier to install panels anywhere and have good results. If you live in an area that is shaded by trees, has limited exposure to the sun, or suffers from other environmental limitations, then it will become slightly more complex.
Solar energy is a transition that you are probably eager to begin. However, the changes can start long before you need to install the solar panels. By practicing energy saving techniques and understanding how solar power works, you can prepare yourself for this new energy provider. You can cut away excess expenses and reduce the initial investment by a substantial amount in only a short matter of time. With all of the tips found above, you can remove yourself from the grid and keep your money in your wallet.