You want to learn more about solar energy and its many benefits. You may have heard things about solar energy in the past that have been deterrents for you. However, keep reading to learn more about how solar energy can save you money and help you fight for the environment at the same time.
If you are looking for a solar energy system, make sure to ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with various companies. A recommendation, or a warning, that you are familiar with can help you to make a smart buying decision. Your friends can also let you know about their experiences after installation, including any warranty issues and cost savings the system has offered.
There is really no reason to even consider getting a solar energy system if you live in an area that rarely sees the sun. This does not mean that a less than reputable company will not try to sell you a solar system though. If your roof does not receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day, you should not consider solar power.
If you live in a remote area and do not have access to the main power grid, the local energy provider might help you invest in a solar energy system since solar panels will be more affordable than extending the power lines. Contact different local energy providers to see if you can join a solar energy program.
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.
Positioning is key when obtaining solar energy with the help of solar panels. The panels of your home must face the area where the sun will be when the day is at the hottest temperature. For homes in the Northern hemisphere, the panels must face south and be angled at the home's horizontal plus 15 degrees.
It doesn't matter how much sun your property receives every day if shade covers your roof for most of the day. Never trust a solar firm that says you can generate lots of power even if your panels are placed in a shady spot. This just isn't true.
Always monitor the shade around your solar panels. Make sure there are no trees that have grown since your panels were installed. Trim any branches that are covering the panels and obstructing the sun. The shade on the solar panels will not let the panels perform correctly and will cause you to lose money.
Check regularly to be sure your solar energy panels are in good shape and operating at optimum efficiency. Solar energy panels don't need much maintenance, but you should still check them to be sure they haven't been damaged and aren't dirty. You don't want to learn of a problem by receiving a costly energy bill.
Always use non abrasive cleansers on your solar panels. An abrasive cleaner can scratch the surface of the panel and cause permanent damage and affect how well the solar panel works. There are commercial cleaning solutions to use or you can use a pool skimmer with a very soft cloth on it.
Having a pool is a luxury that is becoming unaffordable for many families. Have you watched the past couple summers pass by, without opening up the pool? Switching your system over to renewable solar energy can help make it possible to keep enjoying your pool, without the high energy bill each month.
Always look for a good and qualified contractor to install your solar system. Just because you are having a new technology installed on your home, does not mean that you should look for new contractors. The type of work is very specialized and having a quality contractor with a proven track record is critical to having your system installed properly
Smaller panels are often a more sensible choice than larger ones. Many factors affect the reliability of a particular solar panel systems, such as what is used to make it, its wattage, and what warranty it has. Before making this purchase, every factor needs to be thought through.
Be mindful about opening your curtains. If you want the room to stay cool in the summer, leave your curtains drawn on warm days. If you want it to warm up in that space, open the curtains and let the sun flood in. This can be an easy way to help control temperature without touching a thermostat.
You now know how solar energy can benefit your home or business. Keep in mind the tips you've read as you put them into action a little at a time. Take it slowly, but take advantage of solar energy and how it can save you in the long run.