Solar energy continues to grow in popularity because it is easier and cheaper than ever to get. There are many choices for solar power to suit the needs of homes and businesses everywhere. It is a good choice because it saves money, helps the environment and uses the sun as an endless source of power.
Are your energy bills getting a little out of control these days? If you are tired of paying costly energy bills then it is time to switch to solar energy. It might cost a little more upfront, but will ultimately end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
You should understand that there are two different kinds of photo-voltaic panels. Poly-crystalline panels tend to be cheaper but they are not as efficient than mono-crystalline solar panels. It makes the most sense to buy the highest-efficiency product possible if you intend to power your house with solar energy.
While it can seem like solar panels are hooked to the roof permanently, the best systems out there that generate lots of energy can have their panels repositioned during the different seasons. Choosing panels that are not adjustable means compromising between the optimal angle of the two most prevalent seasons in your part of the country.
Many governments offer tax savings for consumers who install green energy products. These tax savings can help offset the installation cost of a new solar energy system. Additionally, many state’s also allow you to deduct some or most of the costs of the installation on your state’s tax return allowing double savings.
Contact your insurance agent to find out if a solar energy system could be included in your insurance policy. Expect your homeowner’s insurance premiums to go up once your system is installed and consider switching to a different insurance agency if you find that your premiums have become too expensive.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
When purchasing a solar energy system, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s warranty carefully. This is a very expensive item, and you want to know that you will be able to get a replacement in the event something happens to it. You should purchase an extended warranty if the one that is offered is very limited.
Solar panels can be quite pricey, so it is a good idea to buy just a few of them. Have a professional perform an energy audit of the home you live in. This audit helps you identify where you can save energy by making a few changes. As a result, you will need fewer panels.
There are many companies who claim to be specialists in solar conversion. However, it is up to you to confirm that they have the proper qualifications and credentials. Check with the Better Business Bureau for their current business standing. Do an online search for any reviews. If you turn up any negative information, look for another service.
Have you ever been without power during a winter storm, resulting in you freezing and all your refrigerated food going bad? Instead of using a generator which will only run some of the power in your house, use solar energy. Swapping over your system can really help you to prevent power failures in the future.
When thinking about investing in a solar panel system, you should consider such factors as the typical weather conditions in your area. Solar panels are a good option if there are five hours of sunlight a day in your area. If you have a lot of cloud cover, though, you may need to reevaluate your options.
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!
If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, but love the convenience of energy, solar energy is the perfect solution for you. There are many products, like fans and battery chargers, that use solar energy to product the energy needed to run them. Just think, you could camp in a hot location and still enjoy a strong breeze.
Camping
If you want to use partial solar power, look into some small solar operated appliances. There are two ways to do this. The first is to get solar panels that you can attach onto windows – these can be used to recharge portable electronic gadgets. Another option is to purchase camping accessories that are powered by solar energy. All the small steps will add up to a reduced electric bill.
Look into portable solar energy battery packs. These can be extremely useful when you are somewhere that does not have access to power. For example, it could be used to charge your cell phone while you are camping in a remote location. It has recently become very popular, and because of this, it is relatively inexpensive.
If you have animals that require electric fencing to contain them, use solar powered fencing units to provide power for them. A great advantage to these systems is that they are completely mobile, and can be easily moved. If you are a horse owner who enjoys overnight horse-camping, the fencer can be easily taken along.
As you can see, there are many reasons for choosing solar power. The popularity of solar power is due to the rising cost of fossil fuels, the growing trend for going green. Switching to solar power can be very easily accomplished and it is a investment that will continue to pay of for years to come.