#By doing this you can reduce your electricity bills more than 70% and also save money for the future.

[sunveerasolarjalgaon]

Solarize your Society

[ozsmartenerg]

Heat Pumps - Why You Should Consider Installing Heat Pumps in Your Sydney Home

Heat pumps are all the rage in a world that’s trying to slash carbon emissions and energy costs. They do both heating and cooling, reducing energy bills by up to 70%.

The NSW ESS and Victorian Energy Upgrades rebate programs provide financial incentives to help you buy and install a heat pump hot water system.

They’re versatile

Heat pumps Sydney can be used as a heating or cooling system. They extract heat from the air or ground using electricity and use it to provide hot water, as well as provide air conditioning in warmer weather. This makes them extremely versatile, and they can help you save on your energy costs.

They use less electricity than traditional heating systems to move heat from one place to another. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making them an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional heating systems. They can also be used as a backup heating system in case of power outages.

Heat Pumps are a great option for business owners who want to reduce their energy bills. The Australian government offers a variety of incentives to encourage businesses to invest in these energy efficient technologies. The most popular incentive is the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate, which can offset the initial cost of a heat pump hot water system.

They’re energy-efficient

Unlike gas systems, heat pumps use ambient air to transfer heat to your home, which cuts energy usage by up to 70%. This method also reduces greenhouse emissions. Heat pump hot water systems are registered with the Australian federal government under their Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). You can avail of a rebate when you buy them.

In addition, the technology behind best heat pumps Australia is more environmentally friendly than the process of converting fossil fuels to electricity. The result is an eco-friendly, versatile solution for heating your Sydney home and cooling it in summer.

While a heat pump is more expensive than traditional gas systems, it’s worth the investment in terms of energy savings and environmental preservation. Moreover, some of these models come with a comprehensive warranty. Some brands, such as iStore and Rinnai, are competitively priced in the lower price range. They offer value for money to consumers prioritising energy efficiency and functionality over advanced features.

They’re eco-friendly

Heat pumps are a great solution for anyone seeking an eco-friendly alternative to gas and electric hot water systems. They move heat from the air rather than burning fossil fuels to generate it, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. They also require less maintenance than traditional heating solutions.

They use electricity to drive the compressor and fan, but they consume up to 2/3 less power than conventional hot water systems. The refrigerant in the heat pump is heated by the air, and the heat energy is then transferred to the water stored in the tank. This process takes place in a heat exchanger and does not involve combustion, so it is safer for the environment.

Government rebates are available to help pay for a heat pump changeover. These include the Victorian Energy Upgrade Program, SA Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme, NSW HEER rebate, and the Australian Renewable Energy Target (RET). The rebates are created through a deeming calculation and can be used to offset the upfront cost of installing the system.

They’re affordable

Heat pumps can be significantly more energy efficient than traditional hot water systems, saving you money on your electricity bills. While they may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings and potential eligibility for government rebates can offset this initial investment.

They work by extracting heat from the air, so they’re suitable for a wide range of climate conditions. This includes Sydney’s relatively mild winters and hot summers. This makes them an excellent choice for Australians looking to reduce their energy consumption while still enjoying a warm shower.

They’re also a great choice for people who are worried about wasting energy. Unlike gas systems, which consume large amounts of energy to produce hot water, heat pump systems are far more energy-efficient and can help you save up to 75% on your energy bills.

[zhenergysolutions45]

Get Boiler Installation in London by ZH Energy Solutions

Are you searching for a local boiler installer in London who can provide you with the best Boiler Installation in London at a reasonable price? So we are here to help you with a fully trained boiler engineers team. Our boiler professionals install boilers quickly, securely with a warranty. Having the right boiler installed ensures efficiency, safety, reliability, and reduced costs. We provide new boiler upgrade or to replace your old boiler.   

The best boiler brands available   

Since we take great satisfaction in providing high-quality boilers, we provide a variety of well-known brands, such as Ideal, Vaillant, and Worcester Bosch boilers. These boiler manufacturers are renowned for their outstanding energy efficiency, dependability, and boiler performance.   

The benefits of a new boiler installation   

 There are several reasons why modern boilers are more efficient than older boilers.   

 Free Up Space   

 Because they are frequently much smaller than earlier ones, new boilers may be hidden and installed in various locations.   

 Get Peace of Mind   

 After installing boiler all, it’s less likely to break down when it’s least convenient, like in the middle of winter.   

 Efficient   

 Modern boilers are more efficient than older boilers.   

 Lower Your Heating Bills   

 New boiler will be more efficient than your old model, which means it can help to lower your bills.   

 Save Money on Repairs   

Older boilers have a higher failure rate, which might result in expensive repairs for you.   

 Accurate heating control of your home   

 New boilers come with room thermostats that allow you to control the ambient temperature of each room.   

Hot water cylinders   

New hot water cylinders are factory insulated to help keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer.   

Why Choose ZH Energy Solutions for Your Boiler Installation?   

With ZH Energy Solutions expertise and strong manufacturer relationships, we source high-quality boilers at reasonable prices.   

Costs include parts, labor, and VAT   

Up to a 12-year warranty on your new boiler   

Quick delivery and installation within 24 hours   

Speedy working or Managing time   

24/7 Service   

Provide overall London service   

 Our services   

Whatever your heating system installation needs, ZH Energy Solutions engineers have the expert knowledge needed to find the perfect solution for you, along with a no-obligation quote.   

Do you need a new boiler?   

 If your current boiler is very old, and keeps breaking down, it's probably time to get a new one fitted.   

 On average, boilers last between 10 and 15 years and over time they lose their efficiency.   

 Losing money with an inefficient boiler?   

 In fact, if you have an old non-condensing boiler, it could be costing you more to run and be much less eco-friendly than a modern A-rated boiler.   

Boilers older than 10 years are G-rated and only have an efficiency rating of around 70%. Modern boilers are 90%+ efficient.   

Commissioning   

The installer will test the new boiler   

to ensure that it is working properly and efficiently. They will also check the pressure and ensure that the boiler is correctly balanced.   

Flue Installation   

The installation of a new flue is an essential part of installing a boiler because it eliminates waste gases generated by the boiler.   

Types of boilers we can fit for you:   

Electric Boiler Installation   

Gas Boiler Installation   

Gas combi boilers   

Electric combi boilers   

Oil combi boilers   

LPG combi boiler   

Receive a no-obligation boiler quote   

ZH Energy Solutions Advance installers will carry out specialist checks on your heating system and provide a no-obligation quote to install or replace your boiler or heat pump. You can also request a repair by your ZH Energy Solutions Advance installer.  

[hudsonelectrical]

Eco-Friendly Lighting Options for a Greener Home

In an era defined by environmental awareness and sustainable living, the choices we make within our homes play a crucial role in shaping a greener future. Lighting, often overlooked in its environmental impact, represents a significant opportunity for eco-conscious individuals to reduce energy consumption, minimise carbon footprints, and create more sustainable living spaces. As we strive to illuminate our homes with the help of our professional electrician North Shore for both functionality and eco-friendliness in mind, exploring the realm of eco-friendly lighting options becomes paramount. 

LED Lighting

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs have revolutionised the lighting industry with their exceptional energy efficiency and longevity. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs consume significantly less electricity while producing the same amount of light, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, LED bulbs last much longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and the associated waste. With advancements in technology, LED lighting now offers a wide range of colour temperatures and designs to suit various preferences and applications, making it a versatile and eco-friendly choice for illuminating any room in your home.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

Although not as energy-efficient as LEDs, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) still offer considerable savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs use about 70-80% less energy and last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, making them a more sustainable alternative. However, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, requiring proper disposal procedures to prevent environmental contamination. Despite this drawback, CFLs remain a viable option for eco-conscious consumers seeking energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Natural Light Maximisation

Harnessing natural light is perhaps the most sustainable lighting option of all. Not only does it reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, but it also offers numerous health benefits, including mood enhancement and vitamin D synthesis. Design strategies such as strategically placed windows, skylights, and light tubes can optimise natural light penetration throughout the home. Additionally, using light-coloured paint and reflective surfaces can help bounce natural light deeper into interior spaces, minimising the reliance on electric lighting sources.

Solar-Powered Lighting

Embracing solar-powered lighting fixtures further reduces dependency on the electrical grid and fossil fuels. Solar-powered outdoor lights, such as garden path lights and security lights, harness sunlight during the day and illuminate your outdoor spaces at night. Advances in solar technology have made these fixtures more reliable and efficient, with options ranging from decorative solar lanterns to motion-sensing floodlights. Integrating solar-powered lighting not only enhances the sustainability of your home but also adds a touch of eco-chic style to your outdoor environment.

Smart Lighting Systems

Incorporating smart lighting systems into your home automation setup offers both convenience and energy savings. Smart LED bulbs can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands, allowing you to adjust brightness levels and schedules to optimise energy usage. Some smart lighting systems also utilise sensors to detect occupancy and natural light levels, automatically dimming or turning off lights in unoccupied rooms. By intelligently managing lighting usage, smart systems help minimise energy waste and contribute to a more sustainable home environment.

Upcycled and Sustainable Fixtures

When it comes to lighting fixtures, opting for upcycled or sustainably sourced materials adds an eco-friendly touch to your home decor. Look for fixtures made from reclaimed wood, recycled glass, or eco-friendly metals such as brass or copper. Not only do these materials reduce the demand for virgin resources, but they also add character and uniqueness to your living space. Additionally, choosing fixtures with energy-efficient design features, such as adjustable brightness levels and directional lighting, maximises functionality while minimising energy consumption.

Energy-Efficient Controls and Accessories

Complementing your eco-friendly lighting choices with energy-efficient controls and accessories further enhances sustainability. Install dimmer switches to adjust light levels according to your needs, reducing energy consumption and extending bulb life. Motion sensors and timers can also help automate lighting usage, ensuring lights are only on when necessary. Additionally, consider investing in power strips with built-in timers or smart surge protectors to manage standby power consumption from electronic devices, contributing to overall energy savings in your home.

Transitioning to eco-friendly lighting options is not only beneficial for the environment but also for your wallet and well-being. By embracing LED technology, maximising natural light, integrating solar-powered fixtures, adopting smart lighting systems, choosing sustainable materials, and implementing energy-efficient controls, you can illuminate your home in a greener and more sustainable way. Let your commitment to sustainability shine bright as you light up your living spaces with eco-friendly brilliance.

[tcksolar]

Tesla Powerwall Review

When it comes to home batteries, Tesla Powerwall is the industry leader. It offers a great warranty, strong performance, and competitive price point. In addition, it qualifies for the federal 30% clean energy credit.

If you’re interested in a Tesla battery, you can order it through the Powerwall website. However, you’ll need to find a certified installer who can handle site inspections and system design.

Battery backup

The Tesla Powerwall is a stationary home energy storage product that can be installed as a standalone system or in conjunction with solar panels. It offers a 13.5 kilowatt-hour energy capacity and can provide backup power for your home. It also allows you to control your solar self-consumption and time of use load shifting.

It can also be used to charge your electric vehicle, which will allow you to make EV travel more convenient. You can also monitor your Powerwall with the Tesla app, which gives you access to energy usage monitoring, real-time metrics, and stored energy levels. You can even set up the Powerwall to watch for upcoming storms and prepare for grid outages. This feature can be particularly beneficial if your utility doesn’t offer full retail net metering.

Smart technology

If you’re looking for a smart backup battery, look no further than Tesla Powerwall. This product can help you increase your solar self-consumption, save money with time-of-use load shifting, and more. It also offers backup and off-grid capabilities.

The Powerwall is designed to work with your existing solar panels and uses a built-in inverter for both solar and storage. It can also be used with new solar systems without requiring modifications.

The Tesla Powerwall has a variety of control mode settings to support your energy goals, and you can monitor your home’s energy usage through the Tesla app. The system is also able to preheat its cells in cold weather, which improves charging efficiency. This is a feature that’s lacking in other lithium batteries.

Convenience

Powerwall stores excess solar energy to provide backup power at night and during power outages. It also reduces your reliance on the electricity grid, lowering your utility costs and carbon footprint.

Unlike traditional energy systems, the Tesla battery monitors the cost of your electricity and only uses it when prices are lowest. This can save you money on your electricity bill, especially if your utility offers Time-of-Use pricing.

Other features of the battery include Energy Exports, which allows you to send power back to the grid during peak hours and earn credits from your utility. You can customize these settings in the Tesla app. The system is also compatible with electric vehicle charging, enabling you to charge your EV at home or at public stations.

Longevity

Tesla Powerwall batteries are a great option for homeowners seeking backup power. They come with a warranty and are built to last for 10 years or more. The company also offers a 70% end-of-warranty capacity guarantee, which means that you can expect the battery to retain that amount of energy when its warranty expires.

The Powerwall uses lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide chemistry, making it more durable than other solar batteries. It also has a high depth of discharge (DoD) rating, which means it can be used more than once without shortening its lifespan. It is also capable of providing continuous power for hours, but how long it can do so depends on your energy usage and whether or not you pair it with a solar system.

Installation

The installation of a tesla powerwall 2 system is simple when you use an experienced installer, like Intermountain Wind and Solar. The battery system connects to the generation panel, backup gateway, and the utility meter. The generation panel enables the energy collected by your solar panels to enter the home and into the Powerwall.

A backup gateway monitors your home’s energy usage and detects grid outages. It can also be used to control low amperage circuits during an outage, such as your lights, Wi-Fi router, and refrigerator. A whole-home backup can be achieved with two or more Tesla Powerwalls.

Powerwalls are a great solution for homeowners who want to save on electricity bills and avoid costly outages. They can also help customers save money by using stored energy during expensive Time of Use peak rates.

[kiratrajsingh]

Kirat Raj Singh  Green Energy Tips That Can Make A Difference!

Kirat Raj Singh Professional tips provider. Now, more than ever, people are concerned about the energy we use in this society. Green energy tips are being sought out, more and more. Being "green" not only saves the environment, but it also can save you money in the long run. Continue reading for some great tips to make your life greener.

Air dry your laundry. If the weather allows you to, after you wash your laundry, instead of running it through the dryer, dry it on a clothesline outside. Let the sun and wind dry your clothes for you. Using an electric dryer will only use up energy, and if the weather is nice, you can save energy easily. In addition, your clothes will last longer.

If you have a dishwasher, do not turn it on until it is full. An equal amount of water and energy is used, whether it is full or not. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.

A helpful tip to live greener and conserve energy is to have the windows in your home tinted. The windows in your home act like glass in a greenhouse and when you want you home to be cool, the windows will heat it up and work against your air conditioner and cost you a bundle.

If you are planning on installing solar panels, understand the amount of maintenance required. You have to keep the photovoltaic cells clean. If the cells are installed on your roof, this could mean climbing all over your roof as often as once a month. If you are not able to do that, you'll need to hire someone.

Making changes to an existing home is very costly. If you want to start using green energies, you should think about moving or getting a new house built. Look for certain features such as running water or good exposure to the sun and wind when buying a new property or home.

Replace your furnace with one that has the Energy Star seal on it. You can save 15 to 20 percent on your month energy costs if you purchase a highly efficient furnace. You can even get a federal tax credit that will help cover the cost of your new furnace!

Take advantage of any federal or local rebates that you may be entitled to receive. Local utility companies often offer rebates for upgrades. You may also be able to get tax credits or deductions from the government for your upgrades. These tax savings can reduce the net cost of installing alternative energy technology considerably.

Kirat Raj Singh Qualified tips provider. You can use biofuels as home heating fuels. Biofuels are made out of a variety of things, including: oil, wood, and animal/vegetable fats. In many cases, if your furnace is propane, a professional can make the necessary changes that will allow you to heat with a blend of fuels. Most furnaces use between 20 to 99% bio-diesel fuels. Professionals should be consulted before any changes are made to your current furnace.

Going green means many things, including saving energy in your home. One of the easiest and best money-saving ideas is to insulate your attic. The recommended insulation level for most attics is approximately 12 to 15 inches, depending on the type of insulation you are using. Attic insulation can save you a bundle on your energy bill!

Replace your toilet with a water-saving model. Toilets account for fifty percent of the water used in a home. Older toilet models use up to 70 percent more water per year than newer ones.

Installing storm windows can go a long way in helping you save on energy costs. There are both interior and exterior options to choose from. Installing storm windows is said to save you anywhere from twenty-five to fifty percent of heat loss. Make sure to add weather-stripping at movable joints of the storm windows.

If you simply cannot afford to upgrade or replace any part of your home's energy systems, then change your energy-using habits instead. For example, take short showers instead of long baths and only wash maximum capacity loads of clothes or dishes to cut back on water consumption. Likewise, shut off any lights or appliances before leaving a room.

Use the weight of your car to save gas while you are driving. You can increase the miles per gallon of your car by reducing the use of your gas pedal and also your brake. Stop accelerating at least one eighth of a mile before each stop and cut down on fuel usage.

Kirat Raj Singh Expert tips provider. Don't use your dishwasher until you have a full load. Make sure your dishwasher is full before using it, hecause it takes the same amount of water and energy to wash a full load as it does half a load. Use the shortest cycle possible, if you can, turn the dishwasher off prior to the drying cycle, opening the door. This allows the dishes to air dry.

Lighting has changed immensely over the last couple decades, and one energy efficient method for lighting a home that many consumers still have not grasped is the energy saving light bulb. These not only save you money on energy costs, but they last longer anyway. If you have not switched to energy-efficient light bulbs in your home, now is the time. The quality and variety of these lights is better than ever.

Know when your appliances need to be replaced. If you have a major appliance, such as a furnace or air conditioner that is over 10 years old, you should replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models. Buying the newer, Energy Star appliances can save you a lot in the years to come.

Kirat Raj Singh Most excellent service provider. Being "green" can make the difference in your life because, ultimately, you end up saving money. But using green energy can make a great difference to the world around us, as well. The more people who use green energy, the more we conserve our resources and keep the world looking beautiful.

[andyhe]

9 Ways to Save Energy

1. Adjust your everyday behaviors.

You don’t really have to go out and buy all new energy-efficient appliances. You can add funds to your wallet simply by turning off lights or appliances when you don’t need them. If time allows, you can also change your routine a little – try things like hanging clothes instead of putting them in the dryer or washing dishes by hand.

One big area to focus on is your utility bills…for example, turning down the thermostat in the winter and using the air conditioner less in the summer. Heating and cooling costs nearly half of the average household’s utility bill.

2. Replace your light bulbs.

Having lights is great, but different types of lights use different energy and therefore cost differently. Traditional incandescent bulbs (yellow lights) cost more money than newer incandescent bulbs. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use 25-80% less electricity than traditional bulbs and last 3 to 25 times longer.

Although they are more expensive off-the-shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifespan means they cost less in the long run. It’s a marathon, not a spirit. When it comes to being good for Mother Earth and your wallet, energy-efficient light bulbs are the clear winner.

3. Use smart power strips.

Have you ever heard of “phantom loading”? This is the electricity used by electronics when they are off or in standby mode. No matter believe it or not… when things don’t go well, they aren’t really not going well. It is a main source of wasted energy. In fact, only estimated up to 75% of the energy used to power home electronics when it’s off! When you add them all, you can run up to $200/year. Smart sockets can solve this problem. We’re all familiar with traditional power strips that have a “terminate button” to turn off the power. The problem is, none of us actually close them. Smart power strips can be set to shut down at specified times, during periods of inactivity, via a remote switch or based on the state of the “master” unit. smart enough, huh?

4. Install a programmable or smart thermostat.

By upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set the unit to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling when you sleep or leave. Now you have no more waste and less wear and tear on your HVAC system. Makes sense.

If you do a math on average, a programmable thermostat can save you $180 a year. A new thermostat will cost you $20-$70 when you buy it. It’s a great investment. Programmable thermostats come in different models and can be set according to your weekly schedule.

5. Purchase energy efficient appliances.

When you look at home usage by average, appliances use about 13% of a home’s energy. When you’re shopping for an appliance, keep two numbers in mind: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Yes, models with lower annual operating costs may higher than price of the model, but operating costs are typically 9-25% lower than traditional models.

How do you know what you gonna buying? For sure the appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which is the guarantee issued by the federal government that the appliance uses less energy than older models during use and on standby. Energy saving effects vary by specific equipment. For example, an ENERGY STAR certified washing machine uses 25% less energy and 45% less water than a traditional one, but an ENERGY STAR labeled refrigerator uses only 9% less energy…so through out our example, 13% is used on average.

6. Reduce your water heating expenses.

How about a HOT Shower? Compare with purchasing an energy efficient water heater, there are three ways of reducing your water heating bills: 

Simply use less hot water and time, 

Shut off the thermostat on your water heater, 

Insulate the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.

Mentioned above 3 things are easy to follow. If you’re considering replacing your water heater with a high-efficiency model, you should keep two things in mind: first, the type of water heater that meets your needs, and second, the type of fuel it will use. For example, tank-less water heaters, while energy efficient, are also a poor choice for house members of 4 or above because they don’t support heavy immediate use with enough hot water. Did you also know – high-efficiency water heaters are 8% to 300% more energy efficient than older water heaters. This can directly reduce your monthly expenses.

7. Upgrade your HVAC system.

Today’s HVAC systems consist of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. But the reality is that heating alone accounts for more than 40 percent of a home’s energy consumption. Depending on the climate, the northern half of the United States and the southern half of the United States have different specifications for Energy Star gas furnaces.

By upgrading to “U.S. South” ENERGY STAR certification can save you up to 12% on your heating bill, or an average savings of $36 per year. That’s pretty good, right? But ENERGY STAR furnaces in the northern half of the U.S. that bear the standard ENERGY STAR logo are 16% more efficient, or an average annual saving of $94 on heating bills.

When you look at air conditioning, the difference goes not that much — on average, it only accounts for 6% of a household’s total energy consumption. ENERGY STAR central air conditioning units are 8% more efficient.

The last but not least, ventilation – which can also help you save money. A ventilation system consists of a network of ducts that distribute hot and cold air throughout your home. If ductwork is not properly sealed or insulated, it can add hundreds of dollars to your heating and cooling bills each year. Getting things properly insulated and working properly pays off and can cut your heating and cooling bills by up to 20%.

8. Weatherize your home.

Weatherizing or sealing any air leaks around your home is a great way to save money. First look at the common places – vents, windows, and doors. Check to see if there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or door frame. If you do see any, you need to seal them. 

To seal air leaks between a wall and window, you can apply caulk. For cracks between moving objects, like a sliding windows or doors, you can apply weather stripping. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air sealing ways that typically pay for themselves in less than a year. You can get these at any DIY store. Air leaks can also happen through openings in the wall, floor, and ceiling from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring. So check these locations too. 

Air leaking also happen a TON in your attic, through small openings. Whether it is through ducts, light fixtures, or the attic hatch, hot air will rise and escape through small openings. As heat moves from warmer to cooler areas, these small openings can make your heating bill even higher if your attic is not insulated well. To make sure you’re getting the best results, you should fully insulating your home.

9. Move towards solar power.

Solar power is here to stay and costs are coming down. According to the most recent report from Google, Solar has seen an 90% decrease in cost per megawatt hour from 2012 to 2020. The chart below shows how solar compares to the other energy sources. This is mostly due to the economy of scale and government programs. And if you accompany that with leaving behind the old lead batteries often used in solar installations and replacing those with Lithium Ion Batteries, then it changes things in a big way. New technology can make a tremendous difference. For example, lithium Ion batteries store solar energy, holds a charge for a year with relatively no maintenance, and can last for more than a decade. You can’t do that with lead acid batteries. 

Bonus Tip: Give Lion Energy a try.

We hope these tips will lead you towards achieving an eco-friendly home. Remember, it takes practice, preparation, and perseverance. At DA Lithium, we’re evolving the powering of everyday life with renewable energy. 

[awesomeforever]

Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Jason Fitzpatrick is the Senior Smart Home Editor at How-To Geek. He has over a decade of experience in publishing and has authored thousands of articles at How-To Geek, Review Geek, LifeSavvy, and Lifehacker. Jason served as Lifehacker's Weekend Editor before he joined How-To Geek. Read more... Unplugging electronic devices and appliances to save money seems like a proposition with an obvious outcome, but it’s actually much more nuanced than you might think. Here’s the inside scoop on when you will save money—and when you won’t. Whether or not you’re going to save any money on your electric bill by unplugging a given device depends entirely on whether or not that device has what is known as a “phantom load.” Some devices are binary. Either they are on and performing their function, consuming electricity in the process, or completely off with no power load. Traditional incandescent light bulbs (and their “dumb” LED replacements) are like this. So are simple devices like basic space heaters. Either the heater is warming up the room, or it’s not. But some devices consume electricity all the time, even when they don’t appear to be doing anything. Smart bulbs draw a tiny bit of power when they are off, because they need to stay “on”—at least at the circuit level—to receive commands. And if your space heater includes a thermostat to turn itself on and off automatically, it will draw power even when it appears to be off, too. And some devices, like cable boxes or game consoles with fast-start modes, draw a substantial amount of power even when they appear to be turned off. If you want the easy (but not necessarily the most time-efficient) way to solve the problem, here’s what to do. Unplug everything you don’t regularly use, leaving anything that has to stay plugged in for the safety and security of your home (such as your sump pump). If you want a more nuanced approach where you’re not unplugging things with zero saving to show for it, you need to grab a watt meter and test how much power your devices draw when plugged in but turned off. That’s how I figured out my media center setup was wasting around $30 a year. It’s also how I figured out that other devices were wasting nothing (or mere cents a year), and it wouldn’t be worth unplugging them. If you're at all curious about the power usage of devices around your home, you need this device. $33.98$59.95 Save 43% To get a headstart on identifying which devices are worth investigating and potentially unplugging, read our guide to identifying phantom loads. Ultimately how much money you save by unplugging things will vary based on what you have in your home, the size of your home, and how efficient your devices and appliances are. But consider this as a rough guideline. By the estimation of various environmental agencies and the EPA, phantom loads account for roughly 10% of the average home’s electric bill. Even if you reduce your home’s phantom load in half, you could easily save 5% on your electric bill. And if you find a particularly egregious device, like an old stereo amplifier sucking down 50W around the clock, you could shave around $70 off your annual power bill by only plugging in the amp when you need it. The savings are out there if you’re willing to dig in and look for them. And, the best part about using a watt meter to dig in and look is that you come away from the experience knowing exactly where you can save money—like unplugging that old stereo amp—and where you’ll save nothing at all—like unplugging your phone charger. RELATED: Tested: Should You Unplug Chargers When You're Not Using Them? Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn RSS Feed The Best Free Tech Newsletter Anywhere By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of U

se and Privacy Policy. source

[ohioelectricityrates]

Landscaping Helps Cool Your Home in Dayton

New Post has been published on https://www.ohenergyratings.com/blog/landscaping-helps-cool-home-dayton/

Landscaping Helps Cool Your Home in Dayton

7 Green Ways to Cool Your Home

Learn how foliage, shrubs, and trees not only add value but can help cool your home and reduce your energy costs.

Picture this. You’ve just moved into your brand new home in Dayton. It’s a brand new subdivision, and there is not a tree in sight. Not a leaf of shade to be seen. So, what can you do to keep your home from baking in the summer sun? Let’s check out these 7 great methods for how landscaping to help cool your home.

Shade Trees Lower Your Bills For The Long Term

Trees take a lot of time to grow. So obviously planting a little sapling isn’t going to do much to shade your home. Of course, over time, that little sapling can grow to help shade your home. But shade is only one part of what trees do to cool the air around them. The water vapor that trees give off can significantly lower the temperature of the air around them. consider native Ohio trees to attract pollinators like birds and butterflies. For an added bonus, add shrubs and bushes to help cool the area around your home even more.

Provide A Shrubbery To Cool Your Sidewalks

Any small child can tell you that pavement gets broiling hot in the summer. Asphalt can reach over 125ªF even on mild sunny days. To keep the entry to your home cooler, plant fast growing shrubs and low-lying foliage to block the sun from heating up the concrete. Here, too, plant native shrubs to attract pollinators to help your other plants thrive.

Should You Shade Your Air Conditioner?

It’s a popular old myth that shading your HVAC system’s outside condenser unit will help it use less electricity through the day. It should be make sense, right? But it doesn’t work that way. Here’s why.

The condenser unit is a big frame that pumps coolant through coils of tubing with fins. A big fan pulls in air from the surrounding area into the frame and then blows it over the tubing. As the air flows over the tubing, it absorbs heat from the coolant inside. The frame is covered by a vented metal casing that allows air to flow through while protecting the tubing from the weather. In fact, the casing actually shades the tubing. The casing also doesn’t usually contact the tubing and it doesn’t effect the temperature of the coolant very much. So, while shading the condenser with shrubs or trellises may help cool the casing, it does very little to cool the coolant. To do that, you need to cool the ambient air that the fan blows over the tubing. And that can involve a fairly large area because the condenser also blows out a lot of hot air.

Instead, shade the entire area with shrubs, trees, or trellises of climbing flowers where the unit is running to cool the ambient air by a few degrees. The cooler the ambient air, the more efficiently the condenser will run.

Cool the South Side Of Your Home

During the summer, the south and west sides of your home will absorb the most heat. Start adding in shade plants on the south and west side of structures first to keep the most sun off of your walls. A nice vining plant makes excellent cover for walls. However, be sure to plant vines on trellises to avoid damage over time to your bricks or siding.

Consider Cool Colors for Your Home

Darker colors absorb more infrared heat than lighter colors, making them nasty heat sinks. Dull, dark colors can absorb up to 70-90% of sunlight, which can transfer heat into your home. If you’re painting or re-roofing your home, consider using lighter colors to keep the worst of the heat out.

Save Green With Green This Summer

The most important thing about all of these tricks is that all of this landscaping can save you money on your Ohio electricity bills. Even a few changes can keep your cooling costs down. If you’re looking to save even more though, check out www.ohenergyratings.com for more tips and tricks.

[atlelectrical]

Why Are Heat Pumps The Future Of Home Heating And Cooling?

If you're looking for a way to save money on your utility bills, the best Christchurch heat pump may be the answer. These innovative devices are becoming more and more popular because they provide both heating and cooling for your home in one convenient package. 

But what exactly is a heat pump? And how can it help you save money on your utility bills? Keep reading to learn all about how this device works and why it's so beneficial.

Energy Efficiency 

Heat pumps are more efficient than air conditioners, furnaces, and traditional heating sources.

An air conditioner is only about 20% efficient at transferring heat from the outside to inside your home. A furnace is about 70% efficient with its heat transfer process, but still requires you to use electricity or natural gas to run it--and that means losing some of your energy in the form of waste heat. Christchurch heat pumps can be up to 80 percent efficient at transferring heat from one place to another!

Versatility 

Heat pumps are versatile, which means that they can be used for both heating and cooling. This makes them perfect for almost any climate. Heat pumps can also be used in various applications, including pool heating and air conditioning.

Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional systems because they use electricity to move heat from one place (the outside world) into another (your home). In order to do this efficiently, they need an external source of energy. 

Which is usually electric power--and the right conditions outdoors: cold temperatures at night or windy days when there's less humidity in the air will allow them to work better than still or hot days would.

Environmental Benefits 

Heat pumps are one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Heat pumps use a fraction of the electricity required by conventional heating systems, which means you're using less energy and generating fewer greenhouse gases. 

They also don't create air pollution like particulates from burning fossil fuels, resulting in cleaner air for you to breathe at home or at work.

And since heat pumps don't burn anything (like oil or gas), there's no noise pollution either!

Improved Technology

Heat pumps are more efficient than other types of heating systems, and they're getting even more efficient. Heat pumps are powered by electricity and use refrigerant gas to transfer heat from one place to another. 

This means they can both heat your home in winter and cool it down in summer--a huge advantage over traditional furnaces or air conditioners.

In addition to being able to provide both heating and cooling, newer models of heat pumps offer better performance than older models: newer models use less energy per unit of output (or "efficiency") while still maintaining comparable comfort levels at a lower cost than conventional systems such as furnaces or central air conditioners.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you understand the benefits of Christchurch heat pumps and their role in the future of home heating and cooling. If you're interested in learning more about how a heat pump can benefit your home, contact professionals today!

Source:-https://topelectricianservice.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-are-heat-pumps-the-future-of-home-heating-and-cooling.html

[energypowersaver]

Choosing an Energy Efficient Shower Head

An energy efficient shower head is one that uses less water than a conventional shower head. Choosing an energy efficient shower head will also reduce the amount of CO2 emissions that are released into the air.

Low-flow shower heads are a good choice for anyone who wants to cut their water bill. They use 40% less water and can save up to $50 per year on heating costs. To know more Energy Efficient Shower Head, visit the Energy Power Saver website or call 69650912468.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, showers account for up to 17 percent of the indoor water use in the average household. This water waste is mainly attributed to inefficient usage.

The EPA's WaterSense program promotes low-flow showerheads, which are backed by independent third-party certification. In addition to reducing energy consumption, they help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

A standard showerhead uses up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. However, with the EPA's WaterSense label, you can purchase a showerhead that uses no more than 2.0 gpm.

In some cases, a low-flow showerhead can save more than $70 a year. It is estimated that an average family of four could save about 2,900 gallons of water a year.

Low-flow shower heads are great for saving water, energy, and money. They're also good for the environment. And they're easy to install.

The average household in the US can save thousands of gallons of water and electricity every year by installing a low-flow showerhead. You can get one for as little as $10. Some models can even be ordered at a discount through private households and councils.

In addition, the WaterSense program from the Environmental Protection Agency helps homeowners reduce their water usage. The EPA's green label is an endorsement that a product meets strict performance criteria for efficiency.

It's important to choose the right type of showerhead for your home. There are two types of low-flow models: those that use aeration and those that don't. Aeration features add oxygen to the water, which increases the flow of the spray.

If you want to understand water restrictions and how they may affect your bill, you'll need to know what's on your bill and how they work. Many utilities provide graphs that show water usage and how it varies over time. Those with one meter on site have a better chance of telling you what you're using, which can help you to figure out how to make your bill go down.

Water is one of the most important resources we have, but it can be wasted in many ways. For instance, a small leak in your household's plumbing system can waste thousands of gallons of water. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to save the planet and keep your utility bill in check.

Several local jurisdictions have adopted water-saving measures that impact all consumers and businesses, not just those with municipal water. In the case of the City of New York, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a long list of regulations to keep your water supply in shape.

Handheld shower heads are a great upgrade for your bathroom. They can reduce water usage, conserve energy, and improve the overall showering experience.

For older people, or those with disabilities, handheld showerheads can make showering more comfortable and safer. Many handheld units have special features, such as aerators, which boost water pressure and save on water.

Some handheld models can be attached to the wall, allowing users to shower from a seat. Others can be detachable. This allows users to direct the spray where it's needed.

Some handheld showerheads offer added functionality, such as massage. These units include massage jets or a soft drench spray. They are also designed to help kids learn to shower independently.

Many handheld units feature a shut-off switch on the handle. A pause or trickle button lets users stop the flow of water midshower.

Making your shower water efficient can make a big difference to your energy and water usage. It's a simple task that can pay off in a few months.

If you're on the lookout for a new shower head, you'll want to choose one that's designed with water efficiency in mind. This will mean fewer litres of water being used. Moreover, an efficient shower head will maintain strong water pressure.

In addition to saving water, an energy efficient showerhead will also save you money. Typically, you'll see savings of up to 20,000 litres of water per year. That's more than a fifth of your total household water use. To know more Energy Efficient Shower Head, visit the Energy Power Saver website or call 69650912468.

If you're in the market for a new showerhead, you may be able to get one for free. This is possible in certain areas of Australia, but the programs vary from state to state.

[noahtechno]

GreenGeeks Best WebHosting Service

Fun fact: do you know why Facebook moved its massive data center to Northern Sweden?

That’s because servers run hot, and cooling them down is expensive. Might as well keep them in a cold part of the world.

But more to the point in this GreenGeeks review: maintaining servers uses a ton of energy.

In fact, the Internet is one of the largest polluters in the world. Data centers account for 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions, about the same as the airline industry.

Well, if that’s a concern for you, I’ve got good news because the ‘green’ in GreenGeeks refers to their commitment to providing eco-friendly web hosting.

This is how it works, according to their website:

The platform is designed with a maximum use, no waste mindset.

For every amperage the company pulls from the grid, it matches it x3 in the form of renewable energy via the Bonneville Environmental Foundation

So they claim your website could be operating on a 300% green hosting platform!

While a growing number of hosting providers take the problem of energy seriously, (here’s an example from DreamHost), GreenGeeks really puts their ethos front and forward.

But what about other pros and cons, features and alternatives? Let’s put GreenGeeks through the wringer to see how it fares.

Table of Contents

GreenGeeks Prices

GreenGeeks Pros & Cons

What is GreenGeeks used for?

When not to use GreenGeeks hosting?

GreenGeeks Backups

GreenGeeks and WordPress

Final GreenGeeks Review Comments

Frequently Asked Quesitons

GreenGeeks Prices

Let’s first look at how much it costs per month to host your website on GreenGeeks. The first option is for shared hosting (the one most website owners need). You’ll also find that they offer WordPress web hosting. As far as I could tell, there is absolutely no difference between the WordPress and the shared hosting option.

As always, we’ll only be mentioning the regular price, which is what you pay after a first year at a discounted price. The first 12 months can be 50 – 70% cheaper.

                      Ecosite                LiteEcosite       ProEcosite Premium

Price (after renewal)$10.95 / month$15.95 / month$25.95 / month

You can purchase the plans for 12, 24 or 36 months. There is a significant discount for the longer terms, as you can see below:

GreenGeeks also offers VPS hosting, which comes with better performance, but a lot of limits depending on the plan you choose.

Price$39.95 / month$59.95 / month$109.95 / month

Finally, I should also mention that GreenGeeks has a few add-ons you can purchase to expand your hosting capabilities. These include:

Dedicated IP address: $48 per year

Premium AlphaSSL Wildcard: to secure SSL on multiple subdomains all at once.

WHMCS license: useful for resellers who want to bill hosting to their clients (note that GreenGeeks does offer a reselling option).

Last but not least, you’ll have to pay $25 for every backup restore, if you do it more than once per month (the first one is free).

What can you expect from each GreenGeeks plan?

As you can see in the above table, there’s a lot of unlimited stuff with their shared hosting and WordPress plans. That includes:

Unlimited bandwidth (or data transfer, which means the same thing)

Unlimited disk storage

Unlimited databases

Unlimited email accounts

Free SSL

The key limits to keep an eye on are maybe the number of ionodes, which is another way of saying the number of files on your site. It’s a very large number, mostly there to ensure you don’t abuse GreenGeeks’ generosity by hosting a file sharing website.

GreenGeeks Pros & Cons

Pros:

Green-minded: GreenGeeks is attempting to offset their server’s electricity consumption by using as much renewable energy as possible.

Unlimited data bandwidth: you can host one or multiple sites with complete peace of mind when it comes to visitor numbers and bandwidth.

Unlimited data storage: your site can be as large as you like, so good for video, high-res photos and ecommerce with loads of products. Just keep an eye on the number of files. Hosting more than 150,000 could void your plan’s contract.

Server locations: three continents to choose from, the US, Canada and Europe.

Heavily reduced long term plans: it’s not unusual to pay less for 24 or 36 month plans, but GreenGeeks is slashing their monthly prices by up to 70% for long term users.

Cons:

Missing advanced features: serious website owners and developers will need to look elsewhere for staging or premium DNSs.

No team management: it’s not possible to add multiple account users and to give permissions.

Lack of free backups: you get one automatic backup every 24 hours. One free restore per month, but the rest are paid. Not good enough.

Outdated design: Not a deal-breaker, but the whole system could do with a new coat of paint, which could also help with the user experience.

What is GreenGeeks used for?

I’d say GreenGeeks is best for website owners with green goals in mind. You can even show one of their green badges, to highlight on your site.

The generous bandwidth and storage is advantageous for those who own multiple sites. As far as the performance to price ratio goes, it’s good, and becomes more acceptable when you buy a long term contract of 24 or 36 months.

When not to use GreenGeeks hosting?

Anyone managing a team should consider that inviting others to join the account isn’t possible, and the lack of developer-friendly features could be a big no-no for certain businesses.

Developers with complicated workflows that need staging areas probably won’t be big fans of GreenGeeks’s platform either.

GreenGeeks Backups

Backups and restore are one of the areas I start considering a lot more these days when it comes to choosing a web host. A Sod’s law states: if something wrong can happen, it probably will, and at the worst possible times. This happened to us, and please learn from our mistakes when I say you should backup as often as possible.

GreenGeeks cPanel Backup Feature

Anyways, this is how it works with GreenGeeks. Option 1 is to use the cPanel backup tool. I’s a bit clunky and manual but by no means too difficult to do:

Login and click on the appropriate site’s cPanel button

Click Backup in the Files section

Click Home Directory under Download a Home Director

You can also download a database instead, or a full Zipped account backup, which is what you’ll need to keep on your local drives.

A couple of important things to note:

If your account is larger than 10GB in size, the whole cPanel backup option will be disabled. You’ll have to pay $5 per backup.

cPanel backups saved to your home directory will be deleted automatically after 48 hours, so it’s better to download the ZIP file locally.

The first monthly restore is free. After that, each restore costs $25. Note that it’s not unusual to restore at least a couple of times if there’s an issue (e.g. you chose the wrong backup to restore).

Option number two is to download files manually using an FTP program. If you use a CMS like WordPress or Drupal that also means you’ll need to backup databases. I always find that a big pain to do, and also slow. Which is why a better backup tool would have been useful.

GreenGeeks and WordPress

Although GreenGeeks has a special section on their website for WordPress hosting, I couldn’t find a difference between these plans and the share hosting ones.

In any case, here’s what you get for both if you want to install the world’s most popular CMS.

Easy installation: it’s not 1-click, but they use an install app called Softaculous, which simplifies the process for you. Maybe 4 or 5 steps, which you can read about here.

LiteSpeed Cache plugin: it’s a caching plugin that will make WordPress run faster on your site when properly configured. Be aware this is not GreenGeek’s own solution, but just a generic plugin they recommend.

LiteSpeed Cache Settings

To be honest, I feel like all the WordPress-optimized stuff is mostly there for marketing purposes. If you are really serious about WordPress experts (and you have the budget for it), I’d consider other options like Kinsta or WP Engine. SiteGround is also a great option if you need something a bit more affordable.

Final GreenGeeks Review Comments

GreenGeeks is certainly the provider we’ve tested that’s the most committed to protecting the environment. It’s an admirable choice, and businesses with a green goal will certainly be pleased to hear that they can host a website with a reliable performance, price, and low carbon footprint.

But there are nevertheless a few downsides to consider. The lack of advanced options like staging and team management features can be a dealbreaker for professional business owners. The limited backup features may be not enough for most.

And if you need a top-performing host, other (and more expensive) solutions like SiteGround, Kinsta or WP Engine could be considered.

It’s also not the cheapest provider out there. For example, at renewal DreamHost is more affordable and offers similar performance levels.

> Try GreenGeeks risk-free for 30 days

Frequently Asked Quesitons

How Do I Pay for GreenGeeks?

You can pay via all major credit cards and PayPal. No checks, money orders, wire transfers or Western Union payments.

Is Everything Really Unlimited?

Yes. Just keep in mind that there is a limit on the amount of files you can keep on your sites, though. It’s a really high number, so mostly a precaution against file-sharing websites.

Can I Get My Money Back?

There is an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee offer.

Is There an Uptime Service Guarantee?

Yes, if your website hosting drops below a 99.9% rate, GreenGeeks will refund some of your hosting fees.

Is GreenGeeks Really Environmentally-Friendly?

They’re certainly advertising as such. In practice this is how it works: GreenGeeks tells the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) how much electricity they use. The foundation calculates how much green energy they’ll need to use to make up for it. GreenGeeks purchases that amount in renewable energy.

So it’s not like their servers use less energy than standard hosting. However, they are certainly committed to making up for what they consume, and using as much green energy as possible.

Get GreenGeeks Now

[sumitwcoast]

Installing Solar Panels For Homes

Solar energy technology has evolved over the years with the capability to get you completely off the grid even if you live in a housing tract. When you envision a solar-powered home do you see a cabin in the woods where the only energy you can get is from solar and wind, or do you see large, unattractive panels on roofs where people are constantly worrying about their electrical consumption? Do you envision not being able to enjoy the big-screen televisions, multiple refrigerators, or even living without air conditioning in a hot climate? These views on solar capabilities are much different today as the demand for solar panel installation Houston energy has become vital in this economy. Getting off-the-grid is no longer only a dream, but is becoming a reality for residential and commercial properties.

Solar panel technology and know-how have developed more efficient and affordable systems you can install for your home. Even though the solar option is still more expensive to install than conventional power, with fuel and utility expenses rising, the demand for solar energy rising-and the industry is prepared to meet that demand. Many newly built homes are being constructed with a solar panel array on the roof that is less obtrusive than the huge panels of earlier times. The solar panels of today are much more efficient and can convert an abundant amount of energy with a smaller size than in the past. This makes them more inconspicuous and, although a solar array on a roof will still be seen, it will blend in substantially more with your building, actually looking very attractive and "modern".

Generating solar panel installation Houston electricity is really a new concept for some people. The "old" off-the-grid stereotype does not fit in the economy of today with its advanced technology. When you see houses with solar arrays on the roof today, these homes are often connected to conventional utilities also. By utilizing a mixture of traditional energy and solar energy, these homeowners are able to drastically slash their electricity costs and not sacrifice their lifestyle at all in the way they use electricity. It is highly likely that the homeowners of today can churn out a sufficient amount of solar energy to meet their needs and even have excess energy they can sell back to the utility companies for a change, rather than getting charged for the energy they consume.

Installing a solar array on your roof does not cost as much as many expect. The local and federal government is subsidizing the costs of installing solar panels for homes in many ways. There are at least 10 federal incentives you can get for installing renewable and efficient energy. Most federal programs contain tax credits, corporate and private exemptions, and special loans and grants for residential home mortgages and renewable energy manufacturing. Most, if not all states offer incentives as well, including local rebates, property tax incentives, sales tax incentives, and many more. Some states even take care of up to 70 percent of installation costs. If you are thinking about installing solar panels for your home, here are a few facts you will need to know to help you in making the decision to go solar.

About solar panel installation Houston for Homes

Solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, convert sunlight into electrical energy. Every solar panel is composed usually of a group of about 30-40 solar cells made with crystalline silicon or some other type of sun absorbing material. The materials they are made of are highly efficient at absorbing light. Each solar panel is simply a series of solar cells connected all together and encased in a shielding enclosure with a clear face to allow the sun to enter and a solid backing. The entire panel is sealed to prevent moisture from degrading the panel.

The part of the solar panel installation Houston, the sunlight is absorbed into is considered to be electrically negative, and the bottom of each cell is considered to be electrically positive. When the sun is absorbed into the silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and travel from the top (electrically negative) to the bottom (electrically positive) layer. This sun-induced electrical energy is passed through the contacts in the top layer and is routed through the circuit array, producing electrical power.

Effectiveness of Solar Panels in Your Area

Solar panel systems can churn out sufficient electricity under optimal conditions to power all the lights and electrical appliances in a typical American home and even to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The efficiency of your solar panels really depends on your location. solar panel installation Houston are installed on whichever surface of your house gets the majority of solar exposure-in southern climates this is the north-facing side, and in northern climates, it is the south-facing side.

If your residential home does not get an average of six hours of constant sunlight every day throughout the year, you will not generate as much energy. Also, the sun shines stronger in some areas than in others. A home in less sunny areas will need more solar panels to produce the same energy as a home with fewer solar panels in a sunnier area.

Not enough sunlight?

Even if you do not get enough sun to generate electricity to satisfy all of your energy needs, you can still benefit greatly by installing solar panels for your home. The majority of modern homes with solar panels installed are not entirely off-the-grid. Many homes use both solar panels and conventional utilities. Doing it this way, they reduce the cost of their electricity consumption and depend less on the conventional power received from the utility company. They are not completely off-the-grid, but they can still conserve energy while continuing to make use of all the appliances they are accustomed to.

How much will Solar Panels cost?

If you do not go the "hybrid" route of being partly on the grid and supplementing your energy with solar panel installation Houston, you should expect your installation to cost more. Getting completely off the grid generally costs about $12 to $15 per watt. This equates to $12K to $15K per kilowatt-hour of energy you want to produce. Compared to upwards of $35K per mile the utility company would charge you to run electric lines to your location, solar energy is much more cost-effective. If your home is in an isolated area where commercial electricity is not available, the only way to get electricity is to rely on solar energy. The cost of installing solar panels is far outweighed by the significant breaks in your electric bill as a result. Even so, it will take a few years to realize a return on your investment and less time if you are able to sell excess energy back to the utility company.

Solar panels are a fantastic way to save energy and resources. Combining solar power with wind turbines and other alternative energy sources can make you totally self-sufficient. To be successful in reaping the benefits of alternative energy, you should be sure to do all you can to make your home energy-efficient by installing things like Energy Star appliances, efficient light bulbs, efficient cooling and heating systems, and other efficient appliances. In addition, separate dedicated energy systems can be used such as solar and geothermal water heating systems for your pool and/or bath, using portable solar panel systems for areas where you do not need electricity all the time and, generally, just learning about your energy consumption habits to ensure your home is energy efficient and eco-friendly.

[allpowersglobal]

The Best Golf Cart Batteries: Lithium Vs. Lead Acid

The golf cart market is evolving as more and more people are taking advantage of their versatile performance. For decades, deep-cycle flooded lead-acid batteries have been the most cost effective means to power electric golf cars. With the rise of lithium batteries in many high-power applications, many are now looking into the advantages of LiFePO4 batteries in their golf cart.

While any golf cart will help you get around the course or neighborhood, you need to make sure it has enough power for the job. This is where lithium golf cart batteries come into play. They're challenging the lead-acid battery market due to their many benefits that make them easier to maintain and more cost-effective in the long run.

Below is our breakdown of the advantages of lithium golf cart batteries over lead-acid counterparts.

Carrying Capacity

Equipping a lithium battery into a golf cart enables the cart to significantly increase its weight-to-performance ratio. Lithium golf cart batteries are half the weight of a traditional lead-acid battery, which shaves off two-thirds of the battery weight a golf cart would normally operate with. The lighter weight means the golf cart can reach higher speeds with less effort and carry more weight without feeling sluggish to the occupants.

The weight-to-performance ratio difference lets the lithium-powered cart carry an additional two average-sized adults and their equipment before reaching carrying capacity. Because lithium batteries maintain the same voltage outputs regardless of the battery’s charge, the cart continues to perform after its lead-acid counterpart has fallen behind the pack. In comparison, lead acid and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries lose voltage output and performance after 70-75 percent of the rated battery capacity is used, which negatively affects carrying capacity and compounds the issue as the day wears on.

No Maintenance

One of the major benefits of lithium batteries is that they require no maintenance whatsoever, whereas lead-acid batteries regularly need to be checked and maintained. This ultimately results in saved man hours and the extra costs of maintenance tools and products. The lack of lead-acid means that chemical spills are avoided and the chance of downtime on your golf car is drastically reduced.

Battery Charging Speed

Regardless if you’re using a lead-acid battery or a lithium battery, any electric car or golf cart faces the same flaw: they have to be charged. Charging takes time, and unless you happen to have a second cart at your disposal, that time can put you out of the game for a while. A good golf cart needs to maintain consistent power and speed on any course terrain. Lithium batteries can manage this without a problem, but a lead-acid battery will slow the cart down as its voltage dips. Plus after the charge has dissipated, it takes an average lead-acid battery roughly eight hours to recharge back to full. Whereas, lithium batteries can be recharged up to 80 percent capacity in about an hour, and reach full charge in less than three hours.

Plus, partially-charged lead-acid batteries sustain sulfation damage, which results in significantly reduced life. On the other hand, lithium batteries have no adverse reaction to being less than fully charged, so it's okay to give the golf cart a pit-stop charge during lunch.

Eco-Friendly

Lithium batteries put less strain on the environment. They take significantly less time to fully charge, resulting in using less energy. They do not contain hazardous material, whereas lead-acid batteries, as the name suggests, contain lead which is harmful to the environment.

Battery Cycle Life

Lithium batteries last significantly longer than lead-acid batteries because the lithium chemistry increases the number of charge cycles. An average lithium battery can cycle between 2,000 and 5,000 times; whereas, an average lead-acid battery can last roughly 500 to 1,000 cycles. Although lithium batteries have a high upfront cost, compared to frequent lead-acid battery replacements, a lithium battery pays for itself over its lifetime. Not only does the investment in a lithium battery pay for itself over time, but big savings can be made in the way of reduced energy bills, maintenance costs, and possible repairs that would otherwise need to be made to heavy lead-acid golf cars. They also just perform better overall!

Are Lithium Golf Cart Batteries Compatible?

Golf carts designed for lead-acid batteries can see a significant performance boost by swapping the lead-acid battery to a lithium battery. However, this second wind can come at an instillation cost. Many lead-acid equipped golf carts need a retro-fit kit to operate with a lithium battery, and if the cart manufacturer doesn’t have a kit, then the cart will need modifications to operate with a lithium battery.

With RELiON's InSight 48V Golf Cart Battery, this isn't a concern as they're designed specifically to fit your golf cart. InSight batteries require no tray modifications, no retrofit kits and no complicated connections, making installing lithium batteries easier than ever before!

If you're interested in switching you golf cart to a lithium battery, consider buying our InSight 48V lithium battery. It's the only lithium golf cart battery designed specifically to meet the power and energy needs of all types of golf carts. It's a drop-in ready replacement that is quality from the inside out. Designed to fit and engineered to perform, the InSight battery is the best lithium option for golf carts today.

[yes-chavez62-world-blog]

Installing Solar Panels For Homes

Solar energy technology has evolved over the years with the capability to get you completely off the grid even if you live in a housing tract. When you envision a solar-powered home do you see a cabin in the woods where the only energy you can get is from solar and wind, or do you see large, unattractive panels on roofs where people are constantly worrying about their electrical consumption. Do you envision not being able to enjoy the big-screen televisions, multiple refrigerators, or even living without air conditioning in a hot climate? These views on solar capabilities are much different today as the demand for solar energy has become vital in this economy. Getting off-the-grid is no longer only a dream, but is becoming a reality for residential and commercial properties solarpanelamerica.com/ .

Solar panel technology and know-how has developed more efficient and affordable systems you can install for your home. Even though the solar option is still more expensive to install than conventional power, with fuel and utility expenses rising, the demand for solar energy rising-and the industry is prepared to meet that demand. Many newly built homes are being constructed with a solar panel array on the roof that is less obtrusive than the huge panels of earlier times. The solar panels of today are much more efficient and can convert an abundant amount of energy with a smaller size than in the past. This makes them more inconspicuous and, although a solar array on a roof will still be seen, it will blend in substantially more with your building, actually looking very attractive and "modern".

Generating solar electricity is really a new concept for some people. The "old" off-the-grid stereotype does not fit in the economy of today with its advanced technology. When you see houses with solar arrays on the roof today, these homes are often connected to conventional utilities also. By utilizing a mixture of traditional energy and solar energy, these homeowners are able to drastically slash their electricity costs and not sacrifice their lifestyle at all in the way they use electricity. It is highly likely that the homeowners of today can churn out a sufficient amount of solar energy to meet their needs and even have excess energy they can sell back to the utility companies for a change, rather than getting charged for the energy they consume.

Installing a solar array on your roof does not cost as much as many expect. Local and federal government is subsidizing the costs of installing solar panels for homes in many ways. There are at least 10 federal incentives you can get for installing renewable and efficient energy. Most federal programs contain tax credits, corporate and private exemptions and special loans and grants for residential home mortgages and renewable energy manufacturing. Most, if not all states offer incentives as well, including local rebates, property tax incentives, sales tax incentives, and many more. Some states even take care of up to 70 percent of installation costs. If you are thinking about installing solar panels for your home, here are a few facts you will need to know to help you in making the decision to go solar.

About Solar Panels for Homes

Solar panels, or photovoltaic systems, convert sunlight into electrical energy. Every solar panel is composed usually of a group of about 30-40 solar cells made with crystalline silicon or some other type of sun absorbing material. The materials they are made of are highly efficient at absorbing light. Each solar panel is simply a series of solar cells connected all together and encased in a shielding enclosure with a clear face to allow sun to enter and a solid backing. The entire panel is sealed to prevent moisture from degrading the panel.

The part of the solar cell the sunlight is absorbed into is considered to be electrically negative, and the bottom of each cell is considered to be electrically positive. When the sun is absorbed into the silicon cells, electrons are knocked loose and travel from the top (electrically negative) to the bottom (electrically positive) layer. This sun-induced electrical energy is passed through the contacts in the top layer and is routed through the circuit array, producing electrical power.

Effectiveness of Solar Panels in Your Area

Solar panel systems can churn out sufficient electricity under optimal conditions to power all the lights and electrical appliances in a typical American home and even to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The efficiency of your solar panels really depends on your location. Solar panels are installed on whichever surface of your house gets the majority of solar exposure-in southern climates this is the north-facing side, and in northern climates it is the south-facing side.

If your residential home does not get an average of six hours of constant sunlight everyday throughout the year, you will not generate as much energy. Also, the sun shines stronger in some areas than in others. A home in less sunny areas will need more solar panels to produce the same energy as a home with less solar panel in a sunnier area.

Not enough sunlight?

Even if you do not get enough sun to generate electricity to satisfy all of your energy needs, you can still benefit greatly by installing solar panels for your home. The majority of modern homes with solar panels installed are not entirely off-the-grid. Many homes use both solar panels and conventional utilities. Doing it this way, they reduce the cost of their electricity consumption and depend less on the conventional power received from the utility company. They are not completely off-the-grid, but they can still conserve energy while continuing to make use of all the appliances they are accustomed to.

How much will Solar Panels cost?

If you do not go the "hybrid" route of being partly on the grid and supplementing your energy with solar, you should expect your installation to cost more. Getting completely off the grid generally costs about $12 to $15 per watt. This equates to $12K to $15K per kilowatt hour of energy you want to produce. Compared to upwards of $35K per mile the utility company would charge you to run electric lines to your location, solar energy is much more cost effective. If your home is in an isolated area where commercial electricity is not available, the only way to get electricity is to rely on solar energy. The cost of installing solar panels is far outweighed by the significant breaks in your electric bill as a result. Even so, it will take a few years to realize a return on your investment and less time if you are able to sell excess energy back to the utility company.

Solar panels are a fantastic way to save on energy and resources. Combining solar power with wind turbines and other alternative energy sources can make you totally self-sufficient. To be successful in reaping the benefits of alternative energy, you should be sure to do all you can to make your home energy-efficient by installing things like Energy Star appliances, efficient light bulbs, efficient cooling and heating systems and other efficient appliances. In addition, separate dedicated energy systems can be used such as solar and geothermal water heating systems for your pool and/or bath, using portable solar panel systems for areas where you do not need electricity all the time and, generally, just learning about your energy consumption habits to insure your home is energy efficient and eco-friendly.

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10 Advantages of LED Lighting

LED lighting represents the latest development in the lighting industry. The energy efficiency and considerable lifespan of LED technology holds all the potential for changing the way organizations brighten their facilities by reducing the cost of electricity and overall energy use.

1. Long Lifespan

Compared to the lifespan of your average incandescent bulb, the lifespan of a LED light is far superior. The average incandescent bulb lasts about a thousand hours. The lifespan of an average LED light is 50,000 hours. Depending on how you use it, its life may be as long as 100,000 hours. This means that an LED light can last anywhere from six to 12 years before you need to replace it. That is 40 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

Even if you’re using fluorescent, metal halide or sodium vapor lights, an LED light will last at least two to four times longer.

As such, savings extend not only to replacement costs but also to the maintenance costs of your company’s lighting bill.

2. Energy Efficiency

Another one of the leading LED lighting advantages is their energy-efficient operation. You can measure the energy efficiency of a lighting source in useful lumens, which describes the amount of lighting that the device emits for each unit of power, or watt, that the bulb uses. In the past, we measured light by how many lumens it produced, but the reality is that some of these lumens go to waste. LED lighting produces less waste light and more useful lumens than other lighting technologies.

If you replaced all the lighting in your office, school or other facility with LEDs, you could see as much as a 60% to 70% improvement in your overall energy efficiency. In some cases, the improvement could be as great as 90%, depending on what kind of lights you are replacing and what kind of LED lights you are using.

These improvements in energy efficiency are directly correlated with financial savings. When you replace a traditional light source with an LED light source, your energy usage is going to plummet, making LED lights are a smart investment for the bottom line of any business!

3. Improved Environmental Performance

It is becoming increasingly important for companies to become eco-friendly. Customers increasingly want environmentally friendly options and using an environmentally friendly light source can help companies reduce their energy use, as well as attract a socially conscious consumer base.

The environmental benefits of LED lighting also extend to their manufacturing process. Many traditional lighting sources, like fluorescent lighting and mercury vapor lights, use mercury internally as part of their construction. Because of this, when they reach the end of their lifespans, they require special handling. You do not have to worry about any of these issues with LED lights.

4. The Ability to Operate in Cold Conditions

Traditional lighting sources don’t like cold weather. When the temperature drops, lighting sources, particularly fluorescent lamps, require a higher voltage to start, and the intensity of their light diminishes.

LED lights, on the other hand, perform better in cold temperatures by about 5%. This is why LED lights are a better choice for lighting needed in freezers, meat lockers, cold storage spaces or refrigerated display cases. Their ability to perform so efficiently in cold weather also makes them the perfect choice for lights in parking lots, lights used to illuminate the perimeters of buildings and lights used in outdoor signage.

5. No Heat or UV Emissions

If you’ve ever tried to change an incandescent light bulb right after it goes out, you know how hot they get when they’re in use. Many traditional lighting sources like incandescent bulbs turn more than 90% of the energy they use to heat, allocating only 10% of energy to actual light production.

LEDs emit almost no heat, and most of the light they emit is within the visible spectrum. This feature is one reason that medical experts are looking at LEDs as a possible solution for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects many people during the darker months of the year.

It also makes LEDs ideal for illuminating works of art that will degrade or break down over time with exposure to UV rays.

6. Design Flexibility

LEDs are very small (about the size of a spec of pepper). This means that they can be used in almost any application. Remember, their original use was as an indicator light in a circuit board. If you combine them in bunches, you create a traditional bulb. If you string together a series of LED lights, you create a line or series of lights — like a string of Christmas lights.

Think of the options this gives you for lighting in your facility. LED devices can be so small you can use them for illuminating everything from a shop floor to a major league football stadium.

7. Instant Lighting and the Ability to Withstand Frequent Switching

If you’re looking for a light that needs to come on quickly, choose LED lighting. LED lights can turn on and off instantly. If you’re using a metal halide lamp, for instance, you need to be prepared for a warm-up period. Think of how a fluorescent light flickers when you turn it on and often takes two or three seconds before its fully lit. These are some of the complications that can be circumvented by installing LED lights.

Also, traditional lighting sources have a shorter lifespan if you frequently switch them on and off. LED lights are not affected by frequent switching. It does not cause any reduction in their lifespan or efficiency.

This feature makes LEDs an ideal solution for your business if you need your lights to come back on immediately after a blackout or a power surge. This capability is also useful if you want your lights to come on promptly when an employee opens a building early in the morning before the sun comes up.

Since LEDs are unaffected by switching on and off, they can be rapidly cycled for flashing light displays or applications that require sensors that frequently switch from on to off and back again.

8. Low Voltage Operation

If your business is in a location where flooding may occur, you want to be able to light your facility with devices that require as little voltage as possible. LEDs are perfect for this because they operate on very low voltage. When you use a low-voltage system in areas that may be prone to flooding, you are protecting your staff and others from potentially harmful or fatal shocks. If, during a flood clean-up, someone mistakenly touches some electrical component, a low-voltage lighting system that generates 12 volts is much safer than a line voltage system that generates 120 volts.

This also makes them extremely useful to use outdoors where other lighting solutions might not meet with local codes.

9. Dimming Capabilities

LEDs perform well at almost any power percentage, from about 5% to 100%. Some lighting sources, such as metal halide, perform less efficiently when dimmed. Sometimes, you cannot dim them at all.

The opposite is true for LED lighting. When you use less-than-full power on an LED light, it operates more efficiently. This feature leads to other benefits, as well. It increases the lifespan of the bulb, and it means that you are using less energy, thereby reducing your energy costs.

It’s important to note that you cannot use traditional equipment for dimming lights when using LEDs. They need hardware that is specific to their technology.

10. Directionality

Every conventional lighting technology emits light at 360° around the light source. This means that if you want the light to illuminate a specific area, you’ll need to purchase accessories to channel or deflect the light in the desired direction.

If you don’t use something to reflect or redirect the light, you’ll waste energy lighting areas that don’t require illumination, which will result in higher energy costs.

An LED light, however, only lights up an area of 180°, which makes LED lighting perfect when you need recessed lighting in an industrial kitchen, hallway or bathroom. It’s also ideal for lighting artwork, not only because it will not degrade the artwork but also because you won’t lose any of the lighting power to the back of the light source.