Before You Buy Solar Panels

Solar panel installation at an information cen...

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For many homeowners investing in solar panels makes sound economic sense.  Not only will they receive a handsome credit on their federal income tax, but their home value increases, the environment is improved, and their energy dollars are reduced.

However, purchasing a solar panel system for your home is a major investment.  And like any investment, should be thoroughly researched before expending the money.  Here are some things to consider before your purchase.

  • How much energy do you need to produce? Call a local solar contractor for an energy estimate or use one of the many estimators online.
  • What type of mounting system will use?  Usually they come in two varieties.  One is called the proper tilt mounting which mounts the panels a specific angle to get the most use of the sun. The other mounting system is called a solar tracking mount which will adjust the panels to follow the sun.
  • What type of solar panel is best for your need?  There are two basic types of solar panels: crystalline silicon panels and amorphous silicon panels.  The amorphous panels are a good choice if you have a large space; while the crystalline panels are better for smaller spaces.
  • Will the payback period exceed the life of solar panels? Typically solar panels have a 25-year warranty and if properly installed will last 20 to 40 years.

Once you’ve done the research get bids from several contractors and check their references thoroughly before hiring. Finally check to see if there are state energy credits for installing solar panels.

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Wind Energy

Vestas wind turbine, Dithmarschen.
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Those of us living in temperate climates look forward to the warmth the sun produces during the summer months. The sun is indeed powerful and can produce not just solar power but also wind energy. When looking at alternatives to fossils fuels such as coal, it would be a good idea to consider the benefits of wind energy. This is considered one of the healthy forms of energy and it is renewable. One of the first steps in protecting our energy resources is to look at ways of using renewable resources that are cleaner on the environment.

The Wind

Some people might think it strange to use the wind as a form of energy. The sun is usual the most common natural energy source. However, the speeds of the wind can be used to generate another energy source. We have all seen the damage the wind can do during a hurricane or a tornado. So just imagine being able to harness the energy contained within these wind systems to provide another energy source.

When most people think of harnessing the power of the wind, usually windmills are the first piece of equipment people would think about. However, the energy contained within the wind can be effective at a speed of at least 7 mph. The wind energy can be used for anything such as the grand scale windmill production seen in some countries, to a smaller scale of energy production just for a home.

Wind Energy at Home

It is possible to use wind energy at home. How effective this will be would depend on the speed of the wind in your area, especially around your home. By contacting a service provider with the correct equipment, homeowners can save on utility bills by using wind energy. The service provider will need you to measure the wind speed, along with any wind patterns to decide what is the best location for a wind turbine.

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Are We Losing Energy Resources?

The Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant in Þing...
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This is a common question that is often asked as more fuel is burned to produce electricity and other forms of energy. However, either human beings forgot or ignored the fact that most of the substances we use for fuel is non-renewable and supplies can be in short supply. We have seen the result of fuel supplies running low resulting in increased prices for gas and petrol and an increase in other things that use fuel. So not only might the humans be heading towards a shortage of fuel, there is growing animosity towards the damage that the uses of the present fuels have caused on the environment.

Substitutes

Therefore, it is vital key policymakers to look for some substitute sources of energy before the supplies become too low. The suggestions for substitute sources could include wind power, solar power, hydropower, geothermal power, and tidal wave power. Even hydrogen gas has been used in the past to power spacecrafts and parts of cars.

Geothermal power refers to the natural heat energy produced inside the earth. This power can be harnessed to heat buildings and homes. The most common form of this geothermal energy is seen in a hot spring or a geyser. The force necessary to spray water out of the Earth is a great source and this form of heat production has been used in Iceland for at least 30 years.

Nuclear power is one substitute form of energy. The use of nuclear substances and the mixed reactions associated with building a reactor, is still prevalent many years after the disaster at Chernobyl, Russia. However, nuclear power is much greater than the energy obtained from other sources. Some of the European countries produce at least 50 percent of their nation’s energy by nuclear power.

Therefore, before situation becomes critical major countries should start looking at diversifying the way they produce power for their country.

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