With the way things are going in the world, it may not be very long before all of Earth’s resources are depleted. That is why you should explore alternative sources of energy. Solar power is something that you may have never considered, but hopefully this article will help change your mind.

If you decide to put solar energy panels on your home, remember to keep them clean. Your solar panels must reflect the sun’s rays in order to store the sun’s energy for use in your home or business. If they are dirty, they can not effectively do this. By keeping them clean, you will get the most bang for your buck!

Positioning Solar Panels

Be careful when positioning solar panels on your home. These panels need direct sunlight, at least during the main portion of the day. If there are a lot of trees that shade the panel, you’ll reduce your overall output by a lot. Plan ahead and look at all of your placement options.

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.

Warranties of the Solar Panels

Look into the warranties of the solar panels you are considering. A quality solar panel should have a warranty for twenty years or more. If you don’t get that with the panels you are considering, then move in a different direction. It may cost a little more, but it’ll be worth it for the peace of mind.

Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.

A solar powered fan for your attic is a good choice if switching completely to solar power is not feasible. These fans turn on when the temperature reaches a certain point. This will help to reduce the heat in your house which results in lower cooling costs. Because this fan is solar powered, your power bill will not be impacted.

When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.

Benefits of Installing Solar Panels

As you consider the benefits of installing solar panels, you must take into account how much shade surrounds your property. Solar roof panels may not be a good idea if your home stands in deep shade all day. If a shadow is case over your solar panels, their efficiency could drop by as much as 80%, which means you should consider other forms of green energy.

Don’t assume that just because a company sells and installs solar panels means they are good and trustworthy people. Shop around. Get a minimum of three quotes. Read all contracts. Check backgrounds of potential contractors. Deal with this like any other home-improvement project that you would otherwise do.

The words “solar energy” invoke fear in many people because they do not understand all that it entails. Hopefully, the above article helped you shed a little light on the topic. It may not be the best energy source for you, but you should consider all of the information here when deciding that.