When the ultra-conservative DailyFinance announces that “rapidly falling costs have transformed the solar power industry, and in many locations grid parity is already in the rear view mirror” you know that Solar Energy has arrived.
DailyFinance goes on to say, “What has really upset the traditional energy industry is the expansion of homeowners generating their own power” and concludes, “Grid parity marks the point where solar demand should explode worldwide, and it’s blowing through that point faster than most people think!”
We’ve looked at different forms of alternative energy production, haven’t we? Here in Atlantic Canada, private business has been looking at Tidal Power as a medium sized, environmentally friendly way of producing power for the region. Why not? The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world.
With the increase of extreme weather due to climate change, home prepping to survive a disaster has exploded in interest and use. Providing power after a disaster has become a priority. As has living off the grid.
So what about home-based energy production? What works? What’s easy to build? What’s cheap?
Here, from homeowner Wendy S Aguiza, is a guest blog looking at what is considered the cheapest, easiest and maintenance free method…
“The Vast Benefits of Using Solar Energy” a Guest Blog by Wendy S Aguiza
When it comes to solar energy, there’s no question that it’s very beneficial to the environment. However, many of you might not understand how exactly solar energy works and how to install it in your home. The following may serve to answer any questions you may have.
Solar Energy
Just because you have a lot of cloud cover does not mean you can’t get solar power! It doesn’t need to be like Florida all year round for it to be a big part of your energy savings goals. In fact, lots of people say that they get great energy on days that are not so sunny.
Before you invest in a solar energy system, find other homeowners in your community who use solar panels. Ask them how much energy they are able to generate thanks to their system. And find out how much the installation cost them. This will give you a better idea of what to expect.
If you are buying a solar energy system, make sure your panels can be easily adjusted. As seasons change, so does the angle of the sun, especially in Northern zones. Your panels will need to be adjusted every three months or so. Make sure that you know how to do this or talk to your contractor about seasonal maintenance.
Fossil fuels that are used around the world do not help our environment. In fact, they cause a great deal of damage to the Earth. Solar energy will provide us with the power we need without causing any damage to our planet. There will be no more gasses, carcinogens or even carbon dioxide produced by solar energy.
Go online to find your local Internet solar panel community. You can find good information about peaks and lows in solar energy use in your area. If you get particularly adept at getting on a roof to clean your solar panels, you can even market yourself and make a few bucks off other solar panel owners afraid of heights.
Don’t underestimate the effect that shade can have on a solar panel’s output. One tree branch can produce enough shade to reduce the amount of solar energy produced by almost 80% and that’s without leaves. Take the time to properly situate any solar panels you install to maximize their efficiency.
Do you have a pool? You could save a lot by investing in solar panels. There are small solar energy systems designed to power a water heater or a water pump and since you only use your pool during the warmer months, your panels will work perfectly when you need them.
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive money for using electricity, instead of paying it out every month? If you purchase a solar panel system, it’s important that you get a quick investment return. The added bonus to that is if you have any electricity produced that isn’t needed to power your home, you can sell it back to a utility company for electricity credits.
Those building a new home should consider using solar energy. South-facing windows are ideal capturing heat and warmth in the winter. The hot summer sun is also blocked so you save on your cooling bills.
Having read the article above, you now have a better understanding of how solar energy works. Hopefully, you can use this information to help you make the decision as to whether or not you should invest in this form of alternative energy. At the end of the day, you will be helping the environment, and reducing your expenses on power.
Live Free, Mon Ami! – Brian Alan Burhoe
About the Blogger: Wendy S Aguiza writes about home-related issues, from pest problems and landscaping to roof repairs, building a home gym and generating cheap energy: “Home solar power is really a good solution for more efficient living.”
Keywords: energy, electricity, generate, generator, save, money, bill, pay, guide
Key phrases: solar charger, solar energy, solar panels, solar power
