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Even if you consider yourself a modern, eco-friendly consumer bent on reducing your carbon footprint and using clean energy to boot, you likely balk at the price of solar panels. Costing a whopping $25,000 on average, these items can be a serious investment!
In other words, getting the most out of this big-ticket purchase can be crucial. Maximizing your system’s efficiency from the start can ensure that the long-term benefits are well worth the cost. Even better, smart decisions about your solar energy can help you save more money, boost your eco-friendliness, and become more independent from your local power grid.
If you’re considering taking the plunge, here’s what to know about maximizing your new investment.
Using Solar Initiatives
To get the most out of your solar energy in terms of cost, you’ll need to apply for credits and rebates.
The Department of Energy as well as other federal, state, and local organizations offer homeowners several opportunities to save on their installation. Below are some of the most common, but don’t forget to check for additional incentives in your region!
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Also called the solar investment tax credit (ITC), this option reduces the amount you’ll owe in federal taxes. You can claim 30% of the cost of your solar panel system as a tax credit.
This tax credit is available to anyone who files federal taxes. However, note that you’ll be able to get it when you turn your system on for the first time, not when it’s first purchased.
State Tax Credits
Depending on where you live, you may be able to enjoy a credit on your state taxes as well. This can further reduce your initial costs.
Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs)
For long-lasting savings, PBIs will pay you for excess solar energy that you send to your local grid. If you generate more electricity than you need, you’ll enjoy payouts as an incentive.
PBIs include several different strategies. Some states use a feed-in tariff or a solar renewable energy certificate. All of these tactics help you bring in extra cash on top of saving money on your energy bills.
Utility Rebates
Some utility companies offer rebates for installing solar panels. Often, they’ll base the amount of the rebate on your system’s total output. Check with your utility company to learn how to apply.
Regular Panel Cleaning
It’s hard to overstate the importance of regular panel cleaning. For most homeowners, cleaning is the single most effective way to get more out of these investments!
Solar panels use their wide surfaces to absorb as much sunlight as possible. When debris builds up on those surfaces, they begin to lose their efficiency.
Typical forms of debris include dirt, dust, and foliage. Bird droppings are another common culprit. Even rainwater can leave behind a muddy residue if it pools on your solar panels for long enough.
This often translates to energy loss. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, dirty solar panels can generate as much as 7% less energy per year than clean panels.
That’s why experts recommend cleaning your solar panels at least once every six months. If the area where you live is dust-prone or sees heavy air pollution, your panels may need more attention.
A few things can reduce the need for frequent cleaning. Placing your solar panels away from trees or trimming back branches can reduce the leaf matter and bird droppings on your solar panels, for example. Installing your panels at an angle is another huge factor: flat panels are more prone to gathering water and debris.
You can clean your panels on your own with clean water and a soft brush or sponge. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent. Never clean with force, and don’t use a pressure washer.
In some cases, however, a DIY job isn’t the best idea. Climbing a ladder to do this task can be a safety hazard without the proper training and gear. Hiring a pro instead can lead to more efficient cleaning, helping you get more out of your solar investment.
Removing Branches and Foliage
Getting rid of overhanging foliage is a good way to lower the amount of leaf matter on your panels.
In addition, trimming this foliage can help get rid of shade across your panels. With too much shade, your solar panels won’t generate as much electricity as they would in the sun. Make sure to trim nearby trees at least once or twice a year for the best results.
If you have a large tree in the way, cutting it down can sometimes be a smart move for your carbon footprint. However, you’ll also want to factor in things like the cost of removal and decide how that removal would affect the look and feel of your property.
Timing Your Usage
Once you’ve made the switch to solar, you’ll need to get in the habit of timing your home energy use.
Your solar panels generate the most electricity in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. If you want to reduce the amount of extra energy you’ll need to pull in from the grid, use your most energy-guzzling appliances at this time. Running a dishwasher or laundry machine cycle, for example, is a smarter move at midday than it will be right before bed.
To get a better feel for the timing, try to monitor how much your panels are generating.
Most panel arrays come with a corresponding app. Checking it often helps you understand how many kilowatts your panels are providing your home. This makes it easier to ensure that you aren’t using more electricity than you’re generating.
Make the Most of Your Solar Energy
Solar panels are a great way to switch to clean energy, enjoy great savings on your utilities, and get some independence from the power grid. With the tips above, you can enjoy these benefits without feeling like you aren’t making the most of your investment!
We hope this post has cleared up any questions you had about maximizing your solar energy output and use. If you found it helpful, be sure to check out our other guides.