If you want to take advantage of solar energy, then you might have thought of many questions. How do you get started? What are some helpful tips you should know? By the end of this article, you should have a good outlook on solar energy and how it can benefit your home or business.
Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.
Before you pull the trigger and buy a system, take a look at how long the manufacturer guarantees the product for. You want a fairly long warranty because the system will have to pay for itself over time and help you begin to generate a profit. Therefore, make sure the warranty is for at least 25 years.
To help keep your solar energy panels running efficiently, keep a record of your solar panels performance. On this record, note when the days are overcast and how much energy your panels produced. This will help you plan your energy consumption better. For example, if the forecast is cloudy, then you should wait to do household chores that use a lot of energy.
Consider your home's outside design when thinking about solar energy. Having solar-powered pathway lights installed outside is an easy way to use solar energy at home. If you're building a home, positioning it so that it can take advantage of the sun's rays is also beneficial. Well-oriented homes filter in winter sun rays in the south-facing windows and that can reduce heating bills.
Make sure to have your solar panels professionally installed. The installation of these panels needs to be very precise, and you do not want to mess it up. Having a professional installation also provides you with a warranty, and this gives you somewhere to turn if things are not working right.
Consider changing out your windows when you install a solar energy system. Installing energy efficient windows will help your home be easier to heat and cool, maximizing your energy savings. Since you will now be providing your own power, it is a good idea to save energy wherever you can.
If you invest in a large solar energy system, you could actually make money off of it. If you can pull enough solar power with a collection of solar panels, you may be able to sell your excess electricity to neighbors or even the power company. Contact your local company to see if this could work for you.
As a business entrepreneur, you want people to look at your business in the best possible light. One way to show your customers and potential customers that you are doing your part to be eco-friendly is by choosing to run your business with solar energy. This will help appeal to those who are conscientious about the earth.
Think about heating your hot tub or pool water with solar energy. These devices are some of the most energy consuming things that people have in their homes these days. If you use solar energy instead of standard energy to power these you could greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the end.
Check for government certification on any solar panel you are considering buying. Consider this tip a must. The government's seal of approval lets you know that these panels are deemed quality and efficient. Plus, some of the financial benefits of using solar panels (tax credits, etc.) rely on using certified panels.
We rely heavily in the United States on foreign energy sources, especially oil. This is money that is going to another country. By making Solar companies queen creek to solar energy you are helping to reduce the US's dependence on foreign energy, and helping to keep the earths natural resources from becoming ultimately depleted.
Find a vendor who offers a lengthy warranty for your solar panels. A lengthy warranty is a sign that the vendor has faith in the products and it will help you save a lot of money in case your panels malfunction. Do some background research on the vendor you chose to make sure they are likely to still be around over the next decades.
An alternate type of solar panel recently developed is a photovoltaic panel. This type of panel uses the sun's energy to produce electricity. This electricity can be used to power anything in your home that is uses it, or it can be stored in batteries. These panels can be considerably more expensive than the original solar panel.
Don't look at solar panels as a do it yourself project. You are putting serious funds into these panels, and any mistake can be very costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers out there near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
Don't look at solar panels as a do it yourself project. You are putting serious funds into these panels, and any mistake can be very costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers out there near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
Use a hose for cleaning solar panels. A hose on the job once per week can keep you from having to get on the roof. An added benefit is knowing you will not scratch your panels this way.
Do you have some outside lights for your home? You should consider using solar panels to power them. An outside light system can easily be powered by one or two solar panel and you will see a difference on your energy bills right away. Make sure you use energy-efficient light-bulbs for your outside light and you will save even more.
To help save energy during the summertime, use fans instead of air conditioning. This is especially important when using solar energy. Keep your drapes closed to keep the sunlight from heating your home and seal all air leaks around your doors and windows. Solar energy is all about living a green lifestyle; therefore, by not wasting electricity, you can help save the environment.
0 
Star