Here is a list of 10 fun solar energy facts that you probably didn’t know!
As early as 1921, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for experiments solarpower and photovoltaics. It was awarded to Albert Einstein.
When silicon is taken from just one ton of sand and used in photovoltaic solarpower panels, that silicon can produce as much electricity as 500,000 tons of burning coal.
In the U.S., there are more than 10,000 homes that get their energy entirely from solarpower.
Nearly 200 years ago, a British astronomer by the name of John Herschel cooked food with solar power during a journey to Africa.
California opened its first large solarpower plant in 1982.
Solarpower can cut water bills by more than 50 per cent each year in a home where a solar model replaces the electric water heater.
The price of photovoltaic (PV) solarpower panels has dropped 200 per cent over the last 30 years, according to the Department of Energy. Owners now pay between 10 and 40 cents per kilowatt-hour.
A study by the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) showed that solarpower conditions were close to perfect (99 per cent) in San Francisco on June 14th, 2000. On that day, 100,000 customers in that area lost power. Solarpower could have provided all they needed.
Another USDOE study showed that the roofs of California’s city and county buildings if covered with solar PV panels, could generate 200 megawatts of clean electricity! Cover California’s school roofs with solarpower panels, and you add 1,500 megawatts more to the state’s peak power supply.
In California, covering every available commercial and industrial roof with solarpower panels could generate all of the electricity needed in that state during the daytime.
For more solar energy facts and tips go to solarpowerce.
If you want to take advantage of solar power, then you might have thought of many questions. How do you get started? What are some helpful tips you should know? By the end of this article, you should have a good outlook on solar energy and how it can benefit your home or business.
Look into your state’s initiatives on solar power. Many have unique programs that can give you cash back for your solar power commitment. There are other benefits as well, including benefits at tax time, so do your homework on what you may have coming back to you for being a solar power leader.
If you’re leasing your solar power device, make darn sure that you can transfer your lease if need be. This is very important because if you sell your home, you could be stuck paying for a lease on a solar unit that you cannot use. If you have the transfer option, you can transfer your lease to the new owners of the home.
Just because you live in an area that is cold doesn’t mean you can’t have solar power to keep you warm and run your house. Visual light is only part of what is used to generate electricity, and cloud cover does not block everything. Some people even report improved power generation on grey days.
Solar panels reduce the amount of energy used to heat your home and water. While the use of solar panels does cut down your energy costs, they are expensive and it may take several years to recoup the cost in reduced energy costs. Check for government incentive programs to help pay for them.
If you cannot afford to purchase a solar power system for your entire house, consider using it in just one or two spaces. Solar power is a great option for heating swimming pools for instance or bringing additional warmth to a cooler bedroom. You can always start small and purchase later, as your budget allows.
Get online to find your local Internet solar panel community. You can find out good information about peaks and lows in solar energy use in your area. If you get particularly adept at getting on a roof to clean your solar panels, you might even market yourself and make a few bucks off other solar panel owners afraid of heights.
Look into solar-powered appliances. There are a number of products that are available that are powered by solar energy. One of the most popular is the solar powered water heaters. Just having one appliance run by solar power can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.
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 number of fossil fuels burned to power the homes of your neighbors.
You need to find an efficient way to finance your solar panels. Most homeowners borrow some money from their financial institution so they can cover the initial costs and then pay this money back in small monthly payments. You can even set the monthly payments so they correspond to your usual energy bills in order to keep a balanced budget.
If you are planning to move to a remote location you may want to have solar power panels installed on your home.
Solar energy is still relatively expensive to install, but it can be more affordable than wiring power to your home.
Get quotes on both before you decide which route you will take.
If you are building a vacation, rental or retirement home in a rural area, solar power can make a lot of sense. It can spare you the cost of a power line being routed to your home. At the very least it can give you some power in the case of local grid outages, as rural areas have power restored far more slowly than what you might be used to in a city.
Keep in mind that purchasing a solar power system often enables you to receive tax credits from the government. You may find that you get back as much as 30 percent of the total cost of your system. So, if you look into a system and think that it costs too much, investigate whether or not you will get credit back to determine how affordable it actually is.
If you are considering installing a solar panel system, it is important that the panel faces in the sun’s direction. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If your panel does not have sun, it won’t power up. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, your panel should face South towards the horizon.
Interview a few different solar panel installers before choosing the one for you. You’ve made a big investment by choosing solar panels, and you don’t want any costly mistakes occurring during the installation. Find a team that knows their stuff. A company that has a track record that you can respect.
Carefully consider the types of solar panels you plan on having installed. Long ago, if you didn’t have enough roof space, you’d need very expensive high-efficiency mono-crystalline panels. There are now more advanced polycrystalline panels and even thin film panels. If you’ve got enough roof space, you might wish to look at the size of the panels in relation to their output capacity to avoid having insufficient panels that you need more of later.
Don’t waste your time lining the solar panels beneath an array of fluorescent lights–though it may sound tempting. Solar cells are not designed to generate a voltage from fluorescent light sources and this is a waste of energy of time. Any spot in the yard would be a better location for the panels.
Do you feel better now after having read this article? Solar power, while still fairly new, is making great strides when climbing up the energy ladder. It is set to take over, and it is a renewable energy source that can help you realize great savings in the long run.
I hope you enjoyed this post: What You Should Need To Know About Solar Energy
Among the most popular forms of alternative energy is solar. Solar power is growing both as residential as well as commercial energy sources. If you are trying to decide whether to make solar energy a part of your home or business, this article is for you. Read on and learn everything you need to know about solar energy.
You should assess how much energy you need for your household before investing in a solar energy system. You will get the most out of your solar energy system if it is powerful enough to cover all your energy needs and allows you to sell a small quantity of power to the main grid.
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. You need to give yourself time to make adjustments and learn more as you go along.
If you run a business you know that there are a lot of costs associated with that, one of them being your energy bill. If you have been looking at ways to save the company some money, you should switch over to renewable solar energy. This will not only save you money but let people know that you are environmentally conscious.
Having a pool is a luxury that is becoming unaffordable for many families. Have you watched the past couple of summers pass by, without opening up the pool? Switching your system over to renewable solar energy can help make it possible to keep enjoying your pool, without the high energy bill each month.
Solar Power
With a lease, make sure that you are allowed to transfer midway. If you decide to sell your house, you’ll still have to pay for the lease if you can’t transfer it. If you have the transfer option, you can transfer your lease to the new owners of the home.
You might be wondering how you can use solar energy, without having to spend a fortune. Solar energy systems can be expensive, but they can also be very affordable. Try using solar powered lights on your walkway or around your yard. You can also add solar panels slowly to your home over time to bring down some of the costs little by little.
As you prepare to buy a solar power system, don’t underestimate the importance of recommendations. Talk to everyone you know, whether they are friends, family members or even coworkers. You may be surprised by the number of people that have experience with these systems. They can tell you what they found out along their journey and guide you in the right direction.
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost-effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
You want to stay away from companies that pressure you concerning solar energy sales. It’s important that you take your time in making the best possible decision for you. Caving into sales pressure can cause you to make an unwise purchase.
If you have room and enough money, the optimal system for solar power is one that uses a sun tracking system for the panels. These systems will follow the sun as it moves during the day. This may cost you a little more at first, but the results, in the end, are worth it.
Solar energy can help save you money on your utility bill. The sun’s energy is free for you to use, and can help you save money when you have solar energy panels installed on your home or place of business. If you want to learn how you can save money with solar energy, call a professional in your area.
Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.
When you create your own solar power, you can actually make money off the process. It is possible for you to sell your extra power to an energy company in your area. If you think you would be interested in this, get in touch with your local power company and talk to them about how it would work.
You should check the background of the company you’re buying your panels from. You’ll want to use a company that will still be in business 20 years down the road. You need this to protect your warranty so you can replace your panels if you ever need to.
Have a clear understanding of your daily energy consumption before purchasing a solar electricity system for your home. Solar panels can be costly, and understanding how many you need is important. How many you need will be based on the overall daily energy consumption of your home and family, so having this information is vital in making a smart purchase.
Solar panels don’t just help the lights turn on. They can warm up water and provide heat. This ensures that investing in a solar system is going to affect (or get rid of completely!) Additionally, you can also sell any excess power produced back to your power company.
A charge controller is a great addition to any solar array, specifically those that are working above 10 watts on a regular basis. These small devices act as “ON” and “OFF” switches to protect your batteries. They prevent overcharging from damaging your batteries and can provide more advanced charging options depending on the make and model.
Having read the article above, you should now have a better knowledge base on how solar energy works. Use the information to help you decide whether pursuing solar power is a viable option or not. After all, it isn’t worth investing in solar power if it doesn’t make economic sense.
I hope you enjoyed this post: Want To Go Green? Think About Solar Power
It used to be that you needed multiple acres to capture the power of the sun, but that is no longer the case. If you have a sunny roof, you can benefit from solar energy. This article will give you all the tips you need to get started.
Are your energy bills getting a little out of control these days? If you are tired of paying costly energy bills then it is time to switch to solar energy. It might cost a little more up front but will ultimately end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.
If you want to use partial solar power, look into some small solar operated appliances. There are two ways to do this. First, locate solar panels that can be mounted on windows so that you can get electronic devices recharged. Second, purchase solar powered camping products like lanterns or stoves. Each small step contributes to your financial savings.
Solar Power
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.
Although the initial cost of solar panels can be quite expensive, you need to think in terms of future savings. Once your initial investment is paid off, you will never have to be dependent on another energy company again. This is because you will get all the energy you need from the sun.
One of the major benefits of solar energy is that it is renewable. The sun (generally) shines each and every day, and there is no reason to worry that drawing power from the sun will somehow render it unusable in the future. Using solar energy, therefore, is a safe and reliable way to power the Earth.
Fossil fuels that are used around the world do not help our environment. In fact, the cause a great deal of damage to the world we live on. Solar energy will provide us with the power we need without causing any damage to our earth. There will be no more gases, carcinogens or even carbon dioxide produced by solar energy.
You should attend renewable energy fairs or visit renewable energy demonstration centers located in your area. You will get a chance to meet with experts and learn more about solar energy and the different types of panels you can invest in. You will make a better decision if you are properly educated.
If you want to convert to solar energy, begin with the easiest conversion spots. Start by investing in solar-powered appliances to make small changes to your lifestyle before investing in a full-scale system. A gradual conversion can help long-term commitment.
Have a site evaluation done of your property to determine if installing solar panels is a viable option for your home. Solar panels may not work very well if your house receives full shade. Shade will render your solar panels useless, which means you’ll end up losing money.
When planning your panels, take into consideration the shadows that nearby trees may pass over the area. Solar panels usually need to be mounted high on the roof, in a location that is exposed to the sun for the longest period of time. However, what seems like a great spot may be covered in shade for a certain period of the day.
Living a green life helps protect the environment and generally helps you save money. By choosing solar energy options such as solar heating, solar hot water heating, and solar lighting, you can rest assured that you are helping to save the planet. Keep your solar products free from dirt and debris for best results.
When most people think about solar energy, they think that it has to cost a lot of money, but it doesn’t. If you want to use solar energy, but you have a limited budget, you can install solar-powered lights in your yard. This is a good way to save energy without spending more than you can afford.
Don’t look at solar panels as a do it yourself project. You are putting serious funds into these panels, and any mistake can be very costly. Find the right help. Do your research online to come up with the best installers out there near you and interview a few before making any decisions.
If you are running low on space across the roof, install new panels at ground level for even more savings. Panels in the yard are still an improvement above typical fossil fuels. The idea is to add as many panels as you can and store as much energy as possible.
Do not let a salesperson pressure you into purchasing solar panels. A solar energy system is an important investment and you should take the time to compare your different options. If a vendor feels the need to pressure you, they might not be confident about the quality of their products.
There are many ways to take advantage of solar energy. One of them that many people don’t know about is leasing a system. You see, when you lease a system, you lock in a rate for about ten years, which means that your rate doesn’t go up as energy costs do go up. Therefore, you have found a way to get that solar energy into your home.
When you think about getting solar panels for your home, think about how much wattage you need. Look over the past year for your energy usage, and make sure that you look at solar panels with your own usage in mind. That will affect how many solar panels you purchase, and how much you spend.
Solar energy has much to offer both homes and businesses, everything from enormous savings on your utility bills to a lower carbon footprint. Want to install it for your own uses? Go for it! Apply these tips to get started and find reliable professionals who can help you.
I hope you enjoyed the post: Using Solar Power sing Solar Power At Your Home Or Business At Your Home Or Business
Everyone is looking for ways to save money, and producing your own energy with solar power can really help you do so. However, solar energy is a complicated subject, and it can be hard to know how to get started. The following advice will get you started on the right foot.
You should assess how much energy you need for your household before investing in a solar energy system. You will get the most out of your solar energy system if it is powerful enough to cover all your energy needs and allows you to sell a small quantity of power to the main grid.
Start small when you want to start using solar power. You can buy a solar landscape light set in a box that will save you money on outdoor lighting and reduce your carbon footprint. You can find these in almost any type of home improvement store. Installing them means nothing more than shoving them into the soil.
Solar Energy
Make sure that any solar panels you put up are actually cost-effective. While the installation cost can be dented with government assistance, you need to know how long it will take for energy savings to return your investment. Also factor in that you are not likely to get the same amount of power every single month.
If you cannot afford to purchase a solar power system for your entire house, consider using it in just one or two spaces. Solar power is a great option for heating swimming pools for instance or bringing additional warmth to a cooler bedroom. You can always start small and purchase later, as your budget allows.
Get online to find your local Internet solar panel community. You can find out good information about peaks and lows in solar power use in your area. If you get particularly adept at getting on a roof to clean your solar panels, you might even market yourself and make a few bucks off other solar panel owners afraid of heights.
Consider changing out your windows when you install a solar power 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.
To get the best performance out of your solar panels during the summer, you’ll want to adjust them to be as flat as possible. Even so, the heat during the summer months will cause a performance reduction in most solar panels. The budget for this drop in electricity generation when developing your solar energy plan.
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.
Be sure to check the design date of each type of solar panel you consider purchasing. The most recent technologies are more efficient but some solar panel vendors still sell technology that is a few years old. Panels that are older will cost less but they won’t work as well.
Always look for a good and qualified contractor to install your solar system. Just because you are having a new technology installed on your home, does not mean that you should look for new contractors. The type of work is very specialized and have a quality contractor with a proven track record is critical to having your system installed properly
Maximize the power output of the space you use for solar panels. This means you should invest in quality panels that can produce high amounts of energy without taking up your entire roof. Maximizing the power output of your panels will allow you to easily expand your system if you need to produce more energy.
Do not let a salesperson pressure you into purchasing solar panels. A solar power system is an important investment and you should take the time to compare your different options. If a vendor feels the need to pressure you, they might not be confident about the quality of their products.
A hot tub is a lot of fun but it can also cause your energy bills to go up. If you use your hot tub regularly and want to save on energy, you should use solar energy to power it or heat the water you use. A large solar panel is enough to power your hot tub or provide you with hot water.
Particularly if you plan to sell your home someday, it is important to keep in mind that a solar-powered residence is very attractive to buyers. Therefore, purchasing such a system will generally help you command a higher selling price. This is because, as time goes on, our society is becoming more and more driven to find eco-friendly solutions to everyday problems.
If you can afford to, you should invest in a sun tracking system. A sun tracking system will determine where the sun rays are coming from and adjust the angle of your panels so their exposure is maximized. Sun tracking systems are expensive but you will be able to produce a lot more energy.
If you are looking into purchasing a solar panel power system be sure that anyone that you consider has been certified independently. If it has not, then there really is no guarantee that it will work as well as the company says that it does. Additionally, you may not get the tax cuts or grants that you deserve because of it.
When deciding how to clean your solar panels, you need to remember a few things. Always be mindful of your safety when cleaning your panels. If getting on the roof makes you nervous, hire someone to maintain the solar panels. You also don’t want to use the wrong cleaning products and damage your panels. They just need a simple rinsing and washing using a soft brush. You needn’t scrub too hard or use any harsh cleaners.
Once you know a little more about solar power, you will realize how much money you can save by installing solar panels. Doing so does not have to be a complicated or overly expensive process. Just use the advice you have read here to get started using solar power right away.
I hope you enjoyed the post: Using Solar Energy As A Viable Resource
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