Handy Tips For Optimizing The Potential Of Solar Power
Posted: November 15, 2019
Created by-Vind Wollesen
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.
Install panels a few at a time to break down the cost in setting up your home to operate off of solar power. There is no need to buy everything all at once, as there is much planning involved. http://augustus0leroy.pointblog.net/How-To-Run-Your-House-With-Solar-Energy-27096843 need to give yourself time to make adjustments and learn more as you go along.
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.
Position solar panels on the east or west side of your home or business. Since the sun travels from east to west throughout the day, placing solar panels on areas of your roof that face north or south is a waste. You'll get much better energy returns by following the same path as the sun.
Be careful when positioning solar panels on your home. These panels need direct sunlight, at least during the main portion of the day. If there are a lot of trees that shade the panel, you'll reduce your overall output by a lot. Plan ahead and look at all of your placement options.
Consider changing out your windows when you install a solar energy system. Installing energy efficient windows will help your home be easier to heat and cool, maximizing your energy savings. Since you will now be providing your own power, it is a good idea to save energy wherever you can.
If you are buying a solar energy system, make sure your panels can be easily adjusted. As seasons change, so does the angle of the sun. Your panels will need to be adjusted every three months or so. Make sure that you know how to do this or talk to your contractor about seasonal maintenance.
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.
Keep your solar panels out of the shade. It might seem obvious, but your solar panels do need sun. Make sure that you are not installing them in the shade. Trim back the branches on surrounding trees if you need to. Failing to do so could cost you more than half your energy output.
Consider complementing your solar panels with other forms of energy production. Aside from night, your solar panels are least productive when it is cloudy, which usually means winds, rain or both. Put in some small wind turbines on your roof and micro-hydroelectric generators at ends of gutters for some power production when solar panels are not up and running.
You should remember that solar panels are able to do lots more than provide lights. They power appliances, supply heat and air, and they can even warm up the water you use in your home, as well. As a result, installing a solar energy system can greatly reduce your heating costs. What will you do with the extra money you've saved every month?
For each season, adjust the solar panel angles. When you change seasons, the degree of sunlight that hits the home will change, as will its direction. If you move the panels, you will get all of the energy you can, which means you will get your money's worth.
Are you building a home or moving to a remote location? If so, then you might want to seriously consider using solar energy to power your place. Getting the local energy company to come out to you might be expensive or impossible, so using renewable solar energy is a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you need.
Do not get the false notion that once you install solar panels they will always be there. Most of these last about 25 years, but that number is not a fixed variable. The amount you pay for the panels and the way you care for them will make a difference in how long they last.
To ensure your solar panels are functioning at maximum capacity, install a sun tracker. The panels automatically adjust as the sun moves in the sky throughout the day, ensuring they get as much energy as they can. The initial cost is more but the savings add up over time.
Cleaning your solar panels is a must. Depending on the area you live in, you might need to clean them once a week, but some people can get away with once a month or every other month. Keeping them clean makes them have much more of a unobstructed surface for the sun to use.
Do the math prior to investing in solar power. Not every location is a good bet to deliver energy savings. The best option is to look into the costs and the potential earnings (based off your sun conditions) to see what the costs will really be like. Sometimes, it'll be way more costly to use solar.
This post hopefully has opened your eyes to the benefits of solar energy. This is a great way to reduce costs and help our planet. Put to use the information that you have gathered on solar panels today.