When you think of ways to gain energy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Fossil fuels, nuclear, or maybe even coal probably enter your mind, but something that you should consider is solar energy. The following article contains an array of tips that can help you learn about and use solar energy.
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.
The efficiency of a solar energy system varies a lot depending on its exposure to the sun. If you live in a sunny area, your system should produce enough energy to cover all your needs but solar energy might not be such a good investment if you live in an area where the sky is usually filled with clouds.
Purchase batteries to store excess solar energy. These batteries are similar to rechargeable batteries; however, they use the sun’s energy to power up the batteries. This energy can be used in the evenings and at night to help power your appliances, televisions and lighting requirements. These batteries are relatively inexpensive making them a great choice for the beginner.
Look into using solar energy to power your home in some way if you care anything at all for the environment. Solar energy relies entirely on sun rays, which means you will not be impacting the environment by using this source of energy. Using solar energy will lessen the amount of fossil fuels you use.
Once your solar panels are installed, you need to keep track of how much power you are producing and using on a daily basis. Invest in a quality monitoring system and look at the data as often as possible. If you notice your panels are not producing as much energy as usual, it might be time to clean them.
Your solar energy system can not only save you money, but help you make it too. If your system happens to make more energy than you need, then you can sell it to the local energy company in your area. Imagine receiving money to produce energy instead of spending money to produce the same amount of energy?
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.
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.
Check the quality of solar panels before you make a purchase. You will also want to think about performance level, material quality, size of the unit, the brand name being offered and the warranty. Do some background research on the products you are interested in and choose panels adapted to your needs. You should buy the best quality at the best price for you.
Make sure that your solar panels are kept clean. Even the slightest amount of dirt on the cover can block the sun from coming through, which will prevent your system from operating as efficiently as it could otherwise. Therefore, aim to get on your roof and clean your panels about once per month.
If you are running low on space across the roof, install new panels at ground level for even more savings. Panels in the yard are still an improvement above typical fossil fuels. The idea is to add as many panels as you can and store as much energy as possible.
If you want to take advantage of government rebates, be sure to purchase the correct solar panels. Most rebate and incentive programs for solar energy have requirements for specific solar panel certifications. These certifications ensure the panels have been tested and proven to work efficiently. Make sure your panels meet the guidelines before you commit to a purchase.
Most solar heating systems cost between 4000 and 6000 dollars. It will pay for itself in no time! You can also choose to install your solar panels a few at a time.
One of the most efficient methods of gathering sunlight for your solar panels is to invest in a sun tracker. These trackers following the movement of the sun so as to maximize the exposure of your solar panels. While they may cost more initially, they will output the most electricity possible.
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.
A solar energy system can be a great way to heat your pool or to power your hot water heater. These systems use the heat of the sun, along with energy generated by the sun, and use them to heat your hot tub and pool.
Those of you who want to use solar power but are off-put by the cost of purchasing such expensive equipment may want to consider leasing. These years, solar companies will lease you their solar equipment for a number of years. Just be careful and many of these leases run for around 10 years.
As you can see, solar energy is a perfectly viable energy resource. It has the potential to rival may other commonly used forms of energy, such as fossil fuels. The great thing about solar energy is that it does no harm to the environment. Now is the perfect time to use solar energy.