With energy costs on the rise, deciding whether or not to install solar panels is something that many people have considered. In the right areas, solar panels can provide clean, renewable and eco-friendly energy not only to your home, but also to your entire electrical grid. One of the greatest barriers to their installation, however, is the cost of solar panels. Although they can drastically lower your energy bills, solar panels have a relatively high up front cost. Fortunately for many, there are several different alternatives to purchasing solar panels outright. If this is something that you are interested in, there is sure to be a solution that will work for you. A great resource for solar panel information is solar-panel-info.

Solar Panel Info – How Much do Solar Panels Cost?

Many homeowners are put off by the prospect of sinking a sizeable investment into the purchase and installation of solar panels. While solar energy has been used for many years now, the equipment is still fairly expensive, and installation requires a highly specialized installer. Solar panels can vary in cost depending on the number of panels that you are interested in, and the amount of power that you would like to generate. In addition to purchasing them outright, there are also many other options for buying and installing them. Many solar installers will offer several different financing options, including solar leasing. Whenever you take advantage of a solar leasing program, you typically pay little to no upfront cost. You will sign a contract with the solar installation company to pay a monthly fee to use their equipment. In most cases, this monthly fee, combined with your new lower energy costs are lower than your prior energy bills.

Can I Install Solar Panels on My Home?

There are many different factors that should be considered when making the decision to install solar panels or not. If you live in an area with lots of sun, then you have the opportunity to generate much more electricity than in areas with less sunlight. Furthermore, you can see a greater benefit from solar power if you already have very high energy bills. You will want to make sure that your home is positioned in a way to where any installed solar panels will receive an adequate amount of sunlight. To discuss the viability of solar panels on your home, find solar panel installers in your area to provide you with an assessment. You can do so by going to solar panel info. Their experts can give you a much more accurate assessment on how much energy you can expect to generate, and whether or not the investment makes sense for you.

What Benefits do Solar Panels Offer?

The greatest benefit of solar panel installation is lower electrical bills. If your home is particularly suitable to generating solar energy, this can be a very significant change. In fact, most utility companies will even allow you to sell excess energy back to them whenever you generate more than you use. Many people are unsure of what additional changes to their electrical system are necessary. The only changes that will be made to your electrical system are the solar panels and the equipment that they use to connect to your existing electrical system. None of the components inside your home must be changed. This means that you can continue using all of your electrical devices and appliances just like before. It will just cost you less.

If you are considering solar installation, it is recommended that you research diligently so that you can understand the technology as much as possible. You can typically find many resources for local help, and general information online. One of the best resources for this is Solar Panel Info, and you can visit our website at solar-panel-info.

If you have been on the fence because of price or logistics, take some time to talk with the professionals at solar-panel-info. As mentioned above, you may find that they have a solution that will work perfectly for you. Regardless of the type of installation and financing that you choose, most Americans can save a significant amount on their electric bills while helping the environment when they install solar panels.

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The Christmas carols are already playing nonstop in shopping malls and on the radio. Before you know it, Christmas day will arrive. Whether that means flying off to visit far-flung friends and relatives, or inviting the extended family into your own home, follow these tips to have a meaningful, and safe, holiday season.

Your Christmas Tree 

The tree is the monument around which many families' Christmas celebrations revolve. But beware-- every year an average of 210 homes experience fires caused by their tree, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

To avoid becoming an unhappy statistic, look for a tree with fresh needles that isn't dried out, and place it in an area clear of any heat sources. Use LED light strands, which produce very little heat, and never hang actual candles from the tree. Dispose of it after Christmas once it starts getting dry and the needles are falling off. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “fire resistant.” 

You also want to ensure the tree is set up securely. At best, a fallen Christmas tree is a shame, and at worst it could cause a hazard, possibly knocking over other items and leaving broken glass, frayed wires, spilled water in its wake.

Don't forget about wire safety. Make sure that none of the cords to your lights are frayed and the plugs are in good working order. Try to avoid an extension cord, but if one is necessary inspect it as well, and ensure it doesn't present a tripping hazard in your house. Finally, don't overload a single outlet with too many lights or you can risk tripping the circuit or even  creating a fire hazard. 

Candles

Candles are an important part of many family holiday decorations, and not just for Christmas. The menorah is a centerpiece of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration, with a new candle lit each day. And people who observe Kwanza light candles to commemorate seven principles of African heritage. Whatever religious or secular tradition you follow, candles bring warmth and light to stave off the darkness of winter. 

While the candles are beautiful and significant, their open flame can also be dangerous to people, pets and your home. For safety, lit candles should never be left unattended, and never placed in an area where a child or pet could get burned or knock them over. Also make sure they aren't near any flammable material like curtains.

If you want to make a semi-permanent window scene for the holiday, it's better to get an electric menorah or other display, and save the real candles for a supervised  and temporary ceremony. 

In the Kitchen

The same precautions that apply to candles also apply to gas stoves and their open flames. Take care that guests don’t bump into the stove or hot pots and pans. Also, some cultures call for fried foods, such as the Hanukkah tradition of frying potato latkes and jelly doughnuts. Enjoy the delicious meals but be careful not to splash cooking oil around the kitchen, which is another fire hazard.

Your Outdoor Display 

It's fun to turn your yard into a scene from the North Pole. Just make sure that any lights and other equipment is rated for outdoor use and won't short out in a snow or rainstorm. As with indoor lights, inspect the cords for any damage and discard those that aren't in top shape. If you need an extension cord, make sure it's rated for the outdoors as well, and don't let it run through puddles or across walkways.

With just minor precautions, you can ensure a safe holiday season focused on family and tradition.