Solar energy is getting more and more popular as time goes on. People are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Keep reading for solar power ideas you can use at home and maybe even work.

Position solar panels on the east or west side of your home or business. Since the sun travels from east to west throughout the day, placing solar panels on areas of your roof that face north or south is a waste. You’ll get much better energy returns by following the same path as the sun.

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.

If you own a pool, consider using a solar water heating system to keep it warm in the cooler months. Solar heating is much less expensive than electric or even gas heating, and it is relatively easy to install. In the first year alone, you can save about thirty percent over the cost of heating your swimming pool with electricity.

For the best results, place your solar panels in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Avoid placing solar panels near trees or tall buildings because they can create shadows on the solar panels which can result in poor energy consumption. Additionally, placing your solar panels in a Southwest location will result in greater energy absorption.

Solar energy systems can save you money if you plan on going for a long-term investment. Solar panels are costly and will take some time for them to be paid off and saving you money. If you don’t plan to stick around, don’t buy solar panels.

Before purchasing solar panels, check the track record of the company that is selling them. Many panels come with lengthy warranty periods of up to twenty five years, but this warranty is only good if the company is still in business. Make sure to ask how long the company has been in operation and check ratings with organizations like the BBB before making your purchase.

Get the records from your energy company on how much energy you have used in the last five years. You can then use this information to figure out exactly how much power you will need solar energy to provide for you home. Having the past five years is important so that you can see that some years you will need more energy than others.

Don’t waste your time with pushy salespeople. You must spend sufficient time gathering information if you are to make a smart decision. Being pressured into purchasing a solar energy system on the spot can lead to buyer’s remorse and a waste of money.

Have you considered how solar energy can help you? Solar energy is one of the best sources of energy, due to its environmentally friendly impact and its ability to provide power. The sooner you start using solar power, the better. You’ll be glad you did and so will the rest of the Earth.