Be Eco-Friendly With Solar Panels At Your Home

By Adriana Noton


As our world suffers global warming, we want to be eco-friendly with solar panels and do our part to help. By reducing energy costs, and powering your home with renewable energy you can help in a number of ways. Beware, as this technology is just emerging, costs are high, but there is still a return on investment.

These panels can be expensive but pay for themselves over time. Many homes turn to these panels so they can set up solar water heaters, pool pumps, pool heaters and many other uses. Swimming pools can be notoriously expensive to run electricity to the pumps. It is even worse when you have to heat them in the winter. This includes a spa.

As power companies raise their rates, many are left wondering how much higher they can go. The alternative is going with solar panels. You can start off small and continue to buy panels and build up. Many city governments offer a tax break on homes that put in solar panels. Some will require you use an approved solar dealer on their list, others will allow you to show a receipt they were put in.

Many companies are listed that offer these installations. Verify the company prior to getting work done. A proper quote would include them coming out and visually inspecting your home and roof. Due to the weight of the panels and assembly, it is not as easy as putting them on the roof and being done. A proper install will alleviate damage and possible water leakage. The efficiency of the solar collectors vary widely. The highest quality power collectors cost the most.

Ensuring that the contracted work is fully inclusive is very important. Getting cost over runs tacked on is not a good thing. Make sure to use a well known company where experience and number of installs guard against issues. Be careful of new companies fishing for down payments on work only to go out of business.

Many of these companies sub contract out the work. If the main company does not pay the sub contractor, they can put a lien on your property even though you already paid the first company. This has been reported many times to homeowners. Be careful in what you setup and with what company you use.

Also consider the weather you experience in your region. Areas with cloudy and wet weather will get less usage and yield from an installation. However, getting even 50% use is possible, and will make a huge impact on your energy needs. Desert areas are very good candidates for installations. In some areas 7+ hours a day of power is generated, some of which can be stored into batteries. Power inverters change the energy into AC power for appliances and other use.

Don't forget that a system like this adds significant value to a home. Homes with full major installs are coveted in many areas. High quality heating, power and sub systems are easily spotted and their value is immediately realized. Solar financing is also a possible solution.




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