#how to install solar panels on your house

[illiath-the-fae]

In my new (old now) house, the circuits were wired "backwards" with live and neutral swapped... but not on all circuits, and not at the outlets... or the breaker panel... yeah... umm... We don't know how.

When our electrician showed up to fix an electrical fire on the outside of our house and found that circuit was passed-through to an interior outlet *sigh* he also found how some of that was done... so the rewire for the batteries for the solar install cost a lot more than it should have just to make sure everything was safe.

Also, grounding to gas lines is pretty common in some places (and meets local electrical code), as the gas line is a heavy metal pipe underground. I prefer the long bar shoved into the ground that your circuit panel is grounded to and everything grounded back to the panel, myself, but...

Mark the electrician has been here for five minutes and he’s already said “well that’s…weird” twice from the other room and frankly I’m afraid to ask.

[littleredsonja]

New Spell: Electrokinesis

Update 2023-07-23:

Added German (thank you Crashdown117 💜) and Polish translation (thank you Krzydkowy 💜).

Your witch want to live Off-the-grid but does not want to spam solar panels all over the place (because that is not very magical, isn't it)? Do you find "zip zap" spell disappointing when trying to fry your enemies? Look no further and learn Electrokinesis (level 1 Untamed magic) to unlock two powers:

You can cast "Arcane Voltage" on your sim to generate power on any lot, allowing you to use TV, fridge, lamps and any other muggle device without problems even when off-the-grid. Higher level witches will generate more power. If your witch is charged or overcharged he/she will generate even more power every time they cast "Arcane Voltage". That means that a level 1 spellcaster with no charge or special traits will generate very little power, while a level 4 overcharged spellcaster will generate A LOT of power.

You can also use Electrokinesis against your enemies. Cast "Witch Bolt" on another sim to fry it. Several Witch Bolts against the same sim in a short period of time might be lethal.

Spellcasters with "Draconis Lightning Ancestry" or equipping certain magical artifacts (both coming soon in the next update to "Houses of Witchcraft") will generate EVEN MORE power and become immune to Electrokinesis. Unlike other spells, being charged or overcharged makes Electrokinesis easier to use and more effective.

What are you waiting for? Unleash the Power of Thunder and become a mighty Electromage today!

It was Sweden National Day last week so I had some free time to work on my mods, so I am happy to add this new spell to the collection. I will probably be adding more Electrokinesis powers in the future, and I am open to suggestions if you want something in particular to be included.

If you have suggestions for how to improve the mod or if you find issues please contact me here or on Discord (@LittleRedSonja). You can leave a comment if you open the Dashboard (up right menu) or send me a message if you click on “ask” (left menu). You can also give it a “like” if you enjoy the mod 💜

LANGUAGES:

English

German (thank you Crashdown117 💜)

Polish (thank you Krzydkowy 💜).

New translations are always welcome! If you would like to translate the mod please contact me and let me know, don’t be shy 😘.

COMPATIBILITY:

This mod does not overwrite any game resources and has no incompatibilities with any other mod.

REQUIREMENTS:

Packs: Realm of Magic, Seasons.

Spellbook Injector: Utility mod that loads custom spells into the game. These spells won’t override any EA tuning, which ensures that creations from different modders will be compatible. To install it extract the zip file, and put the files inside your Mods folder (no more than one 1 folder deep). You only need to install this once, and it will work for any other custom spells you add to your game. If you are using other custom spells, including mine, you should already have spellbook injector installed in your mods folder (no need to download it again).

INSTALLATION:

Download the mod and add the file to your mods folder. If you are updating remove the old file and put the new one in your mods folder.

LINKS:

LittleRedSonja_ROM_Spell_Untamed_Electrokinesis

Spellbook Injector

[soon-palestine]

While most telecom networks bury their cables 60cm (about 2ft) underground, PalTel buries its cables up to 8 metres (26ft)  deep. In case the Israelis cut off electricity, its data centres in Gaza also have three layers of redundancy: generators, solar panels and batteries. The company has also developed emergency protocols to direct workers remotely from the occupied West Bank, and if severed communications make this impossible, Gazan staff are empowered to act autonomously. Despite all the redundancies and preparations, the sheer scale of bombings these past weeks has still crippled the network. About 70 percent of the mobile network has been taken offline. Solar panels have been rendered mostly useless either by being destroyed in attacks or covered in dust and debris. The relentless nature of the conflict is also weighing on staff, who are dogged by danger from their house to the field. Rabih*, a fibre optics technician, was called to repair a cable just metres from the border on October 15. Prior to going, he had to give an exhaustive list of the repair team’s names, the colour of their cars and registration numbers to the Israelis, because “a mistake could be deadly”. As Rabih and his team laboured for two hours to fix the cable, the buzz of a drone above him and the sounds of shelling intermingled with the sound of their excavator. “Any wrong move could mean being targeted. I cannot explain to my wife and kids why I do that or why I volunteer to go out during the war. My company doesn’t oblige me, but if someone can do it, it has to be me,” he said. No matter how many metres deep they dig or the number of solar panels they install, Gaza’s connections to the outside world ultimately relies on the Israelis.

The cables that connect Gaza to the outside world run through Israel, and the country on at least two occasions has deliberately cut off the strip’s international communications. “It’s clear for us that it was cut off by a decision. What proves this is that we didn’t do anything to get it back,” Melhem said. Israel also controls fuel to Gaza, allowing a small trickle into Gaza on Friday after weeks of pressure from the United States. Described as a “drop in the bucket” by humanitarian groups, Israel announced that 120,000 litres (31,700 gallons) of fuel would be allowed into the territory every two days for use by hospitals, bakeries and other essential services. PalTel will also be given 20,000 litres (5,283 gallons) of fuel every two days for its generators. On Thursday, the company had announced it would go into a full telecoms blackout because its fuel reserves were exhausted for the first time during the current war. According to Mamoon Fares, the corporate support director at PalTel, the 20,000 litres provided “should be enough to operate a good part of the network”. However, Gaza’s telecoms network will still be at the mercy of Israel should it decide to cut off fuel deliveries or network services that run through its territory. Without the ability to communicate, the already dismal situation in Gaza would only further deteriorate. “No ambulances, no emergency services, no civil defence or humanitarian organisations can work without telecommunications,” Melhem said. * Names have been changed to protect the individuals’ safety.

[thoughtportal]

In 2015, two geographers noticed solar panels popping up on houses in their small US state of Connecticut. Curious, they set out to see if they could figure out what predicted who had them. Would they be in richer homes? Or in areas with higher population density?

Early adopters of solar panels tend to be people who are interested in innovative technology, who find an installer they trust, and who think having solar panels will benefit them. But once an early adopter made their choice, the geographers found, a cluster would spring up around them. Having solar panels on a house near you, where you could see them and talk to a real live person who had them, it turned out, was the biggest predictor of whether you’d get them yourself. 

Why? Because it brought down the “cost” of information. You didn’t have to go somewhere or find a new person to talk to; they were right there beside you and ready and eager to bend your ear with all the information you needed to make the same choice they had. 

[hillsgrannyflats]

Modern Granny Flat Builders in Baulkham Hills

Demand for modern granny flats has been on the rise in Baulkham Hills. As people look to get the most out of a property or accommodate multi-generational families, a modern granny flat builder is very much sought after in the industry. 

A modern granny flat builder specialises in stylish yet functional and efficient living spaces that blend in with the existing homes but now meet all the requirements of today's needs, including affordable granny flats Baulkham Hills.

Why Modern Granny Flats?

Modern granny flats are more than excess rooms but include a wide scope of living options suited to all requirements. These structures; independent living rooms for elderly relatives, rental properties, and home offices, have changed the concept of family living and property usage. 

Modern granny flat design focuses on creating space to minimise energy consumption and retain its aesthetic value. Builders at Baulkham Hills have been leading the pack, including design solutions that answer the latest principles of design and technological advancements.

Some of the Key Features of Modern Granny Flats

Innovative Design

Modern granny flats often come with open-plan designs that give an interior the feel of being roomier. By joining living, dining, and the kitchen in a single design, these structures promote a comfortable and practical use of the space. Baulkham Hills builders are good at fitting everything into a square meter, so even the smallest spaces do not have to feel cramped.

Energy Efficiency

With increasing consciousness of pollution and environmental degradation, energy efficiency is also an important feature of new granny flats. Builders in Baulkham Hills install energy-efficient features like solar panels, high-insulation capabilities, and LED lighting. Not only do they minimise the carbon footprint but also save the owner, over time, money on their utility costs.

Customisation

Personalisation is one trend happening with granny flat construction. Builders tend to allow for the personalisation of floor plans and interior finishes that will help the owner create that personal space, which reflects a particular house owner's taste and meets some specific needs. Cabinetry is the perfect and right flooring choice; whatever it is, the process will guarantee that every granny flat will stand unique and tailored to suit the individual tastes of homeowners.

Quality Materials

Another hallmark of the modern granny flat is the quality of materials. The builders consider such factors as durability and aesthetic appeal when using them for the modern granny flat, hence ensuring that every material used adds value to the total look and duration of the structure. Such features include premium countertops and stylish external finishes, amongst others, where quality and craftsmanship are paramount.

How to Choose the Right Builder

Selection of the right builder is essential to completing local granny flats. In selecting the right builders in Baulkham Hills, the factors mentioned below must be taken into consideration.

Experience and Expertise

An experienced builder will bring lots of information to the table. He or she will be conversant with local building codes as well as zoning restrictions and design trends. A known builder of modern granny flats will most likely deliver what you expect and meet all the relevant standards.

Portfolio and References

An extensive portfolio says a lot about the style and capabilities of a particular builder. Asking for references from previous clients can also elaborate on what work habits to expect from the professionals you hire. Positive reviews and successful completions are wonderful indicators of your chosen builder's skills.

Communication and Cooperation

Clear communication is the most important factor for a successful project. The builders who are open and willing to collaborate ensure that your visions come to life. Smooth updates, regular feedback, and an open willingness to address problems make the building easier.

Trends in Granny Flat Design

Some of the recent granny flat designs include the use of green material, smart home technology, and outdoor living spaces. Builders in Baulkham Hills embrace such trends to ensure they meet the needs of changing homeowners' preferences.

Use of Green Materials

Sustainability has recently become a trend in construction. Builders now follow material that turns out to be eco-friendly, hence reducing the impact on the environment while increasing energy efficiency. Some of the materials that are normally applied are recycled materials, low-VOC paints, and sustainable wood products.

Smart Home Technology

Granny flats today have more and more smart home technologies incorporated into them. These features include smart thermostats, security systems, and automated lighting to add ease and enhance functionality to the house or living space.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Modern granny flats stretch a living area into the outdoors. Modern features that builders now put in homes will aid them in creating enjoyable outdoor spaces, especially in outdoor kitchens with covered patios and landscaped gardens.

A modern granny flat builder in Baulkham Hills needs experience, portfolio, communication, and cost. If you have the right builder, you will get a stylish, functional, and energy-efficient granny flat that will add value to your property and meet your expectations. For someone looking at an affordable granny flat in Baulkham Hills, local expertise works to ensure that your project is both cost-effective and of quality.

[jazzhandsmcleg]

I don't know how to ask this without sounding rude but..... You were super rude first. Why were you soliciting somewhere that had a no soliciting sign? Like, why did you think that was going to work out for you?

The homeowner was not in the wrong to point out that you were quite rudely doing something they specifically have a sign against lolol

hi anon! thanks for stopping by my inbox, and for coincidentally solidifying my resolve to address this issue at some length. for now you get the cliff notes version. bear in mind that this info a) is American, b) varies by state, and c) sometimes even varies by county or city, so the specifics may not apply to where you live. but this is what's going on where I am, and I think the bit at the end applies generally anyhow.

also all mentions of "you" are general. I'm not irritated at you specifically, anon.

signs that simply read "NO SOLICITING." this only applies to people representing businesses: people who want to install windows or solar panels, do your yard work, stuff like that. charities, religious groups, and political canvassers are exempt. notably, I am canvassing for a 501(c)(3) charity. additionally, I have only been doing this for a week and a half and have already gotten numerous positive responses from houses with "no soliciting" signs up once they know I'm not selling anything. finally, and crucially, presence of a "no soliciting" sign is not considered an excuse to not do my job, i.e. my employer tells me I still have to knock. we'll come back to that point.

more complicated signs, like this one.

this one will probably deter most people, out of common decency, but still not all. why not? because it's still not illegal for charities, etc. to come knocking. even within charitable organizations, etc., different people may have different personal rules on how to approach houses with signs like these, and they will pass those rules on to the people they train.

(side note: really not sure what "no menus" means.)

3. "NO TRESPASSING" signs. this is a bit of a complicated one, because their placement can have repercussions. sign on a gate? don't come down the driveway, or up the walk (depending on which gate). sign in a window? don't set foot in the house. sign on a fence? don't set foot in the yard; depending on the placement of the sign, the driveway may still be okay. the real hard line is if the person lives there verbally notifies the canvasser of "no trespassing" rules and requests that they leave. ignoring that is very illegal. but for the purpose of this post, this is beside the point.

--

so my first point is that, if the canvassers in your neighborhood are more well-versed in signage and local laws than you are (which they may very well be; it is our job, after all), you as a resident/homeowner will have a problem of miscommunication on your hands. this is your problem, unfortunately. canvassers have no way of determining in advance who means what and how seriously. we have to go by gut instinct and the textbook definitions of what is presented to us, i.e. the law. if you don't like it...regrettably, the only thing to be done is to try to change the law. (or complain to my employer, but I would be surprised if that had any effect, tbh.)

my second point is that there are much better ways to deal with someone ignoring a "no soliciting" sign -- even a more complicated iteration -- than coming out swinging. mainly, JUST DON'T ANSWER THE DOOR. it costs you nothing, it saves you and me time, and prevents the situation from getting fraught.

because here's the thing: I'm just doing my job. you may not like it and that's fair, especially because I don't much like it either. but I am being paid to knock on your door and try to engage you in conversation if you answer, and so that's what I will do.

I don't mind if you close the door in my face; it's a valid way to get rid of canvassers and I don't take it personally, though I am instructed to continue to talk until I literally hear the click of a latch or until I hear three hard "no"s (again, that's my job). I don't mind when people don't answer their doors. I've done my due diligence by knocking, after all, and I totally understand why people don't want to talk to me.

but door-to-door canvassers are, at the end of the day, salespeople. ambulatory customer service workers. we are people, not rodents or cockroaches, and we do not deserve your hostility just for doing our jobs. predatory canvassers absolutely exist, and if you smell something fishy by all means close your door in their face or ask for their organization's contact details and report them. but if you decide to take time out of your day to be a petty jerk to a visibly hot, sweaty, and tired (because let's not kid ourselves about the nature of this work) person speaking politely to you at your door because they happened to know what your "no soliciting" sign means better than you do (even if you're not aware of that fact, or if your jurisdiction's laws are a bit different!)...that's a note against your character, not mine.

[zs-projects]

Harnessing Solar Power in Bexley: A Sustainable Energy Solution

In today's world, where energy efficiency and sustainability are gaining importance, ZS Project helps people who are looking for Solar panels installation in Bexley as a dependable source of clean energy. By utilizing the sun's energy, solar panels save electricity costs and boost a green economy.

Benefits of Solar Panels

There are several benefits to installing solar panels in your house. To begin with, they greatly lessen your demand on conventional energy sources, which lowers your carbon impact. Long-term cost reductions are achieved by protecting homes from fluctuating energy prices through the shift towards renewable energy. Solar technology adoption is also financially feasible due to the numerous incentives and rebates offered by local and state governments.

Why Choose Professional Installation?

While the idea of installing solar panels yourself could be exciting, it's important to choose expert services. Installers with certification possess the necessary skills to accurately assess the energy requirements of your house and choose the best location to achieve optimum effectiveness. By making sure your solar panels are placed properly and by local laws, they maximize the effectiveness of your system and provide you with peace of mind.

The Future is Solar

Putting solar panels on your home will increase its value in addition to making a positive impact on the environment. Accept the power of the sun and become one of the many homeowners who are improving their financial situation and the environment at large.

An able to install your air conditioners installation for Domestic in Greenwich. Whether you choose energy-efficient split units or a central ducted system, our professional services address your unique conditioning requirements. Get in touch with us right now to find out how our ZS Projects can help you attain the highest level of interior comfort in Greenwich.

[kangseluigi]

Elon Musk pisses me off so much, because he wants to save the world, as long as he gets credit for it, but doesn't do anything productive!!! If I had his kinda wealth, it would be SO EASY to do it!

First of all, for climate change:

I'd just buy a goddamn piece of land in the desert, the bigger, the better, and FILL it with solar panels. A land the size of a small country, cool, lay lines to a nearby city, boom, whole city gets switched to solar, every person is charged cents per year for electricity, companies a little more. I can use that money to a) keep the panels, lines etc intact, clean and whatnot, and b) to install more panels elsewhere. Go to Vegas and cover every tall building and hotel from top to bottom with solar panel windows and will power itself AND its entire neighbourhood. Rinse and repeat in all kinds of places. Add wind turbines by the sea and in the middle of roads. Boom. Fixed. (obv we add batteries for it all, idk why anti-solar people always forget that, it's been obvious in the 90's when I was a CHILD)

All workers put out of a job because coal mines, power plants etc are closing? Whoever can retire pls do that, the rest, we offer as many as possible to be re-trained for installing and maintaining our stuff, the panels, the turbines, the lines, etc. Others can be put into re-foresting areas like were coal mines were with appropriate plants for the region, balance the ecosystem.

Improve public transport in those places, have Tesla work on GOOD public transport methods, improved subways/trains and buses, also with solar and wind power, thing that don't fucking break in the car wash or rain, and through that, have it be free! I promise every country can afford the drivers' wages and minor maintenance when you don't have to substitute 43829019384 cars and fix roads all the time, and there is 0 gasoline or electricity to be paid for, ultimately.

THEN!

I'd pester every single museum in the world. Remember the fire in the Brazilian Museum that destroyed plenty of things in it? Let's not have that happen again! Everybody give me your stuff for 3 seconds, so I can do super high quality 3D renders of it all and preserve it for all eternity, maybe in Zuckerberg's weird bunker idk, and have all museums access all scans in there through their own network, so that a) IF disaster strikes again, we won't lose as much. Even if the original may be destroyed, we still have some form of access to it. b) if some artifacts and objects can't be shipped around, you can still include them through screens or projections, or even have a goddamn VR glasses exhibition of old temples in life size! Imagine! You can only import so many Egyptian artifacts for your exhibition, it will never be truly complete, but you can include a screen that allows visitors to scroll through all the related things and view them closely. You can project the pyramids into an empty space in the room and have them digitally disassemble the thing, piece by piece, to show exactly how they were built and how the corridors inside run, what someone could expect. You can project the pyramid's corridors AROUND visitors to give them a taste of it. You can have them go into the VR room and have them walk the hallways digitally, or have them stand in the Colosseum or ancient temples, the way they looked 2000 years ago, filled with life! Maybe I would "accidentally" ship all objects back to their original owners and leave most european museums with the 3d printed copies but that's not relevant right now

With that, we could also open up websites where all objects in the catalogue can be VIEWED by anyone in the world, with a little texty-text from experts, which means more accessibility, for people across the globe who'll never get to that specific location, people who can't necessarily leave the house for whatever reason, people who simply cannot enter some museums, etc etc. It means students can more easily find in depth, high quality information. It means all people regardless of income can theorise and discuss these things. Imagine how fun Covid would have been, had we had access to all that information. If everyone had been able to make posts about how "I found this fun detail on this object/art piece and nobody seems to have talked about it EVER?!" and "So, I couldn't sleep and I was looking through the catalogue and came across this thing, and then fell down a rabbit hole. A thread 1/127" !!!!

Maybe (!?) we could also, additionally, do it similarly to archive.org and let people rent digitally, but also rent/sell non-commercial (!) licenses for the 3d renders. Eg. if someone wants to 3d print something just for their own hobby, or to let their blind relative feel the objects they cannot see, and of course wouldn't be able to touch in the real museum. Additionally, it may allow the gift shops to 3D print or otherwise model mini-versions/copies of some of the artifacts for purchase cause ??!?!? who wouldn't want a copy of whichever crown!

The same with paintings etc.

It would make history, art, and knowledge SO accessible!! It would allow anyone to really learn, to draw inspiration, to theorise! To FEEL the art, the heavy strokes of Van Gogh's paintings, build something, to understand humanity as a whole in a new light! To spark new conversations and understanding between us all.

It could be SO easy.

But no, he has to play stupid games to bring down the price of twitter, then be forced into buying it, and fuck everything up, instead ruining a source of information, just like he bought Tesla and ruined it!

[digitalshrutijain]

How I Transformed My Home With Solar Lights

When it comes to adopting environmentally friendly decisions for our homes, harnessing the power of the sun is one of the most important consideration you can make. No, I'm not referring to installing expensive solar panels rather, I'm referring to transform the home with solar lighting. This environmentally friendly and cost-effective makeover that will not only improve the appearance of your house, but also help to minimise your carbon footprint.

Installing a lighting system that is independent of energy will benefit you, your operating costs, and the environment. Installing them in and around your home and yard will not only add beauty and safety lighting, but will also introduce a stunning new dimension to your house and outdoor spaces during night.

What are Solar Lights?

Solar lights are devices that use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored during the day in a small rechargeable battery and released as light when it gets dark outside using an LED bulb.

Solar lights are a low-emission, energy-efficient, simple-to-install, less maintenance option to illuminate your home properly.

Ways to Transform your home with Solar lights –

For Outdoors –

Use Solar lights in your walkways, pathways with solar path lights. This will provide a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and family members, as well as help you avoid tripping hazards in the dark.

[peter-author]

On Balance It Is Worth It

The job of the various military, space and aviation industries rarely embodies good public relations. For example, the Apollo 11 mission to the moon was to depart without a TV camera until a last-minute suggestion from Arthur C. Clarke to Brian Duff (Public Affairs Officer at NASA) that he couldn’t wait to see live images from the moon. That prompted a hurried install of a fixed focal length, fixed aperture B&W camera to the Lunar Lander leg which was already atop the Saturn 5 ready to go to the launch pad! Without that comment, after quarantine on return, you’d have had to wait 30 days to see the stills and 16mm film they shot. Gee, I wonder if people would have believed they were really there.

NASA is not very good at tooting its own achievements. Take the Hubble Space telescope for example. Scientists will tell you it uniquely helps us understand gravity and the fundamental laws of the physical world and that the future on Earth scientific results will help shape our world. But has NASA bothered to tell you that the mammogram and computer spectro-analysis many women now undergo was a direct spin-off, saving thousands with earlier detection of cancers? Add to that micro-endoscopes, 50% improvement to all CCDs made in the past 10 years (yes, that camera in your mobile phone uses Hubble technology), and if you wondered how they can make the computer brains so small, you have only to thank Hubble-developed microlithography—a method for printing tiny circuitry in computer chips. ��I think Hubble is worth it, don’t you?

Apollo was groundbreaking is so many ways, it’s easy to begin to make a long list: The retractable roof in the NRG Stadium in Houston (the Texans stadium) is only possible with Apollo cloth material; Moon boots; the first computer chips and circuit boards; computer code used in every computer on earth; firemen’s safety suits; silver-ion water purification technology now makes all those giant aquariums possible; all your burglar house-movement detectors; solar panels now in use worldwide; implantable heart pulse regulator; cordless drills and tools; the micro-radar in your car to help prevent accidents; modern dialysis blood purification; the dust-buster; digital imaging technology developed into CAT, MRI, radiography, and microscopy in every hospital; all the way to mylar balloons and reflectors. I think Apollo was worth it, don’t you?

Think the Shuttle program and the International Space Station were expensive experiments? The medical and basic human physiology studies alone were groundbreaking and not feasible in Earth’s gravity. Everything from the safety of the food we eat every day to weather prediction allowing for saving countless lives. Of course, there’s memory foam mattresses; baby formula enhanced Omera-3; the mobile phone (the glass, the LCD, the alloy of the case, the programming, the camera, the microphone, the speaker…); precision GPS in your car and every plane flying; Shuttle shock absorbers now enable modern bridge design; invisible braces for your teeth; voltage controllers saving 30% of power in large machines (and every electric car); heart transplant cardiac pumps; Aerogel in your winter coats; and 3-d hologram displays (yes, those goggles gamers are using) – to name only a few new commercial advancements.  I think the Shuttle and Space Station were worth it, don’t you?

Until NASA and other government funded programs realize that public awareness of the benefits of such investments are critical for the public taxpayer’s support, you’ll rarely get an update. In case you do want to know, there’s a good resource here: facebook.com/NASAspinoff.