When it comes to solar energy, there is no question that it is very beneficial to the environment. However, many of you may not understand how exactly solar energy works and how to install it in your home. The following article will serve to answer any questions you may have. Read on and learn.
If you are thinking about using solar power in your home, you must consider how much direct sunlight your home is actually exposed to. In order for solar energy to be worth it, your roof should have full sun exposure a minimum of 6 hours every day. You should also be wary of any areas of your roof covered by shade.
If your roof cannot to support the weight of photo-voltaic solar panels, you can save a lot of money by investing in thin film solar panels. These panels are very light and flexible, which makes the installation much easier and affordable. Their higher price is also justified by their efficiency.
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.
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.
Look into portable solar energy battery packs. These can be extremely useful when you are somewhere that does not have access to power. For example, it could be used to charge your cell phone while you are camping in a remote location. It has recently become very popular, and because of this, it is relatively inexpensive.
Numerous governmental authorities offer tax credits for solar energy installations. In some cases, the government will give you a rebate on the system, which helps to defer some of the initial cost. Check the web for the different credits that you qualify for.
If you are a business owner and you are thinking of changing your energy system over to renewable solar energy, see if you can get any tax deductions for doing so. Often times the government will offer incentives to companies who agree to switch over to a more green energy source.
Having read the article above, you should now have a better understanding of how solar energy works. Use the information provided to help you make the decision as to whether or not you should invest in this form of alternative energy. At the end of the day, you will be helping the environment, and reducing your expenses on power.