Solar energy is something that most people wish they had. This is when the power of the sun is used to create electricity. It’s a nice, environmentally conscious alternative to coal and energy sources. If you plan on getting solar energy, these tips can help you.
Starting small is key to beginning with solar power. You can try solar energy without making a major commitment by installing solar landscaping lights. Low-voltage outdoor solar lighting is available at most home improvement stores. The installation is simple enough for the budding do-it-yourselfer to accomplish.
When you maintain it, your solar power set-up will last. Inspect your solar energy system on a monthly basis and hose down the panels to remove dirt and grime. Although you can save money by inspecting and cleaning your panels on your own, you should hire a professional for doing this if you are just not comfortable climbing up on your roof.
Don’t assume that solar energy involves full scale remodeling and ripping apart the roof. You can make small switches like putting in solar powered outside lights. These lights are connected to small solar panels that harvest power during the day and provide you with enough power to keep your home lit up during the night.
You need to find a reliable way to store your energy after it is produced by your solar energy system. Buy a good quality battery which can store a large amount of power over a long period or contemplate selling the produced energy to the principal power grid in order to keep getting power from it.
If your solar panels have problems, you are smart to have a backup system in place. You can either get a generator or stay connected to the power grid. Test any generator you do have to ensure that it works when you need it.
Just because you live in an area that is cold doesn’t mean you can’t have solar power to keep you warm and run your house. Sunlight is not a prerequisite for solar panel effectiveness. In fact, lots of people say that they get great energy on days that are not so sunny.
Don’t give in to a high pressure sales pitch when you are seeking the best in solar energy systems. It’s important that you take your time in making the best possible decision for you. Being pressured to make a decision can result in you making a bad decision, which will result in you losing money.
Solar Panels
You should get yourself a full solar energy system after you get a home. Solar panels are a pretty hefty financial obligation, especially considering how often people move. You don’t want to lose your home or still be paying on solar panels if you decide to move.
As far as solar panels go, bigger is not always better. There are many considerations that go along with the effectiveness of solar panels, such as materials, construction and warranties. Such factors must all be considered when contemplating a purchase.
Keep your distance from pushy solar panel salespeople. Unfortunately, you’ll run across quite a few of these in the solar panel business. You should be allowed to think over your options instead of making a decision on the spot. If it’s a good deal today, it will be tomorrow. Being pressured to make a decision right away can end up costing you a lot of unnecessary money, so don’t allow salespeople to bully you into a sale.
You need to have realistic expectations for your solar-powered water heater. While they do produce some energy savings, even the most efficient only use one third less energy than convectional water heaters. Don’t think the water will be cold if you shower when it is dark. Water heated by the sun ought to remain hot for about 24 hours.
Every season, adjust the angle of the solar panels. The amount of sun that hits your home changes with the seasons, as does the direction at which the sunlight hits. When you change your panel angles, you are optimizing your energy harnessing, saving you money.
Solar Energy
Now that you know more about solar energy, it’s time to take the next step. Your new knowledge on this subject will only be of use by actually applying it. Use the tips from this piece and put them to work in creating a solar energy plan for yourself. Pass them along to others who can also benefit.