Alternative Energy
So, how can you tell if your Air Conditioner needs a repair? Or maybe yet, a replacement. Its April and you are ramping up the use of your trusty AC, however, you are noticing something about it that is needing your attention. You may have come to realize that over the years your AC has already been through several repairs and remarkably, it's still going. The thing is, you might already need to replace it. Here are 5 common signs that you may have to get yourself a new air conditioner: 1. It No longer Cools the Room the Way it Should One of the most telling signs of an AC that is past its prime is that after several repairs, it just is no longer consistent when cooling your room. When you first turn it on, it just blows warm air, and then it takes more than a few minutes to come up with cool air. Even then, it is not as cool as it used to be. For some, it might just be a case of blockage in the duct or maybe a thermostat that needs to be replaced. But if it is something that is regularly occurring then it might be time to replace your AC. 2. It’s Making Some Strange Noises that Doesn't Go Away with Use Grinding, loud squeaking, rattling, and sometimes a little bit of sporadic banging from wherever inside your unit could be signs that wear and tear has already had its way with your AC. A normal operating AC of considerable quality would barely make noise when it runs. But if your unit is getting too loud and is unusually troublesome because of the racket, and, you just had it repaired the previous month. It might do you good to have it replaced eventually. 3. Strange Smells Coming from Your AC An AC that works well should be able to blow cold, crisp, and odorless air from its vent. However, if you smell something strange like a burning or a musty, moldy smell that doesn't go away, it's about time to check your local dealer for a new unit. In fact, something burning could even be an emergency as it needs to be checked immediately. 4. Moisture Build Up One of the conveniences of having an air conditioner is its ability to control humidity, if not eliminate it. This is so that you can enjoy a cool and dry environment where you don't feel sweaty or clammy. An air conditioner that is no longer working properly starts to accumulate moisture right on the unit itself. It sometimes drips out in drops of water, or you might see the front panel "perspiring". Worst case scenario, your unit is already leaking water right inside your room. Fogging windows and moisture in the ducts and vents are also signs of your evaporator coil that is no longer working properly. Mold and mildew can result from these situations and could cause health problems later on. 5. Your HVAC System is Already Old and Needs to Replaced All appliances have their own life expectancy as to when they are able to deliver optimal service right before they expire. In the case of your HVAC system, it should be useful inside of 10 years or more. Naturally, if your air conditioner is already more than 10 years old, even with proper maintenance it will definitely show some signs of aging that could be a combination of any of the first 4 signs discussed above. Anyhow, an older air conditioner even though it may seem okay may already be outdated or obsolete unless it has a lifetime warranty. You could be running higher bills in terms of energy consumption, more than how much you will be paying for a brand new, more energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly unit. The use of Freon (refrigerant) in older ACs has already been phased out, due to its effects on the ozone layer. It was replaced by R-410A (in newer models) which doesn't damage the ozone layer. An air conditioner that still uses freon is already subject to replacement. That goes for older units 10 years and above. The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Conditioner Better Performance No more problems with humidity and irregular cooling patterns. A new unit will deliver consistent cooling power which will keep you comfortable for as long as need it. Savings from Repair Costs If you find yourself paying more in repair costs that are accumulated versus purchasing a new AC, it would make a lot of economic sense to replace it instead. Better Energy Efficiency Newer models mean better technology which then translates to energy savings, all the way to money savings.
Solar panels have been the future of energy for a long time now. They aren't for everyone but they can do a lot of good in the long term. If you're someone who has disposable income and wants to save more on energy as time goes on. Going solar will do a lot of good for you. This also means as time goes on these solar panels are going to go cheaper. Here are 5 reasons why you should switch to solar energy. - Save money on your energy Using solar energy is going to free up the energy costs of making sure that other people have energy. Not only is this good for your community, but you will see yourself saving more and more on your bills because the energy you are using is natural. There is a lot of talk about the kind of energy that we should be using, but it feels like solar energy could be the best in California. Other kinds of energy are getting more expensive. If we get our energy from the sun, that means companies and countries don't have to fight and debate over the energy we should use, saving you money. - California has consistent, warm weather year around While solar energy is good, it's really only optimal in environments where there is a lot of sunshine. Even 93 million miles away, in a snowy town, there will still be solar energy, but it's not optimal at all. In California, there is no real worry about a power outage in the summer with solar panels. California has consistently been sunny and warm meaning that residents will get power as well as their electricity bills going down. For the people who want solar panels for financial reasons, the weather is going to make it a good choice. - Properties with solar panels are seen as more valuable Real Estate seems like it's at an all-time high in California. Living in the state can be expensive, but living in a property with solar panels is going to make paying the monthly bills a lot more attractive to tenants. It's also more valuable because not every person is going to have solar panels in their apartment complex. For people who want to stay indoors during the summer, they will receive massive benefits. If you're a real estate agent, this could potentially make the property more attractive to others. - Renewable energy in the long term As time goes on, there are going to be fewer and fewer fossil fuels for countries to take advantage of. This isn't a problem for our generation, but it could potentially be worrisome for the next generation. Even if they can have enough fossil fuels to last their lifetime, it's going to be a lot more expensive than the money that we paid for those energies. Using solar panels is going to make energy more affordable as time goes on. It's definitely an investment to use them now, but the benefit for the rest of society is definitely there - The government promotes it through policy If you're someone with capital or wealth in California, you definitely dread tax season. However, what you can to get some educations is use solar panels. The government wants to incentivize people to use these panels, so they can get tax breaks if they use them on their private property or business. You get this on top of the benefit for the money you save on your electricity bills. Perhaps, you won't notice these kinds of tax breaks immediately, but as you achieve more and more, you going to pay more attention to these benefits. Conclusion Solar panels aren't for everyone in America, but if you are going to get them, California is a great state for that. The sun is constantly out meaning, you will never have to go weeks without large sources of power. It can easily save you thousands of dollars on energy every year which is only getting more expensive. If you're a real estate agent, solar panels are a great way to attract new customers. And if you're a business, it can get you tax breaks in the state that has some of the highest taxes.
Fresno County is known as the king of agriculture. The city produces billions of dollars in a variety of crops including tomatoes, oranges, almonds, and grapes. The area ranks number one in the nation when it comes to agriculture. It gets 270+ sunny days each year, and that makes it one of the best places for installing a solar panel system. At present, Fresno has the third-highest number of homes with solar panels. It is the fifth-largest city in the state that has stated embracing solar installation to reduce the energy cost and minimize the carbon footprint on the environment. Also, solar panels can reduce the dependency factors and enable homes to deal with emergencies. Why Should You Go Solar in Fresno? Summer causes a lot of difficulties for people in Fresno. The triple-digit outdoor temperature and increasing monthly bills for indoors make life difficult for many. The residents use more electricity than the national average throughout the year. If you want to minimize you electricity bill, contacting a Fresno solar company to install a solar panel on your roof is a must. After doing so, you will have pay much less for the energy. You can also protect yourself from the increasing electric bills that California is known for. Even if a solar panel offers a lot of benefits, many homeowners still do not consider this option due to the upfront cost. However, you can afford a solar system in the current condition. There are many ways to minimize installation costs. Once you install a solar panel, you can use sunlight to power your home and its many appliances. The kilowatt that your solar system generates is one less kilowatt that you purchase from SCE. You are going to save money every month. At the same time, you are going to contribute to the environment. Let's cover some information in more details. Lower Electricity Bills Installing Tesla Powerwall and solar panel system can enable you to meet the energy needs of your home. It will cut the costs of your utility bills. In Fresno, most households end up paying more than thirty-two percent higher electricity bills than other states. With a solar panel system, you can reduce energy consumption. Currently, thousands of residents are converting to a renewable and affordable energy source, solar panels to find the best alternative for the energy. Incentives & Tax Credits As stated above, you can minimize the installation cost significantly with incentives and tax credits. Many states offer local rebates. In addition to local rebates, you will receive twenty-six percent in federal tax credits. The residents of Fresno might be eligible for SASH. The Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program of state has been extended to 2021. It offers upfront rebates to all those who cannot afford to install a solar panel. It can be best for low-income homeowners. NEM Program You can also get rebates from the Net Energy Metering program of the state. It works as a driving force to help Fresno residents to install solar panels on their roofs. In 2019 only, 23,300 residents were part of this program. The program will allow homeowners to credit towards their energy bills. Federal Tax Credit The federal tax credit is twenty-six percent of the installation cost. The amount will be deducted from the federal taxes of homeowners. They can claim the credit over many years when the amount is less than their tax credit. However, all cannot be benefited by federal taxes. The federal tax credit can be helpful for all those who pay federal income taxes. If you are paying federal income tax and want to install a solar system, you will have to consider it now. The federal tax credit will be less from 2022 end. It will be twenty-two percent instead of twenty-six percent. So, go solar now in Fresno to get the maximum benefits. Battery Storage A solar panel system will not only reduce your energy cost, but it can also be effective to deal with emergencies. It can power up your home during unpredictable blackouts such as extreme weather conditions. Some natural adversities can cause blackouts for days to millions of people. With a solar system, you can live a normal life and use all your electric devices. Here battery storage comes in. A solar system will not only power up your home during the day hours when the sun is present, but it can also save energy for future use. Solar panels can store the energy in the battery, and you can use it during nights and blackouts. You can get clean energy for eight to twelve years with quality battery storage. The added benefit is that you are not going to pay the TOU rates if you use battery storage for your solar system. How Much Will You Save? The answer will depend on a few factors. The key consideration is the exposure of sunlight to your solar panel. Your solar panel needs to receive ample sunlight to meet the energy needs of your home. When the sunlight will not be adequate, you might not expect the desired benefits. Another factor is the usage of electricity for your home. When some homeowners use more electricity to power their devices, others can manage with less. In brief, the higher power usage will ensure more savings on the energy cost. The average electricity usage in California is around 547 kWh. But you might be spending more if you are using more electric devices. The usage is more in Fresno compared to other parts of California. If you want to know how much exactly you can save by installing a solar panel, you can consider talking to an experienced Fresno solar company. They use a solar panel saving calculator to help the residents of Fresno to know how much exactly they can save on energy bills with a solar system. The calculator can help you to know the number of solar panels you will need for your home.
BREAKING NEWS! Both houses of Congress came together to pass a $900 billion coronavirus relief package (along with a $1.4 trillion federal spending omnibus for fiscal year 2021) after months of inter-party conflict around just what the bill would entail. In a huge coup for environmental activists, the text of this massive, 5,593-page omnibus includes provisions for greatly reducing HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) emissions over the next 15 years, billions of dollars in funding for renewable energy research and development, extensions of existing solar and wind tax credits, and the introduction of a tax credit for off-shore wind-based projects. All this comes together to form what many are naming the most significant climate legislation in over a decade and - perhaps - in all of US history. Already dubbed the "Energy Act of 2020," if signed into law by President Donald Trump it would be a significant "step in the right direction" for the climate, in the words of Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer of New York. The bill comes to the last-minute rescue of the popular and immensely successful solar ITC (investment tax credit) that is currently set to start declining in 2021. In the Nick of Time: How the Coronavirus Relief Package Saves the Solar ITC It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on all sectors of the economy, including the renewable energy industry - research group Bloomberg NEF projected back in March that 2020 would represent the first "down year" in solar energy demand since the 1980s. This "speedbump" comes at a rather inopportune moment as, according to climate scientists and other experts, 2020 represents the beginning of the last decade in which the planet can get its act together and avoid irreversible damage to our ecosystem. This makes federal programs such as the solar ITC all the more crucial. The solar ITC was first introduced back in 2006, and has been a huge success since then: according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, it's spurred average annual growth of more than 50 % for the solar industry and boosted the area by more than 10,000 % since its inception. Indeed, the solar ITC is the primary motivator behind the development of solar - it goes without saying that, without this extension, we would see a decline in the growth of solar for the foreseeable future. As such, Democrats in both houses of Congress have made a huge push towards getting this tax credit extended, at first facing opposition from certain Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as well as President Donald Trump. 2020 marked the last year the solar federal tax credit would remain at 26 % after a 2015 extension - without the omnibus being made into law, the ITC will decline to 22 % in 2021 and finally to 10 % in 2022 for large-scale projects only (meaning complete elimination for residential solar installation). If signed into law by President Donald Trump (or if a potential veto is overridden) the coronavirus relief package will extend that 26 % rate for projects started through 2021 and 2022, while falling to 22 % at the beginning of 2023 and 10 % (for commercial projects only) come 2024. Solar industries as well as people wanting to install solar panels on their homes should absolutely take advantage of these provisions in the next few years to save on money while helping the environment. The statistics mentioned above speak for themselves - the solar ITC has been responsible for huge growth in the solar sector. Looking Ahead Although President Trump is threatening to veto the bill - mainly because he wants to replace $600 checks sent to Americans in need with $2000 checks - it's safe to the environmental provisions will pass Congress in one form or another, as it's been overwhelmingly supported by both parties (a two-thirds majority of both houses is required to override a presidential veto). Whether or not we can expect a further extension of the solar ITC beyond 2022/23 depends partially on the fate of the Senate in the Georgia runoff elections (slated for January 6) as well as - naturally - the 2022 midterm elections, although a sympathetic executive branch is secure at least until 2024. Fortunately, the bill also allows industries to negotiate longer-term tax credit extensions with the incoming Biden administration and work their policies in with the new President's carbon emission reduction goals. The omnibus represents a propitious start for what will prove to be the environmentally-crucial 2020s decade. The ITC beginning to decline at this point in time could spell disaster. For the moment, however, we have some very good news and environmentalists - as well as the planet - can take a deep breath.
Do you have questions about solar panels? You’re not alone! Even though solar has been around for a long time, many people want to know more before they choose if going solar is the right for their property. Getting to know PV panels is smart, so we have put together some of the most commonly asked questions about home solar panels and answered them in one place. From knowing how solar power works to knowing what happens to solar panels in weather, you’ll be smarter than ever about turning the sun into green energy once you’re done with these FAQs. Let’s get started. How Do Solar Panels Work? The short answer is that solar panels (comprised of photovoltaic - PV - cells) absorb and turn sunlight into electricity. The longer answer is that the silicon in PV panels, which is doped with boron to increase its conductivity, knocks electrons free from the sunlight that hits the panels. This creates an electrical current. Your panels convert the sunlight into direct current (DC) energy. How do solar panels work? Read the full article. Since most appliances in your home use alternating current (AC) power, your solar panels are connected to an inverter. The inverter changes the solar energy from DC to AC. From there, the energy is ready to be sent to your outlets and used in your home. How are Solar Panels Affected by Clouds and Rain? One of the biggest myths about solar power is that it won’t be effective when it’s cloudy. Homeowners who live in areas with a lot of sea fog, for instance, may be worried that getting solar power isn’t worth it. The reality is that solar panels can still capture sunlight even when it’s cloudy outside. In fact, panels can often produce up to 25% of their typical output even when clouds are present. When it’s raining, your solar panels may produce about 10% of their regular output. During weather events, your solar panels can draw upon their storage of saved energy so your home can stay off the grid until the sun comes out again. Read our article Does solar power work at night? Do Solar Panels Overheat? You want your solar panels in direct sunlight. But how much sun is too much sun? Some panels do operate with less efficiency in super hot temperatures. Solar panels are tested for efficiency at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’re most efficient around that temperature. Panels will lose a certain amount of efficiency for every degree above 77 (this is called the temperature coefficient figure). If you’re living in the desert, you may want to select panels with a better temperature coefficient. Thin-film panels, which are started to gain steam, are also known to work quite efficiently in hot temperatures. It’s important to note that your panels will still work when they get hot, they may just take longer to generate the same amount of electricity as they do on cooler days. They will draw on stored energy to make up the difference. Learn how often you should care for your solar panels. How Many Solar Panels Does a Home Need? How many solar panels will you need to make the switch from grid power to self-sustaining solar power? There are a lot of factors that contribute to the answer, including the efficiency of the panels you choose and how much power you use every month. For a home that uses 5kW of power each month, you will require on average about 20 panels. You’ll need 300 square feet of roof space, ideally facing south. How many panels are needed to run a house? Read the full article. Can Solar Panels Be Recycled? If you’re entertaining the thought of going solar you probably care about the environment, and you’re asking yourself how you can recycle the panels when you’re done with them. The good news is that solar panels often last up to 30 years, so you won’t have to change them out often. If you inherit a home with outdated panels and want to upgrade them, however, the rules of recycling may be pertinent to you. The EU has a more organized system for recycling solar panels than the United States, but the US is started to get on board. Many of the components of solar panels, including glass and wiring, can easily be recycled. Groups like SEIA and some individual manufacturers are allowing customers to turn in old panels for repurposing or recycling. Learn how to decrease your carbon footprint. Are Solar Panels Expensive to Maintain? No, solar panels are not expensive to maintain. Regular cleanings represent the majority of your responsibility; depending on where you live and the type of panels you have, you may only need to clean the panels annually. It’s best to consult a professional when you need your panels cleaned and schedule the cleaning for a day that is partly cloudy whenever possible. Aside from cleaning, you won’t need to attend to your panels unless you notice something wrong. Many solar panels have a warranty of 25 years for parts and materials, so you can also count on free replacement components in many cases. Can Hail or Snow Damage My Solar Panels? Solar panels are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. In fact, they are tested to make sure they can survive through one-inch hail falling at a rate of 50 miles per hour. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was itself faced with a hail storm, and of the thousands of solar panels on the organization’s campus, only one was broken in the end. When it comes to snow, the main problem is that snow coverage impedes panel efficiency. Many homeowners can simply wait for the snow to melt because the angle at which the panels are installed encourages the melted snow to naturally run downward. You can also hire a professional to come and clear the snow. Read more about the durability of solar panels. How Much Money Will I Save with Solar? The amount of money you save with solar may vary, but if you buy efficient panels and live in Southern California you are apt to save up to $40,000 over the course of your time in your home. You can use Google’s helpful Project Sunroof to estimate how much money solar panels can save you. The tool uses your address and current electric bill to provide you with an estimate. We answer the question we know that you have: Do solar panels really save you money? Can I Take My Solar Panels When I Move? Technically your solar panels are your property and you could take them with you to a new property. But you may not want to consider it when you factor in the increase in your home’s value. In California, a solar panel system that generates about 5kW could improve the worth of a home by tens of thousands. You’re typically better off to leave your solar panels in place, sell your home, and install a different system at your new address. Read more: Does solar really increase the value of your home? What is Net Metering? Many city grids, including SDGE have a program in place to buy your excess energy. Most homes with solar will create more energy than they need, so you may as well be paid for it! Net metering is a system by which homeowners who generate solar energy and remain connected to the grid will send their extra energy to the grid. Your utility company will pay you for this electricity and use it to offset the load for your neighbors. Anything beyond your personal “net” use is used to power your community. Read our full article on net metering. Solar power has the potential to make your household energy independent, reduce your carbon footprint, and help your community. When we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, we create new jobs and help protect the California landscape we all love so much. Solar energy is also helping local veterans get back to work after they complete their service. More of your questions are answered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
For any homeowner or business owner interested in saving money and helping to protect the environment, having solar panels installed is a great way to do that. Solar energy is the definition of green energy, which means that it is clean energy that produces next to no pollutants. On top of being the cleanest form of energy in the world, it is also endlessly renewable. The sun is going to keep rising each day, which means that the fuel source for solar panels is never going away. Since solar energy doesn't have to be produced, it also doesn't generate any waste. To summarize, solar energy produces virtually no pollutants and it is endlessly renewable, making it the perfect green energy for anyone interested in protecting the environment. The only time that solar panels produce any waste is during their manufacture and transport to the installation site. After that, it's perfectly clean energy for the life of your solar panels. Solar Panels Help To Reduce Carbon Emissions If you're interested in protecting the environment, you're probably already well aware of the threat that global warmer presents. Global warming is causing the sea levels to rise due to glaciers melting. It's altering the climate, and there's strong evidence that it is making hurricanes more powerful, droughts more severe, and wildfires more damaging. Climate change is a problem that everyone needs to work together to combat, and you can do your part by having solar panels installed on your home or business. How do solar panels help with climate change? To understand how solar panels help with climate change you first have to understand what's causing it. Climate change is being driven by carbon emissions. Everything from coal power plants, to the cars that most people drive. When you have solar panels on your home or business you are reducing your dependence upon external electricity sources. So, if your home would have normally been given power by a coal power plant, using solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by reducing your dependency on that power plant. The Cumulative Effect of More and More Homes and Businesses Going Solar Will Add Up Will you get solar panels on your home or business to make a huge impact when it comes to protecting the environment? No. But it's important that you don't think that way. If everyone decided that their getting solar panels wasn't going to make that big of a difference, then progress would come to a grinding halt. What you should realize is that it's the cumulative effect of many other home or business owners just like you making the decision to go solar that will make a difference. Solar Panels Offers Many Financial Benefits While your primary motivation for embracing solar energy may be about the positive effect it will have on the environment, you should also enjoy some nice financial incentives as well. When you finance solar panels you aren't actually adding anything to your monthly budget, in fact, you may be reducing your monthly budget! While financing solar panels will add a bill to your budget, it will also reduce your electric bill. In most cases, people find that the amount of their bill for their solar panels, combined with their new electric bill is less than what they paid for electricity before. On top of that, once your solar panels are paid for, you'll continue to get solar energy from them. While the amount of power that solar panels generate will decrease eventually, the fact that they will continue to provide you with power long after they have been paid off can be viewed as a major benefit. Do Solar Panels Have Any Negative Effects On The Environment? While solar panels are overwhelmingly good for the environment when compared with other power sources, they do have their downsides. When solar panels are manufactured they are done so in a facility. That facility is taking up space that was probably an empty field with grass and trees at one point. The facility that manufactures solar panels also uses power and water, and during the manufacturing process pollutants may be produced. Currently, solar panels are also transported on vehicles that use fossil fuels as well, so that's another check in the negative box for them. But, once they are installed, they are the greenest energy source on the planet, making their negatives pale in comparison to the positive benefits that they provide.
With the winter vacations around the corner and colder months approaching, this time is ideal for a routine check for HVAC maintenance. By doing routine checks for the Heating and Air Conditioning system, mainly in fall and winter, you can reduce the total energy consumption by the system. HVAC also known as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioner, is a system that is generally used in our homes. This system provides a comfortable atmosphere to live in. Its main aim is to provide thermal comfort and an acceptable quality of air for the inside of our house. It is very important to regularly check each and every electronic appliance and system at home. By doing this we can reduce the energy consumption by almost half and this will also help in the long-running of the systems and appliances. HVAC Preventative Maintenance Tips Here are a few preventive maintenance tips you can consider for your HVAC system during the fall or winter seasons. Replace or Clean Air Filters The dirt and dust deposit in the air filters of your HVAC works as a barrier for the airflow and finally restricts the flow of air. The air filters need to be cleaned every 3 months. If you have not cleaned it for a long time, then it can be blocking the path of the air. Consider cleaning the air filters. Manuals generally have the process given for cleaning. Clean the filters for better airflow. If you still feel the airflow is being blocked then consider changing your air filters to be safe. Unblock and Clean Vents Just like the air filters need cleaning similarly your HVAC vents need cleaning too. Regular cleaning of your vents will help you get rid of all kinds of dust and dirt. Once the vents are absolutely clean and tidy it will then make sure that no dirt or dust is entering your HVAC system. This is because once dirt and dust start entering your HVAC system it will then get circulated to your home. So it is best to keep your vents clean at all times. Also, take some time and check the vent blocking. This means check for things that may block your vent and remove them. Fire Prevention [video width="3840" height="2160" mp4="https://www.sempersolaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/07-2021-SMP-Website-Blog-Images-760x340-35579-2.mp4" loop="true" autoplay="true"][/video] Home heating equipment causes more than 50,000 house fires every year. So it is very important to keep your family safe. To prevent house fire make sure you keep items that could burn far away from your heating source. Not only this, try not to keep space heaters unattended, do not plug space heaters into extension cords, and think of installing smoke detectors at home. Doing these simple things you will be one step ahead of keeping your family safe and sound. Consider Replacement With time the working capacity of every piece of equipment fades away and slows down. Consider checking the age of your HVAC system. HVAC systems that are more than 10 years old are only 45% efficient and can consume huge amounts of energy. Replace your HVAC system with a new one. This will be more efficient and will help you reduce your electricity bills. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYNDRUrqS7M[/embed] HVAC Professional Inspector It is always good to get professional help. For the winter and fall seasons, it is best to call an HVAC professional. In this way, the inspector will be able to inspect your Heating and Air Condition system better and can tell you what exactly you need to change, replace, or clean. When you consider calling a professional, also think about the service. A servicing will help your HVAC system work efficiently and easily. This is a very good way of maintaining your HVAC system. With this, your system will work for more days without any disturbance and problem. By putting in a little effort and time in checking whether the HVAC system is working smoothly or not the energy consumption of the system can be reduced. Mostly cooling and heating systems account for almost 48% of the total energy consumption that goes into the typical home making it the largest energy expense. Regular checking can help in reducing the electricity bills and long-running of the HVAC system.
If you are a sleep apnea patient and use CPAP therapy, you should be ready for emergencies where there would have no regular power available. To meet such eventualities, you should invest in solar panels and battery storage. For the past few weeks, California is witnessing regular rotational blackouts. Even in the past, California has witnessed a serious power crisis between 2000-01. Sleep apnea patients who are taking CPAP therapy may find themselves completely helpless if caught in a blackout in the night time. This is very much a real possibility now as peak power demand in the city is outstripping supply. How Do Solar Panels Help People with Sleep Apnea Using CPAP Therapy? You can buy a high watt solar panel system for charging your CPAP battery. You just need to spread the solar panels facing directly the sun and connect it to the CPAP battery. In about 8 to 10 hours, the solar panel would fully charge the battery. The solar panel is very easy to operate. All you need to do is spread it facing the sun. It will draw energy from the sun and charge your CPAP battery. Solar panels are able to draw energy from the sun even on cloudy days when the sun may not be seen prominently. Benefits If there is a power outage and you are not able to charge your battery, solar panels will charge your CPAP device and you can have a good night's sleep. You may also need the solar panel to charge your CPAP device during your outdoor adventure. Easy To Use Solar Panels? The solar panels capable of recharging your CPAP device are lightweight and powerful. They can charge your CPAP battery in 8 to 10 hours. The process to recharge the CPAP battery is very easy. You just need to connect the solar panels to your battery and let the panel sit facing the sun. Most solar panels are made using green technology and are carbon-footprint friendly so you will be helping the environment in the process. Solar Panels and Sleep Apnea Is there a link between solar power and sleep apnea? Yes, if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and use CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure therapy), solar power can be a topic of interest for you. CPAP is a device that comes in the form of a mask that sleep apnea has to wear during his sleep. The mask has a CPAP component that supplies air at high pressure near the patient's nose during his sleep. This ensures there is enough air at high pressure in the face region including the nose and the throat that the patient does not have to struggle to breathe the air in. There is a continuous supply of air at high pressure for the patient to be able to breathe comfortably. How Is CPAP Related to Solar Power? CPAP is powered by a rechargeable battery. For this device to continuously work for the entire duration when the patient is sleeping, it needs its battery with adequate charging. In normal circumstances, the battery can be charged through power outlets in the day for use at night. You may need solar power to charge the CPAP battery. This is a possibility when there is a power outage or when you are on a hike and sleeping outdoors. What is Sleep Apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious problem that prevents a person from having a sound sleep. The problem is caused due to the weakening of the breathing muscles that mostly lie in the throat region. If the person is suffering from this problem for a long time, the lack of a good night's sleep can lead to many problems, especially related to the health of the heart. While a milder version of OSA can be treated and managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, the more serious form of the condition needs medical interventions. Of all the treatments available, CPAP is considered to be most effective as it improves air circulation right in the face, near the nose, and the throat. It helps the patient's breathing system as air at a higher pressure makes its way through the nose and the mouth down to the throat and lungs without breathing muscles having to make any serious effort. CPAP manages to keep the patient breathing. It's a delicate balance between the patient's need for air and the CPAP working on its battery. If the battery gets discharged with no option to recharge it, the patient may suffer a difficult time trying to sleep. But if the patient has battery storage, he can recharge his CPAP device easily and manage to tide over the crisis. Solar Panels and Battery Storage Solar power is a source of clean energy as it provides non-grid energy. From average homes to municipal bodies, everyone is aware of the advantages of solar panel installations. They are also using it wherever it is possible. Except for the installation cost, it provides you electricity at much lower costs compared to no solar panels. Over time, it pays for itself and recoups the installation cost in about 5 to 7 years. There are good reasons for the greater adoption of solar power technology by more people and households. An important upgrade in the overall solar power technology is battery storage. This device allows you to store power generated by your solar energy system and use it when you need it. In normal circumstances, your solar panels generate electricity and store in the batteries attached to the system. Once the batteries are fully charged and your solar panel is still producing electricity, you can store the additional electricity in battery storage. You can use the battery storage when the normal batteries attached to your solar panels are completely discharged. You can also sell additional electricity to the grid and earn some money or credit. Using battery storage is an excellent way to tap the maximum amount of energy from your solar installation. Final thoughts Sleep apnea is a respiratory disease in which the person stops breathing for a brief period during his sleep. One of the treatments for this condition is the use of CPAP masks. To keep the CPAP working even during California blackouts or during outdoor hiking, you should use solar panels + battery storage in case of emergencies.
Selecting the proper solar company can prove to be a challenging task given that there are so many solar companies available at present. It is imperative to evaluate a solar company comprehensively so as to find the appropriate one for your personal requirements. In the subsequent paragraphs, we have mentioned some essential guidelines on how to choose the right solar company out there. Get in the appropriate mindset It is a fact that lots of individuals end up hiring an electrician or plumber for taking care of small projects around their homes. However, the majority of them do not have experience when it comes to solar energy and panels. How do you get started? It takes much more than simply hiring a plumber for fixing a leaky faucet when you are hiring a solar panel installer. Nevertheless, the task is somewhat less tedious than remodeling the kitchen. Therefore, you need to be prepared for some legwork although it is not actually that bad. The overall procedure of hiring a solar company will be similar to that of employing any other contractor. You need to perform adequate research on the company and also go through the contract meticulously. It will be imperative to come in touch with the company personally so as to get a proper idea regarding their competence. Get several quotations Make sure to get several quotes similar to any other project in your residence. This is essential for getting a fair price and also comparing the different credentials and proposals of the company you are looking for. For instance, you need to watch out for companies which assert that your residence is appropriate for solar while it is actually not. That is where Google Project Sunroof comes into play. An authentic company will let you know that it will be essential to fix your roof initially, or that your residence does not get adequate sunlight for the installation of solar panels. They will be walking away instead of selling you a system which will not work appropriately in the long run. However, an incompetent company will try to make the sale. Consequently, in case you receive as many as three quotes and a couple of companies inform you that your house is not appropriate for installing solar panels while the other one urges you to go for it, it will be sensible to ignore the third company. In this case, you should take into consideration other alternatives such as community solar. Having several quotes will enable you to make a comparison between different installation methods and equipment choices. For instance, you need to consider how the racking is going to be secured to your roof. Solar panel installers come with different experience levels, particularly in terms of more challenging materials for roofing like clay tile. A solar installation which is botched will be compromising your roof's waterproof integrity resulting in a considerable amount of money in damage eventually. For this reason, it will be imperative to ask the solar installer regarding what techniques will be used by them to ensure that you need not suffer from any problem after the completion of the installation. In case one company provides you with vague replies while the other listens to all of your questions patiently and promptly answers them, it will be prudent to go for the second company. Verify their experience Solar power is an industry which is developing rapidly while drawing quite a few professionals from various backgrounds. Although it can be somewhat tricky to come across a solar panel company with adequate experience, it definitely comes with some benefits. It is important to make certain that the project will not be dropped by the company before completion. Moreover, you should expect your solar panel installer to showcase systems which they have installed for past clients. Do not select a solar company on price only Although every individual likes to save cash, it will be unjustified on your part to always go with the most expensive quote. There are lots of differences in equipment as well as installation quality. Although it is feasible for your installer to be the most inexpensive one in your locality, you will not be able to know unless you have compared the proposals and performed your research. On the other hand, you will not be assured of getting higher quality by simply opting for the cheapest solar installer. Prefer companies which are local Make sure not to go for any solar company which has not been in business for more than a couple of years. Instead, try to choose a company with adequate experience. This can be found out by checking the Better Business Bureau, inquiring the company itself, or even visiting the company's website. It will be sensible to choose experienced companies since apart from being technically competent they will also remain in business for quite some time after the completion of your project in case you need warranty services afterward. In case you are residing in states like California, you will find it simpler to come across solar companies with more than ten years of experience. However, if you live in some other areas such as the Midwest, you might be forced to go for companies with much less experience since the solar industry is comparatively new in those areas. Verify whether the company is properly licensed A webpage is maintained by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council which will allow you to search for solar licensing requisites for your particular state. While some states will need specialized licenses, the others will allow any contractor to install panels with the license of an electrician. Moreover, the license of a general contractor might get the job done in some other states. As a matter of fact, you will also come across some states which do not need any license whatsoever. Check out the IREC website and read it meticulously since the solar photovoltaic installation will require different licensing terms as compared to solar thermal. In case a license is needed, ask any California solar company for the license number since states such as California will enable you to check licenses online. You might get only minimal info from the online license databases, like whether a license is a valid one. Nevertheless, others, such as California, provide more comprehensive information which even includes license violations made by companies. It is important to bear in mind that violations are going to be different when it comes to severity, and it will be unjustified to ignore a company simply because it has a violation on record. In case you are concerned about any reported violation, do not hesitate to ask the solar company regarding it. Go through online reviews The Better Business Bureau will be the best place for getting authentic online reviews. It is quite different from the remaining review sites on the web. After collecting customer complaints regarding any particular company, it is going to mediate that complaint between the company and the customer. It is important to go through the complaint carefully for understanding whether it actually represents a concern or not since a complaint might be a sort of misunderstanding between the company and the client or it might also identify poor practices made by that company. It will be possible to resolve any listed complaints as well. Resolved complaints will not be much of a concern, and it is likewise inevitable that a significant volume of business will be performed by a bigger company irrespective of how good it is and it might have some dissatisfied clients in the long run. Although the Better Business Bureau likewise enables the users to publish more conventional reviews, this will not be mediated by them. It is definitely worthwhile to go through company reviews on other sites; however, you need to be careful about those reviews. While online reviews will not be able to indicate the true quality, they can be manipulated as well. Try to refrain from using websites having a background of "pay-to-play" including well-known sites like ConsumerAffairs.com and Angies' List. As a matter of fact, Google and Yelp reviews appear to be more authentic than other similar sites on the web. Ask regarding warranties It is a fact that a photovoltaic system consists of lots of different components, and each one of them is covered by a particular warranty from the manufacturer. It is vital for the installer to explain every single of those in detail. The solar panel installer must offer a warranty of the parts of the system as well as the workmanship, and they should also cover replacement and labor charges of any malfunctioning component. Photovoltaic solar panels come with their individual warranties which are usually categorized into a couple of parts: warranty covering the workmanship and the materials, and another covering the power output. The panels are going to degrade in the course of time on most occasions generating a little less power every year. (This particular degradation ought to be less than 2% every year). A power warranty of 25 years is normal, and it is imperative for the product warranty to be a minimum of 10 years, and, on some occasions, even 25 years. One essential component of the system is the inverter system which should have its individual warranty period of at least 20 years. It is important for the racking system to be able to withstand any type of extreme weather for at least 20 years. Therefore, it is imperative for this component to have a strong warranty of 20 years. In case you are using batteries, make sure to know regarding the warranty since it is a costly component out there. Quality of the solar panels At present, 3 types of solar panels are usually employed throughout the industry, namely, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and amorphous. Although amorphous panels are quite inexpensive, they are not much efficient as well as durable as compared to the other 2. In all probabilities, you have come across polycrystalline panels in your locality which are reputed for their blue shade and have become quite well-known during the past several years. They will be appropriate for individuals who have adequate space and do not want to invest a considerable amount of money in monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline panels have increased in popularity during the last few years, and they can boast of having the maximum efficiency rate without needing plenty of space as well. Therefore, they will be appropriate for individuals having a large roof. Nevertheless, they are the most costly solar panels out there. It does not matter which solar panel you go for, it is imperative to make certain that the company selected by you will be able to provide those. You will come across some solar companies which will be able to provide 1 or 2 of these panels. You need to make sure that the panels are of top quality and also from authentic solar panel manufacturers. (On most occasions, third-party manufactures are used by the majority of the solar companies). Apart from this, you should go for durable solar panels which will be able to serve you for quite some time in the future. Payment options Although it is imperative to make lots of investment in order to go solar, you will also come across a number of financing options. Several of these lucrative options include power purchase agreements, green energy loans, as well as leasing options. All these options come with their individual positive plus negative aspects which you need to take into consideration prior to making a sensible financing decision. The first financing option mentioned here will be the green energy loans which were made particularly for individuals who like to transform to renewable green energy. The majority of these loans come with comparatively low rates of interest. You will be able to purchase the equipment using this option, and the balance can be paid off over time. The subsequent couple of options are quite similar. The power purchase agreement will allow you to rent the equipment and you need to pay for the energy used by you. Leasing options are also virtually similar where you will be renting the equipment; however, a specific amount has to be paid every month rather than paying at a time. You will not be able to own the equipment by using these 2 options. It is up to you to make a decision regarding which option is going to be appropriate for you. The choices can be discussed further after selecting a particular solar company. However, it is recommended for you to look for a solar company offering all these options. Conclusion Let us hope that these above-mentioned 10 tips will allow you to come across the right authentic solar company such as Semper Solaris which will provide proper service to you according to your personal requirements. Read more on solar panel facts before making your decision. Also, if you're a college student, don't forget to apply to our Semper Solaris Scholarship
There has been the ushering in the age of the usage of residential solar panels and solar battery storage. Across the nation, residential homes are engaging in shifting from the usage of electricity that is based on fossil fuel in order to be part of an economy that applies the usage of solar energy that is clean. This is impacted by the targets that have been set for the sake of reducing emissions during the crisis of climate change on a global scale. As a result, solar energy for residential use deserves much credit. We share much about the increase of the usage of solar energy via our 10 questions to save you many hours of research and reading. How much of a reduction in pricing has been experienced by residential solar in the most current times? When you like to be optimistic based on the kind of statistics that are presented to you, you will be pleased to note that the price of energy that is produced by solar efforts within the last ten years is a good starting point. Thus, it is noted that there has been a decrease in regard to the installation of solar panels in the United States at a rate of approximately seventy percent. In 2020, many Americans are giving more consideration to the usage of solar as an upgrade to their home that makes sense, as solar is now seen more than a commodity that is clean tech for businesses. Many people also look for solar panel facts to make sure statistics are accurate. At this present time, it is recognized that installing solar panels & battery storage for your home is truly a step in the right direction. What is the distinction in regard to the usage of solar concerning homes and the usage of solar concerning businesses? The operations of a business or town may be powered by a solar endeavor at the commercial level. Therefore, the usage of solar for a business or home do have the distinction of variations in terms of cost as well as price. It is noted that systems that are designed for residential solar usage are regarded as maintaining consistency in terms of size, such as an average of six kilowatts. Due to the scale of residential solar being rather small, solar panels for residences are most assuredly an upgrade in energy consumption that are attainable and they result in major savings on the electric bill. On the other side of the spectrum, when there is the usage of solar at the commercial level, there is a need for a massive investment in terms of finances. Also, there is the need to gain a large number of investors to back the project. What is the normal price for systems of solar panels that are intended for residential usage? The price of such a system will be based on the size of the system as well as the state where the residence is located. But it is noted that some data is available that can aid in forming the estimation of the price of solar panels in the United States in 2020. The simplest way to formulate a calculation for the price of solar energy for various sizes of systems is to engage in the usage of the ratio of dollars for each watt. During 2019, it was realized that homeowners had to pay about $2.91/W. This then shows the perspective that there has been a great decrease since 2008 when households had to pay a bit more than $8/W. If you desire to install a system of 6kW, then the cost will be around $17,460 when there is the application of a cost of $2.91/W prior to the implementation of rebates as well as tax credits. Is there any way to link the solar panels to the grid? What does net metering entail? In most cases, there is the linking of systems for residential solar usage to the grid. This allows for the efficiency of the implementation of net metering, which is noted as providing power for the home at night. Thus, net metering is an incentive for solar in which there is the provision of bill credits in such cases that there is an overproduction of electricity by the solar panels of the home. In such cases that the panels have not generated an adequate level of electricity, you are allowed to apply the usage of the bill credits in order to pay for the electricity that you have consumed on the grid. When you are not on the grid, you will not be able to access the usage of electricity via the local utility company. As a result, it will be necessary for you to have capabilities for the storage of energy in order to formulate a project that is fully off the grid. This means that it will be necessary to obtain a system of solar panels that are extra-large. Also, there will be the need for a method for the backing up of power in order to provide for your energy needs in such cases that there is not enough sun exposure for your solar panels. What is the length of time that is required for the installation of a system for residential solar usage? When you have consulted with the professionals who will be doing the installation of your solar system for your home and when they have made all the visits that are required for the site as well as all the stages of planning, then it will likely only be a few days for the installation of the system to be completed. There are various factors that impact the exact amount of time. Take into consideration, for example, that if you are implementing net metering, there will be the need for extra time for that process, as there must be the linking of the solar panels to the grid in a proper manner. But the good news is that overall, the process is regarded as being quite simple and fairly fast. The same thing goes for solar panel maintenance. If your roof does not meet the requirements, can you yet acquire some type of system for home solar usage? If you do not have a roof that is suitable for solar panels, there are other options. Two common methods for the sake of being able to have solar power without the need to engage in the installation of a system on your roof tend to be community solar gardens as well as installations that are grounded mounted. When there is the usage of solar as a community, this means that people in your community commit to engaging in the sharing of a designed system that provides solar energy. As well, systems that are ground mounted are a simple way to avoid any complications with roofing when you desire to have solar power for your own usage. When someone installs a system for home solar usage, can the person qualify for tax credits? When you install a system that is intended to provide home solar energy, there are two methods that are simple in regard to considering tax credits. The primary tax credit that comes to mind is the federal investment tax credit. The more popular reference to this type of credit is noted as being the solar tax credit. A tax credit is provided to you by the ITC in the amount of twenty-six percent of the full cost of the residential solar panel system that you have installed. But there is the stipulation that you must purchase the system. The second option is noted as being tax credits for your solar system that are offered at the state level. Take into consideration, for example, that California provides a credit that secures a reduction in the price of your system by as much as twenty-six percent in 2020. Based on the state where you reside, there may be some solar programs that are significant as well as tax credits that are highly beneficial in that they could help you to save a large amount of money. If I will not be in my residence for at least a period of twenty-five years, should I bother with installing a solar panel system? Many homeowners wonder what will transpire if they have to move from their home following the installation of their solar panels. Normally, such a system has a lifespan for about twenty-five years. In such a case that you do not expect to reside in your home for that length of time, you may conjecture whether it is sensible to install a solar panel system. The reality is that the value of your home will be greatly increased if you install a solar panel system. This can also contribute to making your home sell faster, as many people are thrilled when they find a home that already has a solar panel system that will permit them to save a lot of money on utility bills. How much of a residence is able to be powered via the usage of solar energy? [video width="760" height="508" mp4="https://www.sempersolaris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/07-2021-SMP-Website-Blog-Images-760x340-35357-2.mp4" loop="true" autoplay="true"][/video] It would be great if all of the home could be powered in this way. But though such a system can provide the offset of much energy use, the truth is that solar panels cannot produce all the energy that you need for each day. A key manufacturer of solar products in the United States provides the recommendation that it is wise to have the provision of a cushion of twenty-five percent in regard to the calculations of the offset for the solar panel. The primary reason is that it is not possible for the operation of solar panels to always output energy at the maximum level on all occasions. There will be times when linkage to the grid will be necessary in order to obtain the full power that you require. But the good thing about net metering is that there is the benefit of those days when there is the surplus of solar energy production, as you will not have to pay for being connected to the grid when you need the grid for power. At what point, will the system of the home break even? It is common for a large number of homeowners to have an interest regarding the calculation of the period of payback regarding their solar panel system. This is noted as being the period of time that is needed in order for the savings that are achieved on the electric bill to engage in offsetting the price that was invested in the installation of the solar panel system. There is a range of break-even points across the nation. However, the average range is noted as being around the point of eight years for a solar panel payback.
