Oh, the joys of a bright, sunny day! Glorious sunlight can be harnessed for power. It is a great energy source that does not cause pollution. Read on for a selection of tips and tricks aimed at helping you harness the sun's energy.
Solar energy can only be used to power a home when the home's solar panels are functioning properly. To ensure the panels are working at maximum efficiency, perform regular maintenance on them. Dirt can easily accumulate on the panels if they are not cleaned, which can reduce the amount of sunlight the panels can absorb, creating less power.
You should assess how much energy you need and how much sunlight is available in your area before comparing different products. It may be better to install several smaller panels instead of one larger panel.
There is a common misconception that all solar energy systems are gigantic and take up too much space on a home. The truth is, solar energy are scalable to any size. If you want a large solar array to power your home, you can. You can also choose to use something smaller that will offset normal energy costs from your local power company.
Think about how much better the lives of your great-grandchildren could be if everyone converted to solar energy right now. They would not have to fear the air outside, and maybe even could never hear of global warming. If you care about the health of those that will come long after you die, you should look into solar energy for your life.
Think about having your solar panels connected to the power grid. You will be able to sell the energy you do not need to your energy provider. This will let you save even more money.
Even if you are an expert at home repairs and updates, consider asking a professional to provide a consult and help with your solar power system installation. A professional can help you to determine how many panels you need, where they should be placed and how to get the most energy from them.
Consider the quality of the equipment you will need to purchase for your solar power system. This includes the panels, charge controller, power inverter and batteries. Purchasing only high quality equipment will maximize the cost savings that solar energy provides you with, as well as the lifespan of your entire system.
When you choose to make an upgrade to solar energy, you are making a lifetime investment that will always provide some benefit. Most solar panels have an expected life between 5 and 25 years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer. Among these numbers, most devices last up to 80% of this maximum and come with warranties to cover this period.
Have a certified technician check your solar energy system on a regular basis, at least twice a year. Solar batteries can become damaged if they are flooded with too much power, and this can happen if the inverter or charge controller is not working correctly. By having your system checked regularly, you can avoid expensive repair and replacement costs.
One of the major benefits of solar energy is that it is renewable. The sun (generally) shines each and every day, and there is no reason to worry that drawing power from the sun will somehow render it unusable in the future. Using solar energy, therefore, is a safe and reliable way to power the Earth.
Talk to the company that you plan on having install your solar system and see if a sun tracker is a good fit for your system. Sun trackers use very little energy and will maximize the amount of power your system can produce. If you have the space and resources, a sun tracking system can help you maximize your energy production.
When shopping for a solar panel installer there are some things to consider. Look for an installer who has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. Also, make sure they are certified and licensed. Ask for references and talk to previous clients to see what their satisfaction level is. Make sure their prices are fair and that they have good guarantees.
If you can afford to, you should invest in a sun tracking system. A sun tracking system will determine where the sun rays are coming from and adjust the angle of your panels so their exposure is maximized. Sun tracking systems are expensive but you will be able to produce a lot more energy.
Many governments offer tax savings for consumers who install green energy products. These tax savings can help offset the installation cost of a new solar energy system. Additionally, many state's also allow you to deduct some or most of the costs of the installation on your state's tax return allowing double savings.
Learning about solar power can be one of the best investments that you make. The benefits from having this knowledge can help you finish your solar energy system on budget and time. Keep these tips in mind when you are thinking about switching to solar energy.