You might have heard of countless benefits relating to using solar panels in your home. Some of the benefits of installing solar panels on your home include government incentives and contributing to an ecologically friendly environment. Read on to find some ideas which will help you get started.
Consider outdoor lighting, such as garden or patio lighting, that is solar-powered. These lamps aren’t very expensive and can save you on power bills because they’re powered by the sun. This does more than just save energy. It also means that you avoid having to go outside and wire up outdoor lights.
Use a solar water heat system to lower water and heating costs. This is also a very efficient way to heat water and keep it at the proper temperature. By doing certain upgrades to your home, you can often earn extra incentives and even cut backs on your energy bill.
Cut down on air conditioning by wearing natural fibers in the summer. Natural materials like cotton repel moisture from your skin and allow it to stay cool. You can also try wearing lighter colors, they help you feel cooler, lessening your need for artificial cold air.
Be a better consumer of energy, and cut your home energy usage by unplugging your electronic chargers when they are not in use. Chargers used for cell phones, laptops, mp3 players and other electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they aren’t charging your device.
Wind Turbine
Are you a farmer? If you or someone you know does, you can rent a piece of your land to a company looking to put in a wind turbine. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.
One great way of conserving energy is to ensure the dishwasher is only turned on when full. It’s sacrilege to turn it on with just one or two dishes inside. The amount of dishes that can be placed in a washer is astounding. Try your best to align your dishes properly so that you maximize your space in your dishwasher, play Tetris with your dishwasher.
When planning out your solar PV system, try to locate the battery storage system as close to the cells as possible. Doing so removes the chance of lost energy. It also lowers the possibility of shading the cable cells and lessening their output capacity.
If you can afford it, invest in a laptop rather than using a desktop as they tend to use more energy. These portable machines will reduce your electrical use by 75% while you do everyday tasks. Plus, you can take your laptop with you anywhere you go!
If you are unsure about making big green energy investments in your home, then hire professionals like a plumber or heating expert to come in and give you an overview of your existing systems. These consultants will visit your home, assess your energy usage, and provide options at several price points for making smart and economical green upgrades.
Solar Ovens
A solar oven is an energy efficient way of baking. Solar ovens can be created with old windows, boxes, and foil. Solar ovens can get hotter than 300 degrees, and doesn’t use any energy source besides the sun, so you are reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Watch watt usage carefully. Gadgets such as the Watt Minder or the Kill-A-Watt will help you find out which of your appliances are hogging energy. Plug your appliances in to these devices to find out what amount of energy is required each year, month or hour to run it. This can let you see how much your devices really cost you.
Your electric company can assist you in making your home energy-efficient. Utility companies provide some powerful tools online to measure and control your electricity usage. Be sure to also check out any programs they have to help you purchase energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
Replace your windows with more energy-efficient ones. There are many benefits to using these windows–you will see smaller energy bills, your home will be more quiet, you will not have as much carbon dioxide, and you will see less condensation on your windows.
60 Degrees
An excellent way to save energy in your home is to set the heat at 60 degrees when you are not home or during the night while you’re asleep. Having the heat set at 60 degrees uses the minimum quantity of energy possible. You can save money on your utility bills by reducing your energy consumption in this way.
To maximize energy efficiency, you should plan to weatherize your home. You can greatly reduce your home’s energy by sealing ducts, installing energy efficient windows, and adding insulation. In addition to the energy saved you will also receive a lower energy bill.
In addition to saving energy and money, solar panels offer other benefits to homeowners. Most of these systems can be purchased and installed easily, and are durable and long-lasting. Solar panels are a good way to be green and provide a much needed update for your home.
