The world is misunderstood about solar energy as a whole. It is still in its infancy, so in order to take advantage of its many benefits, you must know how to best develop a plan for putting solar energy into action for your home or business. Keep reading to learn how you can do this.
If you are thinking about using solar power in your home, you must consider how much direct sunlight your home is actually exposed to. In order for solar energy to be worth it, your roof should have full sun exposure a minimum of 6 hours every day. You should also be wary of any areas of your roof covered by shade.
Switching to solar energy can save a ton on your electric bill. Solar power is absorbed through panels that are properly positioned on your roof. It is especially convenient if you live in an area that gets a long of sun. This will provide usable energy to your home in a much cheaper fashion than conventional electricity.
Find out if your local energy provider offers meter rollback programs. Once you have a solar energy system, you should consider joining one of these programs so you can sell the energy you produce to the main grid and draw the same amount of energy instead of purchasing an expensive battery system to store your power.
If you don’t want to or can’t go for full solar power, at least consider a solar water heating system. Many regional and community governments offer financial incentives, rebates and tax credits for even doing this, just like they do for full solar installations. Check with your local government before doing anything to know the perks.
Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.
Be sure that you choose a company that has a great deal of experience if you plan to have a solar-energy system installed. Installation is the most important factor in whether or not your system will produce the most amount of energy possible, and a bad installation could cost you thousands in repairs.
You should know the difference between off-grid solar energy and on-grid solar energy in order to figure out which is best for you. On-grid energy requires the use of the state’s electricity grid. On the other hand, off-grid energy means the home or business uses its own solar-hybrid or solar source.
There is really no reason to even consider getting a solar energy system if you live in an area that rarely sees the sun. This does not mean that a less than reputable company will not try to sell you a solar system though. If your roof does not receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day, you should not consider solar power.
Staying connected to the main power grid is an option once you switch to solar power. You can disconnect and be independent. This allows you to save money and have power when others are in a blackout.
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.
The benefits of using solar power can extend into your tax bill. Many areas around the United States are pushing heavily for solar-energy use, and due to this, they are willing to give you a discount on your taxes if you install a system in your home or business.
Consider selling extra energy back to your local utilities. If you live in an area of abundant sunshine, you may be able to not only save money on your power, but earn a little extra too. Many power companies allow solar energy users to sell extra power back to them, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.
If you lease solar panels to save the upfront costs, check the contract for the possibility of transferring the lease. If you sell your home or building that panels are installed in within the lease period, you want to be able to legally transfer the lease to the new owners of the property.
When you can’t afford a full system, instead start with a solar water heating system. Water heaters can consume up to 35% of your total energy consumption. It will cost you less to install a solar heater for water than to install a whole-house solar energy system.
If you are interested in joining the green movement and helping the Earth, harnessing power from the sun is the way to go. It’s natural, it’s clean and it’s renewable, which means that you can’t use it all up. Therefore, not only can solar power help you save money on your electricity bill, it is also good for the environment.
Remember that you can both save and earn money by installing a solar energy system. Once you start using solar energy, you’ll notice your investment will quickly pay for itself. If you produce more energy than you need, you will be able to sell it to your energy provider for electricity credits or for money.
Solar power heating, whether for heating water or for a direct heat source, is different from solar power electric. By installing one of these systems, you can reduce your gas bill by up to 50 percent. This is on top of the savings you have on your electric bill already.
Do you feel better knowing how beneficial solar energy, a renewable source, can be for you? You can use it in your home or business, and in the long run, you are going to save much money and realize how much you’re helping the environment. Remember what you have read so that you can do just that.