Solid Advice About Solar Energy That Offers Great Answers!
You may not know much about solar energy. Most have little idea of what is possible, or how much it will cost. Before you decide to switch to a solar energy system, you need to learn how it works. Keep reading to find out more concerning solar energy.
Each solar energy system comes with a power inverter. A power inverter converters solar energy into usable energy for your home. By choosing a good quality power inverter, you can rest assured that you will be getting the maximum DC energy for the amount of energy harvested. Poor quality inverters will waste a lot of energy.
If you are located in the Northern hemisphere, your solar panels should be facing south. People who live in the Southern hemisphere should install their panels facing north. Putting them in any other way will defeat the entire purpose since the panels will not have a chance to collect a large amount of energy from the sun.
Keep in mind that purchasing a solar power system often enables you to receive tax credits from the government. You may find that you get back as much as 30 percent of the total cost of your system. So, if you look into a system and think that it costs too much, investigate whether or not you will get credit back to determine how affordable it actually is.
One of the easiest things at your home to convert to solar power is your outdoor lighting. There are many attractive solar lighting options available at your local home center. These fixtures are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. Spend some time browsing the selections and see which options will be suitable for your outdoor needs.
If you have a pool, don't even think of heating it any other way than solar! This is easily the most efficient use of solar power there is and it will save you a bundle. Solar heating systems cost about the same or less than conventional systems and basically operate themselves so stop wasting your money doing it the old-fashioned way!
People who live far away from the city or a power grid often accrue extra costs to connect to the grid. The power provider can connect your home to the grid, and any energy your produce will be credited to the account. This is best for homes that are south-facing.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don't underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
One great way to take advantage of solar energy is by constructing a heat well just inside the south facing windows or patio doors of your home. This well collects heat from the sun during the day and releases it after dark. This form of solar energy is completely passive and requires no maintenance.
Look into solar powered appliances. There are a number of products that are available that are powered by solar energy. One of the most popular is the solar powered water heaters. Just having one appliance run by solar energy can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.
Check with the offices of your local city and state before making any major changes to your home's electrical system. Some areas require you to file for permits before you can make these changes, depending on the severity of the additions. Though, for a small panel around the house, this isn't something you need to worry about.
If you are thinking about having a solar system installed, make sure that your home or business is suited for it. Sometimes the layout of the roof will not accommodate the proper angle for maximum energy production. Talk to more than one company to ensure the contractor is being honest about your solar situation.
Try to choose an area on your roof that is easily accessible from ground level to place your solar panels. You want to make sure you can get to your panels easily for cleaning, adjusting, maintenance and repairs. Placing them in an area that allows access can save you both time and money over your period of ownership.
Take the time to figure out how much money you will save thanks to a solar energy system. Compare the savings to the cost and calculate how long it will take you before you can generate power without spending anything on your panels. Doing the math will help you figure out how profitable this investment will be.
Many people don't know how solar energy systems work. Having read the information presented here, you should be well-grounded in the basics. You are probably more aware of the benefits you can gain from solar energy. Remember this information when selecting solar energy.
