Solar energy can reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint, so you can save money while doing your part for the environment.
Solar panels can be professionally installed with a solution that is tailored for your needs and home. Once in place, they continuously produce solar energy that can be used to heat and power your home in a number of ways. If you are interested in solar panels for home use, then there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
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What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is an abundant and renewable energy source that is a clean alternative to fossil fuels for producing electricity. Technologies such as solar panels capture photons from sunlight and convert them into usable energy.
Solar panel systems are becoming a widespread energy alternative that is available in more areas all the time. Improved technology and availability have also made installation more affordable than ever.
Knowledgeable representatives can speak with you on your intended use of the energy and suggest the perfect plan for you. They can determine the size of the system that you need and even discuss financing options to make your new solar panels easy on your budget.
These days there are increasing numbers of options available for solar panels. You can choose from a number of attractive styles that will look great on the roof of your home.
How Do I Maintain My Solar Panels?
One of the best benefits of solar panels is that they require very little maintenance. The most important thing is to keep them clean and free of debris so the sunlight can reach the entire panel.
A good practice is to manually clean your solar panels two to four times per year. You can use a leaf blower or garden hose to clear away leaves and dirt. If the panels are tilted, then they may be naturally kept clean by rain, reducing your commitment to upkeep even further.
Solar panels are highly durable and can withstand severe weather conditions. The only time that you may require a professional is if your energy output begins to decrease or the panels need to be replaced. Any time you notice an unusual occurrence or consistent downturn in energy generation, contact your solar power company to get it checked out.
Most solar panels last for many years with minimal intervention needed. They are usually backed by a full warranty as well.
If you choose solar system monitoring, you have the advantage of a built-in alert system that receives data in real-time and will send notifications regarding any detected issues in performance. It’s also a convenient way to allow for remote checks to ensure everything is working as it should.
Can I Really Save Money?
Your solar panel company will review your needs and location to propose the right plan for you. A representative will examine your roof to find out if you are a good candidate for solar energy. You can then decide between solar leasing or buying solar panels.
After the panels have been placed, they will start to generate energy from sunlight and you can see the savings begin to show up in your energy bill. The initial costs and any monthly fees will be set forth in the package that you choose.
If you use more energy than your solar panels produce, you are responsible for paying for the difference. However, if you produce more than you use, the excess energy goes back into the grid and you may be entitled to be paid for that amount.
Another useful feature is the option to install a solar battery. A battery can store up any unused energy that your solar panels produce. Your home can tap into this power source for nights and inclement weather when your panels may not generate the energy that you need. Instead of being dependent upon the main power grid of your neighborhood, you can have consistent power even during outages from storms or maintenance.
Solar panel installation is a smart choice if you want to decrease the cost of your monthly energy bill. Choosing to go solar is a solid investment that can continue to offer monetary returns for years to come.
Read Also: What You Need To Know About Cleaning Solar Panels