A move from traditional fossil fuels to a renewable source of energy is not something to be taken lightly. There are costs involved and variables, such as location and funding that influence the outcome. Solar energy is always a better solution in the long-run and when you do make the change, the tips below will only help increase the savings and improve your experience.
The power produced by solar panels depends on how many you install and their efficiency. You will need to do a little math to calculate the number of panels you will need. It might be more interesting to invest in the most performing panels if this means purchasing less panels.
If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.
Solar energy harnesses the energy from the sun to power everything from little garden lights to huge corporations. Unlike coal and oil, the sun is a renewable energy, meaning it will never run out like other energy sources. Making the switch to solar power is a wise investment for your future.
When opting to lease a solar energy system, ensure that you can transfer the lease. If you decide to sell your house, you’ll still have to pay for the lease if you can’t transfer it. When you are able to transfer the lease, you can pass it on to the new homeowner.
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
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.
Before installing solar panels on your roof, check with your home owners association. Some associations have restrictions on what you are allowed to do to the outside of the property, and this might mean solar panels are not an option for you. It is better to have this information up front than to purchase the panels and be forced to remove them at a later time.
Numerous governmental authorities offer tax credits for solar energy installations. In some cases, the government will give you a rebate on the system, which helps to defer some of the initial cost. Contact a local representative or look on the Internet for more information to see what programs are near you.
If you appreciate the environment, you should consider solar energy. Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun, a free and entirely renewable source of power. Start using solar energy and stop using fossil fuels.
Try to find more contemporary options when selecting a solar panel system. The recent solar panels are best, but many companies will try to sell older models. While more affordable, older technology won’t get you as much energy.
Find out what government laws are in place about solar power. The chances are good that there are different building codes that you must adhere to while installing your system. It would be frustrating to install a system and then have to remove it due to not following pertinent regulations.
When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.
If you are located in the Northern hemisphere, your solar panels should be facing south. People who live in the Southern hemisphere should install their panels facing north. Putting them in any other way will defeat the entire purpose since the panels will not have a chance to collect a large amount of energy from the sun.
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.
Figure out how geography factors into the cost benefit analysis of solar panels. Two things have to be taken into account. First, your global latitude and distance from the equator determine your sunlight amounts and angle. Secondly, your local and national government come into play too, given any rebates or incentives they might offer. Both of these need to be factored numerically in determining if solar panels are going to even make or save money for you.
The amount of energy your solar panel will produce is rated by watts. For example, if your solar panel is rated 100 watts, then on a clear day, your solar panel will produce 100 watts per hour. To find out how much electricity you need to produce, look at your electric bill and divide the total by 30 days and then divide it by 3 as there is generally bright sunlight one third of the day.
You have likely already made the choice to remove your reliance on fossil fuels and start a new life using solar energy as your main source of power. The technology used today is less-harmful on the environment and more efficient than what was in use years ago. Breakthroughs occur every day and every day you could be saving even more.