Choosing Better Energy UseChoosing Better Energy Use

If you are going to be adding renewable energy systems to your home, installing panels is a no-brainer. Solar panel arrays also have a lot of options available, but can be costly. Sometimes, smaller, professionally installed systems that have the right technology will give you more from your investment in solar energy. The following guide will help you understand solar panels and the technology that works with them a little better:

1. Assess Your Property to Help Decide the Best Locations with The Most Direct Sunlight for Solar Energy

The first step in preparing to invest in solar energy is assessing your property. Do a study to find out home many hours of sunlight you get and where you get the most direct sunlight. If you have trees that block direct sunlight near your home, you may want to consider removing them to get more sunlight and ensure solar panels produce as much energy as possible.

2. Remember That the Roof of Your Home Is Not the Only Viable Area to Install Solar Panels or Collectors

The roof of your home is not the only place where solar panels and collectors can be installed. You will want to consider any viable space with direct sunlight to install solar energy. This can be fencing or an open area of your property with plenty of direct sunlight. If you are planning on using solar collectors for thermal energy and hot water, these can even be integrated into the design of fencing.

3. Invest in Solar Water Heaters to Get More from Your Investment in Solar With Thermal Energy

In addition to conventional solar panels, collectors that provide your home with thermal energy for hot water and heating can also be a good investment. These solar water heaters are an affordable solution to add more efficiency to conventional HVAC heating and water heaters to help reduce the overall energy costs of your home for a more sustainable energy design.

4. Options for Grid-Tied Systems and Choosing What to Run with Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems

If you are looking for a way to finance your solar energy investment and want it to be almost like your current electrical bill, a larger solar panel array with a grid-tied system will be ideal. If you are looking for a smaller investment and do not want the panels collected to the grid, consider smaller solutions such as panels that operate lighting systems, appliances or a few electrical circuits in your home.

5. Efficient Lighting, Wiring and Appliance Upgrades to Get More from Your Investment in Solar Energy

With more efficient lighting designs, electrical wiring and appliances, you can get a lot more from your investment in solar energy. First, replace all the lights with modern LED bulbs that use a fraction of the energy that old CFL and incandescent lighting does. In addition, consider updating appliances in areas like the kitchen, so that they can be operated with a solar panel array.

Now, you can see that an investment in solar energy is not just about slapping a couple of panels on the roof of your home. It requires good planning and the right technology, which is why you will want to contact a professional solar energy service like Sterling Mountain Solar LLC before you invest in panels for your home.