Over time, the dirt that naturally builds up on solar panels can block how much sun the solar cells are able to absorb. And while you may not notice it at first, your panels can slowly start to lose efficiency. By the time you notice, they might not be meeting your home’s energy needs! To get the most out of your solar panels, learn how to clean them the right way and keep them working in peak condition.
Read More5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Solar Power System
Many people view solar power as a free source of energy. They’re not entirely correct, but they’re not completely wrong either. You see, solar energy becomes free once you get returns from your investment. The expense of buying and setting up the equipment: panels, batteries, converters, controllers, inverters, et cetera.
Because of the continuous price changes in solar equipment, it may take four to eight years before you see returns in your setup. Before, it was estimated that you need to at least wait two decades before the panels pay for themselves.
Read More7 Steps to a Solar Powered Home
People switch to solar for a variety of reasons.
Besides generating electricity that is completely pollution-free, solar has a full life-cycle pollutant level that is much lower than any fossil fuel (after accounting for manufacturing and the rest of the supply chain).
By generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on the utilities and protect yourself from future price increases. For those who are truly committed to being independent, they can add batteries to their homes and be disconnected from the grid.
Despite all these compelling reasons to go solar, there are some relatively easy and even free things you should do around your house first, before you invest heavily in solar panels. Some of these are obvious, but others are little vampires that you may not even realize are draining your energy and money.
Read MoreReducing Your Home’s Carbon Footprint: 6 Undeniable Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
Environmentally-conscious homeowners are beginning to discover the plethora of ways to reduce their home’s carbon footprint. Simple tasks like turning off the lights, taking shorter showers, and unplugging electronic devices when not in use can undoubtedly keep your energy and water usage low. However, suppose the goal is to make your home as environmentally-friendly as possible. In that case, an overhaul of your home’s HVAC system may be necessary, or you might consider investing in renewable wind or solar energy for your home.
Solar energy is more popular, accessible, and affordable in the United States than ever before due to its low maintenance and production costs for panel installation. Once installed, homeowners enjoy significantly cheaper energy bills, tax credits, and a higher resale value should they decide to relocate.
Read MoreBuying a Home with Solar Panels
The solar panel industry is a billion-dollar industry. More than a million homes in the U.S. are now equipped with some of those solar panels.
If you’re in the market to buy a new home; you may have already come across these homes in your search.