The Essential Factors You Need to Consider when Installing Solar Panels

Published on: 06 December 2018 Last Updated on: 29 February 2020
solar-panels-943999_1920

Solar panel systems have taken the world by storm, and it’s not just in ‘sunny’ countries like Australia where solar panel installations have become immensely popular. In the UK, more homeowners and householders are opting for solar panels as well, and the fact that the cost of installing your own solar panel system has gone down tremendously in the last few years has contributed to its popularity. But if you are thinking of having a solar panel system installed, there are some major considerations you need to think about as well. For one, solar panel installations need to be done in the proper way and with the proper accreditation in order for you to take advantage of the government’s Feed-in Tariff programme. What else do you need to consider, then? Here’s a list of the essential factors you need to consider when installing solar panels in your home.

The investment:

Truth be told, having a solar panel installation isn’t a cheap affair. It is an investment, and it’s best you know this from the start. But the good news is that the cost of a typical solar panel installation has already gone down by as much as 50% compared to the cost of a system eight years ago. But here’s the thing: while it’s not cheap, you are guaranteed to recover your investment over time, especially since your energy bills are going to be lower and you can even earn extra money through the Feed-in Tariff scheme. With the scheme, whatever extra energy you have that you don’t use can be sold back to the grid, and you will receive payments from the government every quarter for this.

The supply of energy:

Your solar panel installation will still work quite well even if you are in the UK, with its inclement and unpredictable weather. Of course, the system will work best during the sunnier seasons, but it doesn’t mean that it won’t produce energy whilst it’s winter time or when it’s cloudy. But while it is still within reason for you to expect your system to generate energy, even on cloudy days, you can never really tell how much the system will produce. What you can expect, though, is that your energy bills will definitely be reduced – sometimes by as much as 40 to 50%.

Where to place them:

The placement of your solar panels is of utmost importance as well, so you also have to consider this, as confirmed by the specialists in solar in Manchester from Atlantic Renewables. Whilst your solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to work, they will have to be installed by a professional, preferably one who is accredited by the MCS (this is so you can get your Feed-in Tariff). The location of the solar panels matter, and so does the angle of placement. Make sure other buildings or structures or trees don’t overshadow your roof; but if this is the case, you have the option to install your solar panels on the ground as well.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Home Generator

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought. Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues. The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator: Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator  There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you. 1. Power Requirements: Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs? When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information. If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you. On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated. In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate. For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system. 2. Fuel Type: While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you. Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element. Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city 3. Installation: Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source. However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work. However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems. 4. Placement: Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible. The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically. Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding. Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements. Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation. Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism. Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors. Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure. 5. Options: Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units. 6. Maintenance: Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn't thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage. Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty. 7. Warranty: The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee. Read Also: Advantages Of Using A Portable Solar Generator How To Maintain Your Garden Railings? Winter Is Going! A Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist To Get You Ready For Spring Featured Image: generatorpalace.com

READ MOREDetails
Safeguard Your Loved Ones Against the Dangers of Radon Gas

Safeguard Your Loved Ones Against the Dangers of Radon Gas

Radon Gas is one extremely harmful elements present in our environment that cannot be seen, is odorless and also tasteless. It is the end result of decaying uranium in the ground that ultimately takes the shape of gas and gets emitted into the air above the ground. Essentially, radon is harmless when it remains outdoors, but after seeping inside any construction it leaves a long-term negative impact. If the required preventive measures aren't taken, the gas gets accumulated at a dangerously high concentration. This radiation is actually the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States for nonsmokers. And overall, it ranks being the number 2 cause of lung cancer in Canada and the US. Therefore, you must protect your family and your loved ones against the terror of this deadly and unseen menace. Radon Testing Testing for radon, including both the DIY and professional support ways, is a pretty easy and straightforward process. 1. DIY Radon Gas Test Kits : The DIY radon gas kits used for short-term testing are charcoal-based where a canister collects the particles of radon present in the air of a particular environment. The exposure period usually ranges from 48 hours to 72 hours. While the kit does its job, you are supposed to follow a few important steps. While testing, make sure to keep all the doors and windows closed for as long as possible. This will allow the apparatus to get the most precise readings. In the end, the entire kit is sealed, a few forms are to be filled and then the user has to courier the complete package back to the (authentic) testing laboratory where the results will be compiled. All the accumulated radon particles will be tested by the experts and a detailed report will be prepared to be sent to the user. DIY Test Kits - Why Should You Buy? These kits are easily available online as well as offline stores. They are very much affordable and a user can test the concentrations himself. Such kits are ideal when you are doubtful about the situation but don't really want to invest a fortune into professional services. Exposure time is also manageable and at the end, you get expert suggestions about the circumstances. There's optimal accuracy maintained and that's what you may even long for! You must also know that if you get precise results only then it will benefit the whole situation.  Results that are achieved at the end form the basis for preventive measures that you might have to apply in case of higher concentrations. However, in case the levels appear safe and under the accepted levels, there's nothing else you will have to worry about. Electronic Radon Gas Detectors : These are electronic radon monitors that keep a check on the radon levels in your house. Such detectors are power or battery operated. The results are readily available, without wasting any time you can take the preventive measures and results too can be achieved on the spot. The hassle to courier a package and wait for the results gets avoided as the electric radon gas detector brings out precise readings right after the exposure time ends. Click here to know more about electronic radon monitors Electric Radon Gas Detection Monitors - Why Should You Buy? These devices administer only professional and advanced technology to help you keep the dangerous radon gas away. A radon detector can be useful in both home constructions as well as commercial properties. So, once you have the accurate results, you can take corrective steps to disperse the gas out of your property. On the basis of the readings you get, a radon mitigation plan is to be laid out for your home. And it is only in this manner that you become both an informed citizen of the nation along with being a responsible member of your family as well as the society. You will be able to take the next steps i.e. how to make your home radon-free! Radon Mitigation System When the test results report of any unsafe levels of radon gas inside your home, you will have to address the problem. In fact, address the problem as soon as possible. Contact a specialist or do it yourself if you are confident enough to be able to fix all the loopholes. However, an expert can actually help you in installing the right type of radon mitigation systems. A radon reduction system that cannot perform aptly is of no use. So, depending upon the kind of construction your home has, a multiple numbers of options will easily be made available by the professionals. The most prevalent option is the sub-slab depressurization along with sub-membrane depressurization. It is ideal for homes, basements as well as crawlspaces. 1.Sub Slab Depressurization Method : This method involves the drilling of a hole into the floor of your home's foundation and scooping underneath a slight cavity. A pump is then connected to this drilled out hole to vacuum radon gas before it can even break out and start causing harm to the members in the house. Even the other organic contaminants are pulled out from below to vent out the dangers present in your house. 2. Sub Membrane Depressurization Method : This method is actually similar to the method mentioned above. However, the only difference lies is in the membrane that is installed above the ground as opposed to a cavity being created in the other method.  In fact, the membrane is fitted right above the floor of the crawlspace, so the radon gas can easily be trapped and be vented out of the house. The gas is extracted out in a similar manner as above; there just isn't a slab but a membrane. One can consider any of the mentioned ways to get rid of radon gas from your home. But you'll have to ensure that radon must be released at a place where it will not cause any further damage to the people or animals. Radon mitigation isn't a one for all kind of treatment. And every house needs its own tailor-made preventive measures.  It may or may not be the job for a DIYer. From targeting the entry points of the radon gas to sealing all those spots, it is a pretty important process. One must have the needed skills, the absolute presence of mind and knowledge to ensure the safety of all the members in the family. If you aren't sure how to go about, contact any professional radon inspector. But, if you are knowledgeable enough to restrict the flow of gas in your property, then go ahead and save your loved ones. Read More : First Home Renovation Ideas And Tips What Are Renewable Sources And How To Introduce Them Into Your Household? Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm   Image Source: http://cancercarenews.ca/

READ MOREDetails
Industrial

What are the Different Types of Industrial Power Solutions?

One fact of industrial production is that without power, nothing gets done. Machinery doesn't move, computers don't work and orders aren't processed and workers are idle. So it is obvious that a reliable, constant source of power is available to industry at all times. When it comes to deciding how that gets done, each company needs to start by asking what are their specific power requirements and how permanent it needs to be and what are the solutions available to meet those needs, usually by employing a specialized power company, such as APR Energy Power Solutions. While many permanent industrial facilities in America can count on public power grid infrastructure available in populated areas, more remote areas need to look at self-generating solutions to provide them with the energy they need to operate. So, assuming public power isn't available, the first question that needs to be asked is how permanent is the operation going to be. An industrial facility electric requirement can be categorized as: 1. Temporary (or interim) and emergency power Shorter-term projects can be done remotely and require a mobile solution to be in place to get the job done. Except for the emergency power situation (which would occur immediately to handle the power needs for the duration of the incident), interim power usually takes from 30 to 90 days to design and setup. This solution can be in place and used for a couple of months to many years into the future. This could include providing emergency power, temporary bridging power when a power plant is being repaired or a new one is being constructed, distributed electrical generation, etc. It can also operate at many different levels of generating support. Whether it only provides power during peak demand, as just standby power source, or being solely for the base-load prime supplier of power for the facility, suppliers of these systems can give that added flexibility to the total needs of their customers. Depending on the size of the operation, the equipment supplier can employ: Diesel, natural gas, or turbine generators and fuel tanks if required. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) Systems. With UPS Batteries and Battery Cabinets Power Distribution Units Cooling units Automatic Transfer Switches Load Banks 2. Long-term power Generally, when permanent power plant facilities are being built, a longer-term temporary generating solution needs to be employed. This usually takes many years for a plant to be built, so the long term temporary design has to do the job that the permanent plant will do. This longer-term solution requires more specific planning to meet the demands of a larger operating facility. However, more permanence means that lower-cost sources of fuel can be added into the program such as natural gas, liquid natural gas, Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol, kerosene, and naphtha. this is usually accomplished by using a turbine generator. These not only offer fuel flexibility but can run more efficiently and with a smaller carbon footprint. Usually, these facilities are supplied by the power company vendor and the equipment ownership is retained by that company. This means that the generating system can remain for many years, but will remain a straight business expense and not a capital investment to the company, simplifying the accounting process considerably. 3. Permanent Industrial power Permanent generating installations are required by many industries when they aren't planned to remove the equipment. Industries such as utilities, heavy industry, EPC companies, mining, oil and gas operations, and military organizations require ongoing power generation. As with the long-term solution, this more permanent industrial placement can take advantage of the latest and most efficient power equipment and control room technologies. The use of direct fuel pipelines to power the generators can be built for permanent reliability as well. But still, have the flexibility of using alternative fuels if necessary. So industrial organizations have many questions to answer before deciding how they will be supplied with ongoing power to run their business. Working with the power companies that are experts in this area is the best place to start. Careful planning and research at this point are critical for its future operational success. Read Also: 5 Technologies Disrupting The Construction Industry What Surprising Industry Is Helping Canada Get Greener? 5 Industry Examples Where Protective Machine Covers Are Put To A Good Use Top Reasons Why Profitindustry Has The Best E-Commerce Platforms For Your Box Subscription Business

READ MOREDetails