Have you been toying with the idea of switching over your current energy system to solar energy lately? Solar panels could help you save on energy and reduce your impact on the environment both for your home and business. The following article will teach you the ins and outs of 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.
If you properly maintain your solar panels, they should continue to work well. Be sure and inspect your equipment a minimum of once each month, and carefully wash your solar panels. Don't fear hiring a pro to clean and check the panels, but remember that you may save a lot of you can do it yourself.
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.
Cleaning your solar panels does not need to be labor intensive. You want to avoid abrasive soaps at all costs, as they can deteriorate and even destroy your panels. So long as there is not caked up dust or bird droppings, frequent rinses with just hose water should be more than enough.
Fossil fuels that are used around the world do not help our environment. In fact, the cause a great deal of damage to the world we live on. Solar energy will provide us with the power we need without causing any damage to our earth. There will be no more gases, carcinogens or even carbon dioxide produced by solar energy.
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.
Once you buy a system, one of the first things you will notice is how quiet your solar cells are. As they draw in energy from the sun, they make absolutely no noise. This is something that most owners appreciate, as all other renewable energy sources make some noise as they operate. Particularly if you have a stressful job or a stressful life, the last thing you need is a noisy system interrupting your few moments of peace.
In recent years smaller solar systems have become available that the average person can use at a relatively low cost. They might not be able to power your home, but they can power many of your smaller electronics and help you reduce the amount of energy you consume. Search for some smaller systems to help reduces your carbon footprint.
Make sure to watch the light on your solar panel inverter regularly. Check it at least a couple of times a week, while sunlight is hitting your panels. The light should be green. If it is not, your panels might not be working correctly, and it is time to call in a technician.
Your solar panels need to face the sun. The panels must be oriented so that they collect as many of the sun's rays as possible for maximum energy production.
Be honest about what you can expect from a solar powered water heater. The best solar water-heating systems are only a fraction as effective as the best electric systems, but having said that, they do save you money. Second, don't think that just because you shower in the dark means you'll have to deal with cold water. Water heated by solar energy stays warm for about a day.
Now that you have read this article, you should be more aware of just how much solar energy can benefit you. Open your eyes and learn about the great solar energy choice. Use these tips as needed to improve your solar energy experience and go green.
