Although you may have heard of solar energy, you likely don’t know much about it. Many people aren’t familiar with solar energy or how it works. The more you know about solar energy, the easier the decision will be. Keep reading to learn more about solar energy.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels to generate your own electricity, make sure that the roof you’ll be installing them on gets plenty of good sunlight. Good sunlight occurs between 9am and 3pm. You’ll generate the most electricity if your roof receives full, exposed sunlight between those hours every day.
Talk to your local government about doing any major solar installations in your home or business. You want to be properly permitted and within building, zoning and construction codes and regulations. However, you may also discover tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives. They may also have data and information about how well certain solar technologies work in your area.
A great option for solar electricity would be a sun-tracking panel system. This sort of system follows the sun’s path across the sky. Although this system costs more upfront, it will pay for itself over time.
Keep shade issues in mind when installing solar panels. A panel that loses a quarter of its light can lose half its power production. The main thing to keep in mind is tree foliage. Are any trees going to grow in between the panels and sunlight? Consider trimming them back a little.
If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, you may want your home powered by solar energy. Once the panels are manufactured, you get 100 percent renewable energy for the next ten years or so. Start using solar energy and stop using fossil fuels.
Consider installing more solar panels than your home will ever need. If you do this you will be doing two good things. First, you will earn money on any energy created that your home does not use. Second, you will be reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to power the homes of your neighbors.
Solar water heaters have been around for hundreds of years. For over 50 years people have been using them to heat everything inside and outside the home. Over the years, these solar water heating systems have become much more efficient. If you are located in sunny areas of the country, you should look into buying a solar water system.
Most people don’t know how solar energy actually works. Now, though, you should have an idea about how it works. You are likely very aware of perks that you can attain with solar power. Take that knowledge and put it to use.