Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

Published on: 28 September 2018 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024

Summer is done, and you can already see it by the drop in temperatures and the duration of the day. With shorter days also comes the reduced amount of sunlight during a 24 hour period, which worries some solar panel owners.

Some people aren’t sure how effective their solar panels will be during the colder period of the year. However, as experts from Action Solar assure us, panels work just fine throughout the year; all you need to do is make sure that you optimize them for the season. Here’s how.

Clean Your Panels:

No matter how many panels you have, they are exposed to the elements all the time, and naturally, they get dirty.

However, solar panels are quite durable and strong, meaning that you don’t need to clean them very often and even when you do, you don’t need to go into too much detail.

In fact, if you clean them too often, you might damage them, so it’s better to give them a cursory sweep every month or so and be done with it.

Removing debris like leaves and branches are more important than dusting them, as most solar panels only lose about 7% of their effectiveness when dirty, as researchers from the University of California in San Diego found out.

Adjust the Tilt:

During the summer, the sun falls more directly to the ground, meaning that your solar panels will absorb a lot of the sunlight even without careful positioning.

However, as summer transitions into the fall and eventually winter, the sun will shift and the rays will fall in a more tilted angle.

So, if you want to use as much of the sunlight as possible, you will need to adjust your panels accordingly. Naturally, you should not do this on your own, but rather invite professionals to do it for you. Not only are they skilled in handling solar panels, but they will be able to calculate the optimal tilt and positioning of your panels.

The best solar companies in California recommend realigning your solar panels at least twice a year in order to maximize the productivity of your panel throughout the year and not just in summer. However, if you include the fall and spring adjustment as well, you will be able to actually bring out the maximum from your panels.

Deal with the Decreased Output by Saving Energy:

During the summer, days are longer and usually sunnier than any other part of the year. That’s great news for your solar panels because they will be able to produce more energy.

That being said, you probably spend a lot of electricity just by running your AC all day.

In the fall, on the other hand, you don’t need your AC and the days are still relatively long. So, you will be able to produce a lot more energy which you won’t immediately spend. This is the time when you will be able to bring your electricity bill down by a noticeable margin.

However, as fall progresses, the days will be shorter, which means that you may need to cut some unnecessary electricity spending if you want your bill to remain low; that is until winter rolls around, and you need to fire up your furnace.

The technology behind solar panels is improving every day, and the time when solar panels only used to be productive in the summer are long gone.

Read Also:

Content Rally

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

Proven Vitamins Used in Energy Supplements

It is never the case where the majority of us get enough sleep (6 to 8 hours every night), eat a well-balanced or highly nutritious diet (a clean diet), and get an adequate amount of exercise (at least 20 minutes a day). There are varieties of energy supplements for both males and females. This ‘lack’ can leave us feeling sub-par, and not at our mind and body’s peak performance. The only other sure alternative it leaves us with is to complement this ‘lack’ with either nutritional or energy supplements. This is a good thing because it replenishes us in times of need. The fact of the matter is that even for those people who do get all 3 of the above (sleep, diet, and exercise) sometimes they too need energy supplements. It could be for health reasons like anemia (lack of iron in their blood) and feel lethargic most of the time, it could be a hormonal imbalance, environmental stressors or sometimes even a sickness that you didn’t know you had. So, in any of these instances, energy supplements are the way to go. There are lots of different types of energy supplements for both males and females. Which Vitamins in Supplements Boost Our Energy? Below are some popular choices: Creatine: Is a natural ingredient found in fish, pork, red meat, and poultry? When included in your diet, it can provide the body with a quick boost of energy. The main currency of energy in the body is called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and when the body uses up its ATP resources, it becomes what’s known as ‘Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP).’ Creatine does the job of reversing this process and provides energy to ADP which turns it back into ATP, resulting in an energy boost in your body. It’s that simple. Studies done on various athletes, for example, have shown this improvement when they took creatine as a supplement i.e. increase in several sprints in certain sports, powerful bursts of activity in things like weightlifting or jumping. Not only did it improve energy-levels and stamina, but it has also shown to improve lean muscle mass in some adults. The reason for this was because it gave these individuals energy, which in turn helped them to train twice as hard and twice as long as they normally would. Find out more here. CoenzymeQ10: This is a substance we make naturally in the cells of our bodies. The 3 main parts of our body that contain the highest levels of Q10 enzymes are the liver, kidneys and the heart. The reason we have this in our body is to give us energy and protect our cells from oxidative damage. As you can imagine, when the levels of the CoQ10 enzyme declines, so does our energy levels. Outside substitutes for CoQ10 are foods like nuts, fish, and meat in moderation. Another reason to take it is that it decreases with age, and age-related issues like heart failure, certain cancers and diabetes, and it is always best to supplement with CoQ10 in this case. Although it is good to note that this enzyme will not increase the energy levels of people who have an adequate amount in their cells already. Maritime Pine Bark: This is not a very well-known or researched extract, but in recent studies it has been shown to provide energy to the body and surprisingly enough, some studies found that it may indirectly enhance the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and as a result, it supports brain energy metabolism. So, it protects not only the body but also the brain against damage. Rhodiola Rosea: a slightly more popular herb than the one mentioned above, it is found in certain cold mountainous regions and is used mostly as an adaptogen promotes homeostasis in the body and enhances its capability to handle stress. Many studies have also been done on this herb to see its effects on both physical and mental exhaustion. The results were positive, and they found this herb to be responsible for an increase in physical performance and a decrease in mental weariness. And was also found to help slightly with depression with no or very low side effects as compared to prescription drugs such as sertraline. Read Also: All That You Must Know About Prenatal Vitamins The Top 6 Vitamins And Minerals All Women Over 40 Should Take Vein Doctor Diana Wilsher Discusses Vitamins That Can Help You With Varicose Veins

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

8 Tips For Choosing Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity

There is no need to carry your heavy, bulky generator anymore. With solar panels from the market, you can now find a way to have a hassle-free trip when you go out. Solar panels for the outdoors are the best thing that you can bring along with you because they will be able to power up your devices while you are outdoors. How To Select The Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity? Solar panels are great for powering small devices like cell phones, GPS units, and hand-held radios. Solar panels can be used for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The solar panels for outdoor activities must be able to withstand some rough handling. 1. Choose The Right Size And Shape For Storage Ease When you're looking for solar panels for outdoor activity, the first thing you'll want to consider is the size and shape of the panel. The most common size is 15 inches by 15 inches, but you can also find smaller and larger sizes. If you're planning on using a solar panel in a backpack while camping, smaller size is easier to carry. However, a larger size may be needed if you plan to use the panel in a stationary location or on a boat. 2. Get Flexible Solar Panels When choosing a solar panel, you need to think about your situation and how you will use it. The solar panels for outdoor lights should always be flexible. Unless you are not going to select the portable one, you cannot get the full advantages. For example, if you're going to be camping, you want to make sure you get something that's small, lightweight, and portable. Camping flexible solar panels at Sunyee are going to be the best option for outdoor activity. Flexible solar panels are the best choice for outdoor activity. The reason is that flexible solar panels are very light, strong, waterproof, and can be bendable to about 180 degrees. This is the coolest thing about flexible solar panels for the outdoors. In the past, you could only find rigid solar panels for sale. They were heavy, noticeable, and not very portable. Due to the advancement in technology, flexible solar panels are now made. They are very light, portable, and durable. The best part is that they can be folded and carried around easily. 3. Understand The Different Types Of Portable Solar Panels Just like any product, there are different types of portable solar panels to choose from. Each of these comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them is the key to choosing the right one for your needs. The first thing which you should consider while selecting solar panels for outdoor and their capacity. This is measured in watts. The higher the capacity, the faster your gadgets will charge. The second thing to consider is the material used to make the panel. Generally, portable solar panels are made of silicon and aluminum. Each of these comes with its own pros and cons. Silicon panels are more expensive than aluminum panels but are also more durable. Aluminum panels are cheaper but are not as durable. There are many different kinds of solar panels to choose from. You can choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, along with thin film solar panels. Monocrystalline panels have higher energy efficiency with a lower amount of weight than polycrystalline panels. Thin film solar panels are the lightest, but they are also the least efficient. 4. It Should Be Compatible With Your Electronics Another thing you need to consider when choosing a solar panel is if it's compatible with your electronics. There is a wide range of solar panels for outdoor available on the market, and each of them may be compatible with different electronics. If you own a smartphone or tablet that is not compatible with solar power, you can always buy one with a bigger capacity. Most solar panels are compatible with multiple devices; just remember to check the specifications before you buy one. 5. Check How Long It Takes To Charge And Remains Without Charge If you are going to use a solar panel for outdoor activity, say camping, hiking, fishing, etc. The battery should be able to charge fully, which means at least 8 hours (for those with a low-capacity battery, it is better to bring a solar charger). But it is better to have solar panels outdoors that can remain at no charge for over a month, which means the battery should be at least 20,000mAh capacity. When purchasing replacement solar panels for outdoor lighting, the battery capacity is the first thing that you must check. For example, small solar panels for outdoor lighting are more like a decorative part, so when you are starting to add these to your garden, you should always understand what the life span is and how long it will take to get the full charge. 6. Consider the price Solar panels are a great option for powering outdoor gear and cutting down on the costs of outdoor activities. You can power all kinds of things with a solar panel. The biggest concern is being able to power what you actually want to power. You'll need to know the wattage of the device before you can start looking for solar panels. The cost of solar panels is one of the main concerns of people who want to install solar but are not sure if it is worth the investment. The price of solar panels and related equipment can put a big dent in your pocket. But it is also true that solar power is one of the most cost-effective ways to produce electricity. So, if you are planning to install solar panels outdoors, you have to decide how much you are willing to spend. 7. Durability Durability is the first thing you need to consider when choosing solar panels outdoors. Solar panels are not cheap, and you don't want to make a bad investment. It is very important to check the glass on the panel. It should be durable and thick, made of tempered glass that is scratch resistant and won't crack under pressure. The glass needs to be strong enough to withstand wind and to keep the solar panel protected. The panel frame should have a good warranty and be sturdy, but most importantly, it should be made of rust-resistant material. It must be able to withstand the elements and keep the solar panel safe from rust. The whole frame needs to be strong, not just the legs. A good warranty is also very important, don't settle for less than 25 years. 8. Setting up When choosing your solar panels for outdoor, the most important factor to consider is how easy it is to set up. If you are going to be using your solar panel for outdoor activity, it will most likely be set up in a place that is not easy to reach. You don't want to be carrying a heavy solar panel with you while you are hiking or camping. It would help if you also were looking for a solar panel that is light enough to carry around your neck. There are a bunch of solar panels out there that are pretty much ready to go. Just unroll your solar panel and put it in the sunlight. Wrapping It Up: These are the qualities that you must check before selecting solar panels outdoors. Outdoor solar panels are not only user-friendly. These solar panels are the ultimate solution for any place where frequent power cuts happen. Which types of quality do you match up with while selecting any outdoor solar panels? Let us know through the comment sections. Read Also: Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At HomeHow Much Do You Save With Solar Panels? The Ultimate GuideWhat You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

Clean Your Panels:

Adjust the Tilt:

Deal with the Decreased Output by Saving Energy:

What Surprising Industry Is Helping Canada Get Greener?

Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels

Content Rally

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.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Technologies For Creating A Startup Idea

How to Download Facebook Videos on Android?

7 Rules of Effective Ecommerce Web Design

The 10 WordPress Plugins Every Sucessful Blogger Uses

Follow Us

Recent

How to Choose a Gift That Matches Their Personality Perfectly

Discover the Best Carrier Oils for Hair & Skin

How Modern Technology is Transforming Dental Care Solutions

What to Expect from Upcoming IPOs in the Next Quarter

Related

Proven Vitamins Used in Energy Supplements

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

8 Tips For Choosing Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity

Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

Clean Your Panels:

Adjust the Tilt:

Deal with the Decreased Output by Saving Energy:

Share this Article

What Surprising Industry Is Helping Canada Get Greener?

Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels

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.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related