It is important that you fully understand solar energy before you make a decision on whether or not it is right for your home or business. It is new, and there is much unexplored territory, but this article is here to help you make your move. Keep reading to find out more about how you can take advantage of solar energy.
The efficiency of your panels and the surface they cover will determine how much power you can generate. You can do some simple calculations to determine the right number of panels. It may be more cost effective to purchase more efficient panels.
For the best results, place your solar panels in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
If you are thinking about having a solar system installed, make sure that your home or business is suited for it. Sometimes the layout of the roof will not accommodate the proper angle for maximum energy production. Talk to more than one company to ensure the contractor is being honest about your solar situation.
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.
Find a reputable company. With the rapidly rising popularity of solar energy, new companies are springing up left and right to take advantage. A solar energy installation is a big purchase that should last you many years. When shopping for your system, look for a company that you can be confident will still be around ten or even twenty years from now.
When using solar power, you do not have to worry about harming the environment in any way. Fossil fuels send harmful greenhouse gases off into the atmosphere, and they contribute to global warming and climate change. However, solar cells have no impact on the environment and are safe to use.
Power sources that are run by fossil fuels are run by machines that require motors. Those motors require constant maintenance. With solar energy systems, there are limited parts required so they are extremely low maintenance. You will save money on fuel as well as maintaining the system over the years.
Know how light mixes with the trees around your property. You may think you’ve got the perfect spot for a solar panel, but watch it throughout the day. The sun coming in from different angles may lead to surprising shadows from trees and foliage. This will affect your solar output.
Photovoltaic panels and solar water heating are two ways you can use solar power to save on your heating costs. Solar panels are ideal for locations that receive between 5 and 6 full hours of direct sunlight daily. Solar water heating can reduce your bill if you have a swimming pool that is heated.
Now that you have learned more about solar energy and what it can do for you, it’s important that you start devising a plan. You want to benefit from great ideas behind solar energy, and you need to remember the advice you’ve read here as you do just that. You are going to be amazed!