Queer Cents

When thinking about methods of boosting your energy efficiency, the mind naturally turns to solar energy. Solar energy is an excellent choice due to the fact that you can save a lot of money on electric bills. In addition, it does not harm the environment. The following article will offer you useful and interesting information on solar energy and all it can do for you.
When beginning to use solar energy, start small. A small investment of just a few solar powered garden lights is a great way to get started. It's easy to find this sort of product online, at home improvement stores and at big box stores. The installation of the lights is not complicated, and most are ready to go from the box right into the ground.
Once your solar-powered system has generated energy, how will you store it? You should invest in a high-capacity battery, that will store for extended periods. You could also explore options for selling your excess energy to the electric company.
If you are moving toward leasing your solar panels instead of buying them, be sure that your contract lets you transfer your lease. This is critical, because in the event you decide to move, you do not want to keep paying for solar units that are of little use to you. If you can transfer the lease, you can simply make it part of the sale or rental agreement of your home when you move.
Try to find grants and rebates that can reduce the installation cost of your solar panels. It can be expensive to install your solar panels; however, help may be available. Look into different programs that can help cut down on your start up costs. Such incentives can reduce your initial costs greatly. You can often deduct it from your income tax, too.
Track numbers when getting solar panels for the home. Depending on where you are, solar panels may be too costly when you consider the overhead costs mixed with the potential output. Be sure to look before you leap. Study all the financial and technological specifications carefully.
Try to maximize the sun exposure with the alignment of your panels. If you are not sure of how you should place them, you should take some time to track the path of the sun and take into consideration the changes that occur with each season.
You want to have a plan for your solar energy panels and maybe purchase a few at a time, because they are an expensive initial investment. Consider doing an energy audit to properly assess your energy needs and consumption. This will show you possible sources of wasted energy so that you can make the appropriate changes. This may reduce the number of solar panels that you'll need to install.
Look into your local regulations before installing any sort of solar energy system. Sometimes, you will need to apply for a permit to get a solar panel system. You don't want to have to remove your system later after you find out.
Pay attention to weather conditions before you invest in a solar energy system. These panels can product ample energy if exposed to the sun for 5 hours. When your area is burdened by clouds or snowfalls, this isn't the energy source for you.
As with any other purchase, avoid pushy salesmen. Such individuals are unfortunately quite common. Be firm and tell these pushy sales people that you will decide after you have examined all the facts. Tell them that if their deal is what they claim, it should be around in a month or so. Hasty decisions are often expensive down the road.
A good solar water heating system can be a great start before diving in headfirst into a whole solar panel grid. Your water heater can be one of your biggest consumers of electricity so a solar water heater can be a great investment. The upfront cost are lower with a solar-powered heater, so you can experience a cost savings sooner.
Dry your clothes on a clothes line. This old method works great. Rather than operating appliances, just let your clothes dry in the warm sun. This will save energy, which in turn will save money.
Solar panels do more than provide light. For example, did you know that they can generate heat for your home and water? That means solar energy can help, (or eliminate! Additionally, you can also sell any excess power produced back to your power company.
Solar energy is still a viable option for the future, even though there have been a few solar companies that have folded recently. The fact is, solar energy can greatly reduce your energy costs. Gear your attention towards local companies so that you'll be able to get proper support should you need it.
Solar heating systems cost somewhere between four and six thousand dollars. Consider how quickly you will recoup the outlay, and how the savings will continue into the future. Solar panels can be installed in small increments.
No matter how much sun is shining each day, shade covering your roof will nullify any solar benefits. Some solar companies may try to make you believe that you can still get sufficient energy from panels that are in shade. This is just false.
Solar energy is a major investment, and the rewards are just as great. Solar power can save you money every month and help the environment. This conversion will change your life for the better. Even using just one of the tips you've read should serve you well.