Solar panels are a great way to power your home but they also represent an important investment. If you cannot afford to get solar panels, keep reading to learn more about using solar energy on a budget.
You do not need solar panels to harvest the power of sun rays. These rays be used to keep your home warm and well lit if you are properly exposed to the sun. If you are having a new home built, find an architect who can help you maximize your exposure to the sun. Some large windows on the facade that gets the most exposure to the sun will help you keep your home warm. You can also have some solar tubes installed on your roof to channel sun light and replace light bulbs.
If you live in an isolated area and are not connected to the power grid, you should contact the nearest energy provider. Let them know that you would like an alternative to using a generator. In some cases, it will be more interesting for the energy provider to help you finance a solar energy system rather than expanding the main grid to your property. Keep in mind that these programs are available only in certain areas and you will have to contact the nearest energy provider to find out whether or not you qualify.
A solar powered hot water heater is an excellent product to invest in if you are interested in solar power but cannot afford to invest in a full scale system. These small scale systems are very affordable and you should be able to significantly reduce your monthly bills. A couple of solar panels will be enough to produce enough hot water for your home. If you have a swimming pool, invest in a solar powered water pump too.
Some solar powered outside lights are a great way to keep your home safe without spending more on electricity. Solar powered outside lights are a popular product and you should be able to find a wide selection of outside lights. A large system of outside lights can be powered by a small solar panel and a battery. This product will make your yard safer and more enjoyable and you will not have to worry about the outside lights increasing your bills.
You should contact local solar panel sellers to find out more about the different small scale systems they offer. Some sellers have solar powered battery chargers or generators. You should be able to get a customized system too if you want to use solar power for a specific appliance. If you mostly have old appliances, invest in energy efficient models first to make sure your appliances will properly run once they are connected to solar panels.
These tips will help you get access to solar power without investing a lot of money. If you get good results with your small scale system, consider investing in a much larger system so you can power your entire home with solar panels.