As the holiday season approaches, some North Carolina residents may be considering giving themselves the gift of solar energy this Christmas. Now is a great time to make an investment in solar power. According to statistics that were published in September of this year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has found that North Carolina ranks second in the nation for the amount of solar power systems installed that have the capacity to generate more than 4.400 megawatts of electricity. Overall, North Carolina ranks 8th in the country in total net electricity generation. If you do choose to have a solar power system installed, you will be joining an increasing number of North Carolina residents who have done the same.
One of the most popular frequently asked questions that we get at Southeast Power from people considering a solar power system is “will it lower my heating bill”? The answer is yes, the potential for lowering your heating bill is real with solar panels installed. When a solar power system is installed correctly and working properly, it can reduce your heating bill by as much as forty to eighty percent. As a homeowner, you can help to maximize that number by keeping your solar panels clear of branches, pine needles, leaves and snow during the winter months.
There are other tips for maintaining the heat in your home and lowering your heating bill that work with traditional heating sources and solar energy sources. Before the weather gets much colder, go around your home and check your doors and windows for any cracks or leaks that may be allowing warmer air to escape. Allow sunlight in during the day as much as you can. If you have a fireplace, be sure to close the flue whenever you are not using it.
With rising electricity costs and no real sign that they will lower anytime soon, investing in solar power just makes sense. Solar power systems are built to last for decades, and with proper maintenance, they can certainly make a difference in lowering your heating bills. Southeast Power specializes in installing solar power systems for the residents of North Carolina. If you are considering solar power for your home, give us a call today at (919) 771-2901.
