Are you tired of wasting money by paying the power company for electricity? Do you feel that you are being charged to much just to power your home? There is an alternative source of power for those who want to break free. This source is called solar energy, and you can learn how to use it in this article.

The efficiency of a solar energy system varies a lot depending on its exposure to the sun. If you live in a sunny area, your system should produce enough energy to cover all your needs but solar energy might not be such a good investment if you live in an area where the sky is usually filled with clouds.

Leasing a solar system is an option if up-front costs are prohibitive. In the long run, buying a solar energy system is always the better option, however leasing can still result in lower bills overall. Leasing a system will let you take advantage of the energy savings right away, however be aware that you can be stuck with your contract for up to 10 years.

Before you pull the trigger and buy a system, take a look at how long the manufacturer guarantees the product for. You want a fairly long warranty because the system will have to pay for itself over time and help you begin to generate a profit. Therefore, make sure the warranty is for at least 25 years.

Cleaning your solar panels does not need to be labor intensive. You want to avoid abrasive soaps at all costs, as they can deteriorate and even destroy your panels. So long as there is not caked up dust or bird droppings, frequent rinses with just hose water should be more than enough.

Be sure that you choose a company that has a great deal of experience if you plan to have a solar-energy system installed. Installation is the most important factor in whether or not your system will produce the most amount of energy possible, and a bad installation could cost you thousands in repairs.

Profiting from solar energy does necessary mean that you have to fit your home with unsightly panels. You can use passive solar energy to help reduce your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Passive solar energy systems include trome walls, earth cooling tubes, air panels and a host of other alternative energy devices.

When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.

The power company hold many people and their homes hostage each day by charging them outrageous prices for energy. Many people have grown tired of it and switched to solar energy. You can be among those people and use an energy source that practically pays for itself. Solar energy is the way to go!…