When put to use efficiently, solar energy can do a lot for either a home or business. You can get potentially significant tax breaks, serious reductions in your utility bills and sleep better at night knowing you’re inflicting less harm on the environment. Keep reading to learn more about solar power and how to put it to work for you.
Do your research before you buy or install anything. It is important that you know what you’re allowed to have in place, what is the best choice for efficiency and what sort of a budget you’re working with. Once you have those answers in hand, you’ll be able to go forward with your project.
As far as photo-voltaic panels go, two types exist. Poly-crystalline panels are generally less expensive; however, they are not as efficient as mono-crystalline panels. Make sure to really explore all of your choices before making a final decision.
Take care of your energy system, and it will take care of you. You ought to inspect the system every month, as well as wash the panel surfaces gently. Taking care of your solar energy system yourself can save you some money; however, it may be well worthwhile to set up a maintenance schedule with your installer.
Check that your solar panels will be mounted in a way that works with the climate you live in. Some areas are prone to cyclones and tornadoes, and it is important to choose a mounting system for your panels that can withstand high winds if you live in these areas. If you fail to do this, the first natural disaster could result in your panels becoming unattached and useless.
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.
Contact your insurance agent to find out if a solar energy system could be included in your insurance policy. Expect your homeowner’s insurance premiums to go up once your system is installed and consider switching to a different insurance agency if you find that your premiums have become too expensive.
Check for government certification on any solar panel you are considering buying. Consider this tip a must. The government’s seal of approval lets you know that these panels are deemed quality and efficient. Plus, some of the financial benefits of using solar panels (tax credits, etc.) rely on using certified panels.
Solar panels can be costly, so you may want to buy the smallest number possible. Hire someone to come into your home and do an energy audit. This can help you see how you’re wasting energy so you may make some changes. This may reduce the number of solar panels that you’ll need to install.
Before purchasing any solar panels, make sure they are government certified. This may seem like a small deal, but it really affects your bottom line. Many of the government rebate programs require that your solar panels are government certified. If they aren’t, you’ll be missing out on some of the cash back opportunities out there for you.
Bigger isn’t always better when considering solar panels. Many things affect the quality, like wattage, the materials it’s made of, and the warranty. Consider every one of these points before making any decisions.
Solar energy offers many benefits, no matter who you are or where you live. Consider how you can benefit as well as how the reduced pollution can help the environment. Solar energy may not be the answer to all our energy problems, but it certainly is a very good start!