Solar energy equipment is an amenity that more and more Central Florida homes are investing in. It saves money, leaves a smaller carbon footprint, and now, it’s more affordable than ever. But as a homeowner or business with no experience in the industry, it can be hard to know where to start in the world of solar power installations. Joining the solar energy movement doesn’t have to be difficult, and the new year is the perfect time to start investing your time and energy in solar.

The first step is to gauge your current energy use. There’s no way of telling how many solar PV panels you will need without having an accurate measurement of your household or business’s regular usage. Solar equipment can range in their energy collection and functionality too. That means, if your pool heater makes up the majority of your household’s energy consumption, it might be beneficial to install a solar pool heater, or even a solar water heater for your entire home. Talk to your solar energy specialist about your needs to get the best idea of where your home or business could best utilize solar energy equipment, be it on the lawn or the roof, the pool or the bathroom.

Even the least tech-savvy of people can thrive with solar equipment in their Florida homes, and once it’s installed, a solar energy installation will start showing its value within the first year, if not the first few months. Whether your New Year’s resolution is being more frugal, making that new addition to your home, or limiting your contribution to global carbon emissions, solar energy can help you fulfill it. And the great thing about solar energy is that its benefits are never-ending and the equipment is more affordable than ever. Make a resolution you can stick with, and make the switch to solar in 2016.