Are you considering switching to solar energy? Solar power is an excellent way to save money on your bills and preserve the environment. This article will give you the start you need.

It is important to know that about the two main types of photo-voltaic solar panels. Less expensive panels are usually poly-crystalline, but they are not as effective as the more expensive mono-crystalline panels. Buy the best product for the amount of money you have available to spend.

Take baby steps in your quest for 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. Low-voltage outdoor solar lighting is available at most home improvement stores. They are very easy to install.

To make a partial transition to solar energy, look for smaller-scale applications. There are two ways to do this. The first is to find window-mounted panels for powering electronics. The second is to check out solar-powered camping supplies. Every tiny thing you do will make your energy bill that much cheaper.

Only lease equipment which allows you to transfer the lease. Should you move some day, you may have to continue paying on the lease because you can’t take the system with you. When you have this option in your contract, you and your prospective buyers will reap the rewards.

You need a backup solution in case your solar panels are not functioning like they should. Generators can help, but you may want to think about remaining part of the local grid in your area just in case. If you purchase a generator, be sure you regularly test it, and you may wish to have more than one unit.

You may be able to get tax credits for a solar energy installation. You may receive upwards of thirty percent off the price of your system. Just check some online sources or get in touch with a local agency representative to see if you are eligible.

Have solar panels installed in the best positions to get more sun during the whole year. Invest in a sun tracker and an adjustable mount so you can change the angle of your panels throughout the day or change their orientation for each new season.

Solar Energy

Look into using solar energy to power your home in some way if you care anything at all for the environment. Solar energy is a very “green” source of energy since it is 100 percent renewable. Do your part to use less fossil fuels by using solar energy instead.

Examine your average energy use. Before switching to solar power, you will need to know how much energy your home consumes. This is what will determine what size of system you require. Go back over the entire year to see how your energy usage changes throughout the seasons.

When you own your own home, you can’t go wrong with a complete solar energy system. These panels can save you a lot of money during the course of the year on energy.

Though solar panels are put in areas with the most sunlight, some factors could affect the sun getting to them. Regularly check trees to be sure they’re not preventing sunlight from getting to solar panels.

Before installing any form of solar panels, be familiar with local rules and regulations. A variety of laws are likely in place. If you do not have a permit and install a unit, it is subject to removal.

Be grounded in your expectations of what you can get out of solar water heating. They may not save you as much money as you expect. Showering in the morning doesn’t mean you won’t have hot water. Usually, water heated from a solar system will still be warm for about one day.

Try leasing solar energy systems if you can’t buy one yourself. Leasing a system saves you money, and you can usually recoup the installation costs within a matter of weeks.

Use solar panels to benefit your home in ways other than lighting. For example, did you know that they can generate heat for your home and water? You can see huge changes by having solar energy. Additionally, you can also sell any excess power produced back to your power company.

Solar Panels

Roof mounted solar panels are the most common but are not the only choice. There are better choices if you have the space. You can maximize the amount of sun your system receives with the use of a powered sun tracker and adjustable mounts. Installing solar panels in your yard may take up space but the savings outweigh the loss of yard space.

If you’re having solar panels put on the roof, consider their location when their angles are adjusted. Your latitude should be a consideration for solar panel installation in order to maximize your panels’ electrical output.

Rather than installing solar panels on the roof, consider solar roof tiles to make cleaning less of a chore. You can still enjoy the benefits of solar energy, but with less effort and maintenance.

A solar energy system can be a great way to heat your pool or to power your hot water heater. Solar water heaters get heat and energy from the sun to maintain your pool and/or hot tub temperature.

You want to make sure that you place your solar panels where they will get the optimal amount of sunlight throughout the day. This means the efficiency of your panels will vary a lot depending on your location, but you can improve their efficiency by reducing shadows as much as possible, for instance by getting rid of some trees.

Look into incorporating solar energy into your home. It can help you save money, cut down pollution and decrease dependence on oil from other countries. These crucial reasons should help you see why you should fully or partially convert your home to solar energy.