If you are already on board with the idea of adding solar power to your home, then you might not need too much convincing in terms of why you should switch to solar power. All you need to know is how you can do it in a way that best suits your needs. How well your solar panels give your home the energy you need can depend on a range of factors. Here, we’re going to look at how different choices, such as different solar panel types, placement, and even portable solar panels, can help you get the very best out of your investment.
Getting help paying for your solar energy
You may be well aware that solar power can help you save a lot of money in the long run by reducing your reliance on expensive fossil fuels. However, it often comes with a large upfront cost that isn’t easy for everybody to get past. However, you might be able to get some help in dealing with those upfront costs in the form of solar incentives and rebates. There are a lot of state agencies and bodies that are willing to either help you pay upfront with a discount or refund some of the money you spend on installing your solar energy setup. Take the time to research your options and make the process of installing a little less demanding o your wallet if you can.
Look for the most efficient panels available
There are different types of solar panels worth considering. Solar technology continues to improve, to the point that the energy efficiency of the average solar cells has increased from 15% to 20% over the past five years. That said, not all solar panels are going to be the same. It is true that some of the more effective types, like panels using highly concentrated photovoltaic cells, are going to be more expensive to install. However, as the rule generally goes with solar, what you pay now, you’re more likely to save in the future, especially if you live in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Take the time to research your different options.
Store the extra energy that you generate
Your solar panels are going to generate energy from the light of the sun, which then gets transmitted through the home, powering your lights, your hot water, and all of your appliances if you’re able to get enough of it. If you’re generating more than you’re currently using, however, what happens to the excess energy? In some cases, it gets sold back to the grid, which can offer a little payment for the energy that you’re providing. If you invest in solar battery storage, however, you can use this excess energy at night or when there isn’t as much sun out, meaning you save even more money on your bills. This can be particularly effective for those who might not be at home all day when their panels are generating the majority of their energy.
Time when you use your appliances
If you’re not likely to invest in solar battery storage to help you keep your excess energy for when you are more likely to use it, then you might want to think of the time when the sun is high in the sky as peak energy usage time for you. This is when your solar panels are going to generate most of their energy and, as such, you’re likely to benefit a lot more from using appliances then. If you have high-energy usage appliances, like a washing machine or dishwasher, then you want to time their use to this peak energy time as best as possible. Of course, you should always monitor how much you’re using and generating to make sure that you’re going over your solar energy capabilities. But you’re going to save more money using appliances when your energy generation is at its highest, regardless.
Ensure the best coverage with portable solar panels
When you go through the process of installing solar panels, the professional that you’re working with is likely going to take the time to work out which placement and position will be best for your home. They want to make sure the panels are placed in a way that they get as much sunlight as possible for the majority of the day. However, with the help of the best portable solar panels, you don’t need to wrinkle your brain too hard. Portable solar panels can be repositioned as many times as you want, allowing them to adapt to different functions. Not only does this mean that you can change their position so that they are always facing the sun, but it also means that you can attach them to different things, such as using them on top of vehicles to provide power for them, as well as on your roof.
Take care of your solar panels
One of the biggest benefits of solar panels, in general, is that they don’t require a ton of maintenance. They don’t have a lot of moving parts, after all. That said, you can still ensure they are performing as efficiently as possible by cleaning them on a regular basis to stop dust and dirt from building up on them. However often you should clean your solar panels will depend on a range of factors, such as the type of panels you have, how often it rains, not to mention the cost of getting them professionally cleaned. Otherwise, if you don’t get them cleaned at all, they are likely to be 5% less effective by the end of the year.
The efficacy of solar panels is being proven time and time again, with more and more people benefiting from them. Hopefully, the tips above make it easier for you to enjoy those benefits, too. From choosing more efficient types to placing them dynamically with portable solar panels, there are plenty of different ways to make sure that your panels are as effective as they can be.
