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Looking For Great Tips About Solar Energy? Check Out This Good Information!
One of the most popular forms of permaculture energy is solar power. These days, you see it being used
everywhere both commercially and residentially. If you are considering turning to solar energy for your
power needs, 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.
Talk to your local government about doing any major solar installations in your home or business. You
want to be properly permitted and within building, zoning and construction codes and regulations.
However, you may also discover tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives. They may also have
data and information about how well certain solar technologies work in your area.
One great way to take advantage of solar energy is by constructing a heat well just inside the south
facing windows or patio doors of your home. This well collects heat from the sun during the day and
releases it after dark. This form of solar energy is completely passive and requires no maintenance.
Know that solar panels do not immediately mean free energy forever. You need to be mindful of the fact
that solar installations often carry a large up-front price tag. However, you also need to balance that
with how much energy you can save over the long run, government incentives and the possibility of
selling your excess power into the grid.
Be prepared to keep your solar panels clean. The dirtier they get, the less efficient they are at generating
power. While it is true that rain and wind can often take care of a lot of this for you, you do need to get
up there sometimes and dust them off yourself.
If you cannot afford a full-scale solar energy system, consider investing in a smaller one. Some vendors
offer small systems designed to power a water heater or a generator. This small investment should help
you save money within the next few years and you can easily expand your solar energy system by
powering more appliances with solar panels.

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There is really no reason to even consider getting a solar energy system if you live in an area that rarely
sees the sun. This does not mean that a less than reputable company will not try to sell you a solar
system though. If your roof does not receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day, you should not
consider solar power.
Many governments offer tax savings for consumers who install green energy products. These tax savings
can help offset the installation cost of a new solar energy system. Additionally, many state's also allow
you to deduct some or most of the costs of the installation on your state's tax return allowing double
savings.
Do not be discouraged at the cost of starting solar energy. You may find it pricy to get the products you
need for setting up a solar energy system. But, you will find a much cheaper electric bill every month,
paying off the initial start up cost and then some.
When purchasing a solar energy system, make sure that you read the manufacturer's warranty carefully.
This is a very expensive item, and you want to know that you will be able to get a replacement in the
event something happens to it. You should purchase an extended warranty if the one that is offered is
very limited.
Think about heating your hot tub or pool water with solar energy. These devices are some of the most
energy consuming things that people have in their homes these days. If you use solar energy instead of
standard energy to power these you could greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the
end.
When you're planning on installing a solar energy system, you should shop around and get a few quotes.
You'll be able to see how much prices vary between providers. While you shouldn't be completely
swayed by price, it's crucial that you don't just go for the cheapest since cheaper components can cost
you a lot more later.
Before deciding if solar panels are right for you, assess the amount of shade that is present around your
house. Solar panels are not the best fit for homes that spend the majority of the day in the shade. Shade

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limits the sun's performance on solar panels. This reduces the effectiveness and cost efficiency of solar
heat.
Keep your solar panels out of the shade. It might seem obvious, but your solar panels do need sun.
Make sure that you are not installing them in the shade. Trim back the branches on surrounding trees if
you need to. Failing to do so could cost you more than half your energy output.
Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment
with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your
town's federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.
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.