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Believe it or not, solar energy is not as complicated as you may think. The only thing needed is the correct information if you want to utilize all of the opportunities you have. You need to continue reading to learn more about solar energy and how it can help your business or home immensely.



Panel efficiency and quantity of panels are huge factors in how much power you'll be able to produce. A consultant can help you figure out just how much power you need as well as what panels are best suited to your needs. Higher-efficiency panels are often your best bet cost-wise.



If you find that you cannot afford solar panels at the moment, you should stay up to date with new products and technologies. Scientists are regularly coming up with new technologies and materials that can be used to build more efficient and affordable panels, which means solar energy should become a more efficient solution in the future.














<img src="http://cleangreenenergyzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/green-energy-tips.jpg" />

Have your solar panels installed correctly to get the most energy from the sun. If you don't know how to do it, look at the direction the sun is in and how it changes through the seasons.



Before installing solar panels on your roof, check with your home owners association. Some associations have restrictions on what you are allowed to do to the outside of the property, and this might mean solar panels are not an option for you. It is better to have this information up front than to purchase the panels and be forced to remove them at a later time.



One of the biggest and best advantages of solar energy is that it does not release any harmful substances in the environment. Fossil fuels, which are used for regular energy, give off harmful substances, like carbon dioxide. In the end, these gasses can ruin the environment and harm animals and plants.



You should know the difference between off-grid solar energy and on-grid solar energy in order to figure out which is best for you. On-grid energy requires the use of the state's electricity grid. On the other hand, off-grid energy means the home or business uses its own solar-hybrid or solar source.






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<h2>Uruguay makes dramatic shift to nearly 95% electricity from clean energy</h2>

In less than 10 years, Uruguay has slashed its carbon footprint without government subsidies or higher consumer costs, according to the country’s head of climate change policy, Ram&n M&ndez. In fact, he says that now that renewables provide 94.5% of the country’s electricity, prices are lower than in the past relative to inflation. It was a very different story just 15 years ago. Uruguay makes dramatic shift to nearly 95% electricity from clean energy


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Solar panels can be quite pricey, so it is a good idea to buy just a few of them. Hire a service to perform an energy audit on your home. You will then see how your energy is being wasted and you can make key adjustments. By making these changes, you may not need to install as many panels.



Look into http://www.pressreleaserocket.net/website-with-information-on-renewable-energy-launched/478036/ . There are a number of products that are available that are powered by solar energy. One of the most popular is the solar powered water heaters. Just having one appliance run by solar energy can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.



Do not rush in selecting the first solar power system you come across. Before you make a commitment with a company, you need to make sure you cannot find any better deals elsewhere. Check out your town's federal, state, and local incentives first. You can find this information at the DSIRE database.



Outdoor lighting fixtures can be completely powered by solar energy. Search for outdoor fixtures that collect energy from the sun during the day and release it after dark. While http://www.gozoof.com/Comments.aspx?i=153626 do not require a lot of energy, these systems are very convenient because there are no electrical wires to run or short out.



If you don't feel like now is the best time for a solar energy system, consider getting a water heater that is solar to start with. The energy used for heating your water can account for 35 percent of your overall energy use. A water heater that is solar powered is lower priced than an entire power system, but you can save money with it.



Maximize the output of your solar panels by adjusting them seasonally. Adjusting your panels twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, will ensure that your panels are producing the maximum amount of energy by taking into account the earth's changing position relative to the sun.



After having read this article, you should feel like you have what it takes to start writing out a plan for solar energy in your home or business. Knowing the many benefits makes it definitely worthwhile. Remember everything you've learned so that you can fully take advantage of all opportunities.