Solar Energy Secrets

Right Fit

• While free energy from the sun sounds grand, one size of solar product does not fit all. One of the secrets to success with solar energy is to choose the product that works well for your particular situation. If you have an inefficient old hot water tank and your roof gets plenty of heat in the summer, solar hot water might be the best way to reduce your energy bills. Solar hot water uses the heat from the sun to warm water for a pool or for home use.

  Solar photovoltaic energy is quite different. These solar panels collect the light from the sun and use it to create energy that can power appliances or lights inside the home. This energy does not rely on heat to work, so it is quite possible to get solar energy on an overcast day or a cold, bright day.

Affordability

• Solar energy sounds green, but it also sounds expensive. Solar installations can be expensive, but with emerging technologies they are becoming much more affordable. Low-cost raw materials such as copper, zinc and tin are used to create thin, flexible solar cells. As these cells become more efficient, adaptable and inexpensive solar power will become more accessible to the average homeowner.

Selling Energy

• It is possible to create too much solar energy. On a sunny day, you may not use as much energy to light and heat your home as you collect, so there may be extra solar energy. In many places, it is possible to sell this energy back to the energy grid. Energy companies are trying to collect more renewable energy, and an easy way to do this is to collect excess energy from people who are already making it on their own rooftops. This is also known as net metering, and in the United States, the 42 states and the District of Columbia buy this power from consumers who make it.

Improve Efficiency

• Like any home appliance, your solar panels work best if they are maintained well. When you are considering a location for your solar panels, think about whether leaves and other debris will fall on the panels. If autumn leaves cover the solar photovoltaic panels, their efficiency will be reduced. A strategic location and regular maintenance will keep your solar panels at peak efficiency.

Installation Methods

• If you live in a warm area, you might think that you are all set to go for solar power. However, solar photovoltaic panels become less efficient in very warm temperatures. If you think your panels may experience temperatures of more than 100 degrees, install them away from metal roofs and place space between the panel and other objects to encourage cooling through air flow. This will help your photovoltaic panels be as efficient as possible in the heat.