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Solar power can help any building run more efficiently. Energy costs are increasing at an exponential rate and people are looking for any way to reduce them. For this reason, it's smart to make a solid investment in solar energy for your home or business. Learn even more through the article below.

Your home or business should receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per day to get the most from solar energy. Obviously more sun is better when it comes to solar panels, however if you get less than this solar energy can still be a viable option. If you are in an area where energy bills are sky high, solar might still save you money even if you don't have the optimal sun exposure.

Keep the trees around your solar energy panels trimmed. Shade from trees can limit the sun's rays that are hitting your panels, thereby causing your panels to work less effectively. In order to avoid this problem, make sure to trim back leaves and branches regularly. This is easy to do, and it is cost effective too.

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.

For the best results, place your solar panels in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.

Try to choose solar panels that can have their angles adjusted easily. The angle at which the sun hits the Earth changes throughout the year. This means that the best angle to catch the suns rays can be very different between summer and winter. Ideally you want to at least be able to adjust the angle of your panels twice a year, however if you can find some that allow adjustments four times a year (spring, summer, fall, winter) that is even better.

Check that your solar panels will be mounted in a way that works with the climate you live in. Some areas are prone to cyclones and tornadoes, and it is important to choose a mounting system for your panels that can withstand high winds if you live in these areas. If you fail to do this, the first natural disaster could result in your panels becoming unattached and useless.

If you are thinking of buying solar energy panels, stay away from high-pressure salespeople. Do your research before even setting foot in the store. Buying on the spot from a high pressure person can mean making the wrong choice and wasting your hard earned money.

You should find solar panel vendors located in your area and have them inspect your property to determine what kind of panels would be best for you and how many panels will be needed. There are many vendors on the Internet but working with a professional located in another state means they might not be familiar with weather conditions.

It's not common knowledge that you don't need a power grid when using solar energy. You, yourself, can get it work, making your family more independent than your neighbors. In addition, your monthly power bill will be gone, and you don't have to worry about installing power services whenever you move.

We rely heavily in the United States on foreign energy sources, especially oil. This is money that is going to another country. By making the switch to solar energy you are helping to reduce the US's dependence on foreign energy, and helping to keep the earths led canopy lights zone natural resources from becoming ultimately depleted.

Low prices can be very attractive but keep in mind that solar panels and their installation is not cheap. If a vendor has extremely low prices, you are probably getting low quality equipment or even second hand equipment. It is best to invest in quality solar panels and hire a trustworthy contractor to install them.

Look at a company's financial background prior to buying anything from them. You want to do business with someone that is likely to still be around in 20 years. Also, find a company that offers a quality coverage plan.

If you are looking for a solar energy system, make sure to ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences with various companies. A recommendation, or a warning, that you are familiar with can help you to make a smart buying decision. Your friends can also let you know about their experiences after installation, including any warranty issues and cost savings the system has offered.

Make sure that your solar panels are kept clean. Even the slightest amount of dirt on the cover can block the sun from coming through, which will prevent your system from operating as efficiently as it could otherwise. Therefore, aim to get on your roof and clean your panels about once per month.

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.

Check the condition of your solar panels regularly. Solar panels should rarely require maintenance; frequent checks will help ensure they have not become damaged and are still working at peak efficiency. You don't need to learn that something is wrong via a big energy bill.

Find out what kind of warranty comes with any system you are considering. A solar energy system should last you for at least twenty years, so be sure the company you are dealing with can support it. If there is no warranty, or an extremely limited one, it may be time to keep looking, no food grade led lights kia matter how great the savings are.

Shaded areas can negatively impact how efficient your solar panel is. Your efficiency varies depending on location; however, you can improve efficiency by placing your solar panels away from shadows.

If you decide to use solar panels on your home, this can reduce your bills and help the environment. Solar panels, a hot water tank, and a heat transfer system are typically needed if you would like to use this heating system for your home. It's a great alternative to an expensive gas bill!

With this knowledge in hand, you should be prepared to start making use of solar energy throughout your life. Powering your toaster or your machinery at work will be simple once you harness the sun's energy. Make use of the tips you've read here and you should be up and running in no time.