Helpful Solar Energy Tips And Tricks You Need

Knowing what to do regarding solar energy may feel daunting, but it is not so complex. You will be able to make an educated decision once you know more about solar energy. The following article will tell you what you need to know about getting started with solar energy.

Your solar energy system needs to be exposed to the sun at all times. Most homeowners have their solar panels installed on their roof but you could also have some panels installed on your front lawn. Do not hesitate to cut a few trees to avoid shadows and have a professional help you determine the best place for your panels.

Position solar panels on the east or west side of your home or business. Since the sun travels from east to west throughout the day, placing solar panels on areas of your roof that face north or south is a waste. Youll get much better energy returns by following the same path as the sun.

Storage is just as important as the energy that a solar power system produces. Batteries can store energy until you are ready to use it. Also, you can sell excess energy to your power company for even greater savings.

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.

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 can even market yourself and make a few bucks off other solar panel owners afraid of heights.

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.

Profiting from solar energy does necessary mean that you have to fit your home with unsightly panels. You can use passive solar energy to help reduce your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Passive solar energy systems include trome walls, earth cooling tubes, air panels and a host of other alternative energy devices.

To get the best performance out of your solar panels during the summer, youll 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. Budget for this drop in electricity generation when developing your solar energy plan.

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 arent, youll be missing out on some of the cash back opportunities out there for you.

There are many companies who claim to be specialists in solar conversion. However, it is up to you to confirm that they have the proper qualifications and credentials. Check with the Better Business Bureau for their current business standing. Do an online search for any reviews. If you turn up any negative information, look for another service.

Now that youve read this entire article, youve increased your knowledge about solar energy. The greater your knowledge base, the more confidence you will have in your solar energy system. You have been convinced of the wisdom of solar, and you now understand how to get the ball rolling.