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Explain Solar Energy To Me In Basic Terms

You may be hearing a lot about solar energy these days. It's very popular, but using the sun as a source of energy has been around for hundreds of years. Here are some ways to use the sun to benefit your life in a number of ways. You'll be surprised to learn how easy it is!

The amount of power you can produce with your solar energy system depends on the number of panels you purchase and on how efficient these panels are. Assess your needs carefully and do the math before deciding how many panels you want to purchase. It can be better to buy the highest performance panels.

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.

When it comes to solar energy, you must keep the solar panels clean for best results. Dirty solar panels do not allow the solar panels to absorb the maximum amount of energy. Therefore, to ensure your solar panels are running at peak performance, keep a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule.



Look for rebates and grants to help with the cost of installing solar panels. The installation costs of solar power are overwhelming. Look for state or federal grants that will reward your renewable energy usage. They work to lower the cost substantially. You may even be able to deduct some of your expenses on your taxes.

If you are a business owner and you are thinking of changing your energy system over to renewable solar energy, see if you can get any tax deductions for doing so. Often times the government will offer incentives to companies who agree to switch over to a more green energy source.



Do not clean your solar panels with abrasive chemicals. You should use some lukewarm water, a soft cloth and some biodegradable soap if needed. Clean your panels at least once a month or more frequently if you notice your green energy system is not producing as much power as it should.

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.

Always use non abrasive cleansers on your solar panels. An abrasive cleaner can scratch the surface of the panel and cause permanent damage and affect how well the solar panel works. There are commercial cleaning solutions to use or you can use a pool skimmer with a very soft cloth on it.

To ensure your solar panels are functioning at maximum capacity, install a sun tracker. This is a device that adjusts solar panels automatically for the best orientation to the sun. While they cost a bit more, the increased efficiency saves you more money in the long term.

Once your solar energy system is installed, be sure to keep it maintained. Overall, solar power does not require a great deal of upkeep, however there are a few precautions you should take. Check your solar panels frequently for anything that could obstruct their exposure to the sun. This includes fallen leaves in autumn or snow accumulation in ge led high mast winter.

Don't trust salespeople that will pressure you into a purchase. This industry has a lot of salespeople like this. You should make sure that they know that you'll think over the deal and won't make a decision on the spot. If they don't understand, you shouldn't be working with them. Hasty decisions are often expensive down the road.

Never walk on solar https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting panels unless you absolutely must. These are very expensive and you want them to work as they should. If you have to walk on them, try to avoid their ends, because they are the most breakable part.

Don't assume that just because a company sells and installs solar panels means they are good and trustworthy people. Shop around. Get a minimum of three quotes. Read all contracts. Check backgrounds of potential contractors. Deal with this like any other home-improvement project that you would otherwise do.

Do you have some outside lights for your home? You should consider using solar panels to power them. An outside light system can easily be powered by one or two solar panel and you will see a difference on your energy bills right away. Make sure you use energy-efficient light-bulbs for your outside light and you will save even more.

When you choose to make an upgrade to solar energy, you are making a lifetime investment that will always provide some benefit. Most solar panels have an expected life between 5 and 25 years, depending on the quality of the manufacturer. Among these numbers, most devices last up to 80% of this maximum and come with warranties to cover this period.

It is often best to purchase grid tied panel systems. With this system, you can sell any extra energy back to the local power company. This may help you offset expensive installations costs.

Don't let the fact that some solar energy companies have folded recently fool you into believing that it's not a worthwhile source of power. Your energy costs at home could decrease significantly with solar energy usage. Look for local solutions who can support you at times that you might need them.

A hose can help you wash the grime off your panels. Using a hose to rinse your solar panels once a week is a good way to minimize how often you will need to climb onto the roof for cleaning. You also don't have to worry as much about damaging the panels.

Having read the article above, you should now have a better understanding as to how solar energy works. Use the information provided to help you decide if solar power is right for you. In the end, solar energy is both great for the environment and for you pocketbook too.