| Having your own home solar power system can be | | | | components by shopping around and comparing |
| quite an advantage these days. Solar systems (a.k.a. | | | | suppliers. The Internet is a good resource to get you |
| Photovoltaic or PV systems) can give you protection | | | | started. |
| from fluctuating and constantly rising energy prices. PV | | | | Tip No.4: Know the Type of Solar Panels that Suits |
| systems can also reduce your total electric bills | | | | You |
| significantly and need we mention the huge | | | | The two most-commonly used types of solar or PV |
| environmental benefits it offers? | | | | panels are Monocrystalline Panels and Polycrystalline |
| Interested in setting up your own home PV system? | | | | Panels. The first is more expensive but has the highest |
| Before you buy solar panel devices (a.k.a. photovoltaic | | | | sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency. The latter is |
| or PV panels) and equipment do take note of the | | | | cheaper but is slightly less-efficient. Those with |
| following six (6) important tips: | | | | space-constraints can go with the first, while the latter |
| Tip No.1: Do an Energy Audit on Your House | | | | is more budget-friendly. |
| It pays to know how much power your house uses. | | | | Tip No.5: Government and State Incentives Help |
| This will help you determine the type of PV system | | | | Reduce Costs |
| that would work to meet your household power | | | | Both the federal and state governments are actively |
| needs. Click here to learn how to do a comprehensive | | | | promoting solar power technology. A lot of incentives |
| energy audit on your home. | | | | are available when you buy solar panel systems. The |
| Tip No.2: Consider Making your Home More | | | | Department of State Incentives for Renewables and |
| Energy-Efficient | | | | Efficiency or DESIRE can help you find local, state, and |
| You should also think about making your own house | | | | government incentives available. |
| energy-efficient. This includes using energy-saving | | | | Tip No.6: Check for Certification and Warranties |
| appliances, replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs, | | | | Make sure you are buying from certified suppliers. This |
| patching air-leakages and improving insulation to | | | | is necessary if you will claim for rebates and incentives |
| minimize air-conditioning and heating costs. | | | | on PV systems and other kinds of renewable energy |
| Tip No.3: Shop and Compare Suppliers | | | | alternatives. |
| You can save hundreds when you buy solar panel | | | | |