subject: Solar Power Generators - Consider Your Options [print this page] Solar Power Generators - Consider Your Options
With the continued unrest in the world today, we all need to find ways to increase our self reliance, especially when it has to do with our energy consumption. Weather it is driving our cars more efficiently or heating our homes in the winter or cooling them in the summer, we all are at the mercy of the big power companies and foreign oil producers.
You might consider installing solar panels to heat your water and provide some of the electricity to operate those household appliances.
Anything you can do to make yourself less reliant on the big power companies, the better off you are. Personally, I'd like to fire all the monopolies out there that are holding us hostage with their energy sources, wouldn't you? Using the sun for your heating needs can give you some independence from big brother as you in effect will be your own power company.
This means there will be no late notices from your friendly gas or power company when you can't afford to pay their outrageous and ever escalating bills. Since the Sun doesn't have a collection department, I guess you won't have to worry if you paid your heating bill this month. In addition to the cost factor, you are also using an environmental friendly fuel source. Solar power is by far the cleanest source of energy available today, plus you might also get a tax break when you file your taxes.
You may want to do some research on exactly where to place your solar panels before doing anything else.
You need to choose a location that will get maximum exposure to the suns rays, so you will get the most productivity from your solar investment. If you put your panels in a spot that is mostly in the shade, you probably will not get as much output as if they were facing the sun all day. Thus by doing a little home work in advance on getting the most production out of your panels, you will reduce the need to buy other expensive gadgets that promise to increase your wattage output.
The life expectancy of your solar project should also be looked at before making any decisions.
Remember, if one brand guarantees to last 20 years, while a slightly cheaper brand only guarantees 10 years, which one will be more cost effective? Don't be a pound wise and a penny foolish or is it the other way around? Next look at how much expected power out put each brand is expected to produce.
The more power produced by your project, the less you will have to buy from your friendly power company. Plus, if you happen to produce more power than you need, you can sell the overage back to your power company and potentially even make a profit. Even though solar provides a very efficient and planet friendly energy source, it is often bypassed by consumers due to its higher cost.
So, be sure to investigate the long term cost benefits of solar and see exactly what the real net costs will be over time before making your decision.
