Published on: 26 February 2018
Last Updated on: 12 August 2024
With things like global warming and climate change becoming increasingly serious topics for discussion, the question of what we can do as individuals to make a difference is being asked more and more frequently. Sometimes it seems futile and the idea that one person can make a difference seems impossible. But the truth is that if lots of individuals are switched on to change then suddenly it’s not just a single person making a difference, it’s a community or a nation and at some point hopefully a world. But what can you do to make a difference and to start using natural resources more sparingly and sustainably?
Make informed choices :
Just because it is available and it’s cheap, doesn’t mean that it is good. While it might fit your pocket in the short term if it means that your choice is going to contribute to global warming or the rise of the oceans then maybe you need to think twice. Ask questions and tell suppliers what you want. Use a company like Econnex who broker energy solutions across a range of suppliers and make sure you tell them what you want. Price is important, but look to make use of suppliers who use solar and wind as a way of generating electricity, stay far away from old-school fossil fuel solutions. It is possible.
Re-use your water :
If you collect your used water you will be amazed how much you get through on a daily basis. And unless you have implemented a grey-water solution to collect the used water it all just runs into the drains and disappears. Washing machines and showers and dishwashers. Brushing your teeth. Washing the car. These all use water and lots of it. And there is no need for your water to disappear down the drain after one use, it’s not environmentally friendly and it’s expensive. Water needs to be used as often as possible and with a few simple systems implemented it can be done easily.
Solar is real :
The sun has all the energy that we need and it is free. Traditionally storing solar energy has been the biggest problem preventing larger-scale rollouts of solar solutions. But on an almost daily basis, the technology that makes solar power effective is getting better and cheaper. Panels are much cheaper than they were ten years ago and batteries and other energy storage system are getting smaller and cheaper while increasing their capacity to store energy. Solar is the way of the future and it is something that can be done on a home-by-home basis. It is even possible to contribute electricity to the national grid and be a supplier rather than a consumer.
Collect rainwater :
Much like the sun in the paragraph above, rain is another resource that comes from the sky for free. It is clean and free and if we just put in place ways to store it, we could very quickly free ourselves from the need to buy water from the government. It might cost a bit to buy some tanks at the start of the process, but if your plan is to go off-grid and be totally independent then it’s a small price to pay for independence and sustainable living.
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More homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power as an alternative energy source due to its ability to lower electricity bills and boost home resale values.
While going green is an excellent move, installing and maintaining solar power systems are associated with high costs. By learning about the factors influencing them, you can easily decide if switching to solar power is worth your hard-earned money.
Here Are Five Prime Factors That Impact Solar Panel Installation And Maintenance Costs
1. Your preferred solar panel contractor
Selecting the right solar panel installer is critical as you transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Proper installation and maintenance can make or break your project's cost-effectiveness, so don't be tempted by low prices alone! To get ahead of potential problems down the road, research companies for their qualifications and reviews before making any commitments.
Investing in an experienced contractor may come at a higher upfront price tag but will ensure successful integration into renewable energy sources with long-term savings benefits. When you contact us, we will answer any inquiries regarding the cost of our solar power installation and maintenance solutions.
2. Roof type and angle
The type and angle of your roof significantly impact your solar panel's installation cost and maintenance. Roofs that are flat, slate, or shingle can be challenging to work with, and installation may take more time and effort, which leads to higher costs. The angle and orientation of the roof also play a role. A roof with a steep slope facing south will provide optimum sun exposure, reducing installation costs and improving energy production.
3. Structural issues
Structural issues also affect solar panel installation costs and maintenance. The integrity of the roof and the structural load-bearing capability are essential considerations. Reinforcement may be necessary if the roof cannot accommodate the solar panel's weight, which will increase installation costs. Similarly, any structural issues that require repairs, such as rot, sagging, or cracks, would require rectification before installation, which increases installation costs.
4. Solar system add-ons
When upgrading your solar power system, several accessories could enhance its performance. Battery backup systems can store excess energy for later use and offer protection when the sun isn't shining as brightly or in case of an outage.
While these add-ons come with additional costs upfront, they may provide long-term financial savings, greater reliability to offset any weather variations affecting production levels, and added peace of mind during emergencies.
5. Local costs
Local codes and regulations can also influence solar power installation cost and maintenance. Permits and interconnection fees, for example, can vary between localities, and you must confirm any costs before proceeding with the installation. Licensing, inspection, and maintenance costs are additional expenses that may be imposed in your locality.
Conclusion
Investing in a solar energy system could be an effective way to reduce your utility bills. Still, the timeline of when you can expect to see those savings depends on several factors. In sunny areas with high current energy costs, these systems can pay off within five years, though other locations may have longer wait times that stretch out into ten or 20-year cycles before any real return is seen.
It ultimately comes down to your value on environmentally friendly solutions and long-term investments versus the more immediate financial gains from traditional power generation sources.
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Portable solar power generators turn energy from the sun into electricity. With new technologies for making solar panels, it has become more affordable than ever to own a solar power generator. You can find both huge and small portable models that can be used to power equipment with different power requirements. Because of the portability, you can carry the solar power generator anywhere, which makes it ideal for people who go camping.
How portable solar power generators work :
To use a portable solar power generator, you have to ensure it is charged fully. Solar panels need sunlight to gain energy, so in order for a solar power generator to gain energy, you have to place it in the sunlight. The solar power generator comes with a panel that acts as a collection point of the energy coming from the sun. This energy is then stored in a battery for later use. The bigger the battery the more the energy the generator can store, so while buying one you should consider the amount of power you need to run appliances and equipment. When completely charged, the solar power generator can help you to run appliances in your home for many hours continuously.
How are portable solar power generators different?
Probably you are asking how portable solar power generators are different from regular models. The first difference is in the portability, which means you can carry a portable solar power generator around with ease. This is the reason it’s recommended to consider having one if you love camping because it could be used to provide lighting especially at night, and you could also charge your appliances while out there. You can also use the generators for outdoor events especially in places where you will not find electrical outlets.
However, you need to note that some portable power generators offer a lower wattage compared to backup generators, which means you cannot use them to run heavy appliances and machines. These generators are suitable for charging devices including your laptop, smartphones, small appliances, and providing power to light bulbs. PoweredPortableSolar.com offers some of the benefits of portable solar power generators that you should consider when getting one.
Benefits of portable solar power generators :
A portable solar power generator comes with some benefits. Here are the most important you need to note:
Cost Efficiency :
Unlike electricity and other sources of power that you pay a subscription to use, a solar power generator only needs the sun to provide the energy you need to run your appliances. The only cost you will incur is the initial investment.
Reliability :
These generators collect energy from the sun and this helps them to provide a consistent supply of power. During power outages, you can use a portable solar power generator to run your appliances at no additional cost.
Eco-friendly :
You also protect the environment by choosing portable solar power generators. No harmful fumes are emitted and the setup is quiet, which makes the generators safe for the environment.
There are many benefits you can draw from a portable solar power generator. The generator can allow you to power your appliances without incurring the extra cost that comes with paying for electricity, and it is eco-friendly as you don’t use any fuel. You only need to place the solar panels outside to draw energy from sunlight.
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Looking to brighten up the outside of your business in an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way? Well, you might want to consider commercial solar lights. They not only provide reliable lighting but also help you go green and cut down on your operating costs. Keep reading to discover more about the benefits of commercial solar lights and how to choose the right company to install them.
Difference Between Non-Commercial And Commercial Solar Lights
Like all lighting options, solar lights can be both small and large scale. Most people assume both have similar mechanisms of action and are just the same. However, that is not true!
Commercial solar lights cover large spaces such as streets, huge security areas, roads, and paths. These also cost a lot more than non-commercial systems. Non-commercial solar lights are those that we can use to illuminate homes. Other than the difference in battery capacities, these two do not differ in other specifications. The non-commercial lights have less battery storage capacity than commercial lights.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Commercial lights are all about making the most of the sun's energy. They use something called photovoltaic cells, which are like little energy converters. These cells soak up sunlight during the day and turn it into electricity, storing it in batteries for use at night. The cool thing is, you don't need to rely on traditional power sources like electrical grids anymore. It's like getting free energy from the sun!
Exceptional Energy Efficiency
Solar lights are pretty impressive because they're super energy-efficient. They're designed to give you strong and reliable light without using up a lot of power. They use something called LED technology, which is like a tiny light bulb that's really good at saving energy. So, when you compare solar lights to regular lights, they save a lot of energy and help you cut down on your electricity bill.
Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Solar Lights
Sustainability is important for improving the current global conditions. Installing commercial solar lights takes us a step closer to that goal. Using commercial solar lights for outdoor lighting does not just help improve the space. It also helps the environment.
Here are the important things you need to keep in mind:
1. How much sunlight does the space receive?
You will come across an integrated outdoor solar light or other solar lighting solution in a major city. Usually, these are in spaces that are not overcrowded with skyscrapers, receiving ample sunlight for the solar lights to store.
Picking a space that allows easy solar street light post installation is imperative. For example, the location's condition will help determine what you can expect from the product. Things to keep in mind are optimal software and hardware specifications that ensure smooth working. The area may have obstructions that can hinder the light's performance. Thus, in such a situation, your alternative would be installing a longer light post for it to work properly.
2. Size of the area you want to illuminate
Outdoor commercial solar lights have systems that often have two distinct light units: High-intensity discharge (HID) lights and light-emitting diodes (LED). However, more recently, the use of LEDs is more beneficial. The energy-saving ability of LEDs is what helps it provide better illumination. Thus, before installation, you must decide which type of luminaires you want for your outdoor lighting needs.
Commercial solar LED light will be suitable if the area you consider illuminating has a broad space. Moreover, wattage requirements should also be decided beforehand. The rule of thumb is to use higher-wattage lights (or electrical products) as they become cost-efficient in the long run.
3. Software specifications you need to keep in mind
Commercial solar lights come with Smart technologies, and some may not have that. However, it is wise to select a product that offers different controls. The trend of smart lights should not stay limited to indoor lighting. Thus, choose an option that has intelligent control tools. These improve the overall efficiency of the installed lights and guarantee a great value for your money!
4. Cost of the installation
Outdoor lighting systems can become expensive to install and maintain. Depending on the space you want to illuminate, the cost can change. The expenses can be divided between- running electrical cables, connecting to the grid, and trenching. Then, there are operational costs, electricity bills, and ongoing maintenance costs, all of which can become quite burdensome.
Moreover, with the common idea that cheap can be synonymous with poor quality, asking the service provider is helpful. You should also remember that using less-energy-consuming products will be better than an energy-inefficient system.
Advantages of Commercial Solar Lights
Saving Money
One of the best things about commercial lights is that they can save you a lot of money. Once you set them up, they hardly cost anything to run. You won't have to worry about paying high electricity bills or spending a lot on maintenance. This means businesses can use their money more wisely.
Good for the Environment
Solar lights are also great for the environment. They help you use less fossil fuels and electricity from power grids, which is a big deal for reducing pollution and taking care of the planet. So, when businesses use solar lights, they're showing that they care about the environment and want to help make the world more sustainable.
Built to Last
Commercial lights are tough cookies! They're made from strong materials that can handle all kinds of weather, even when it gets really rough outside. These lights are like the superheroes of the lighting world – they keep working, no matter what the weather is like. Plus, lots of them have backup batteries, so they stay on even when the sun isn't shining. That means you can count on them to light up your space, no matter what.
Choosing a Commercial Outdoor Lighting Company
Go for One With a Proven Track Record
When you're looking for a company to help with your commercial solar lights, it's smart to pick one with a proven track record. Companies that have been doing this for a while really know their stuff. They've seen it all and can handle any tricky situations that might come up.
Lights That Fit Your Needs
You'll also want a company that can create lighting that's just right for your business. Think of it like getting a custom-made suit – it fits perfectly because it's made just for you. The same goes for lighting. It should match your specific needs, and a good company will make sure it does.
Quality Components and Design
Evaluate the quality of components employed in the company's lighting systems. High-quality photovoltaic cells, efficient LED fixtures, and durable construction materials are paramount for long-lasting and efficient solar lighting.
To sum it all up, choosing commercial solar lights is like stepping into a new era of outdoor lighting. It's all about saving money, taking care of the planet, and making sure you have reliable lights. When you're picking a company to help with this, remember to look for ones with experience, the ability to customize the lights to your needs, high-quality parts, and excellent support.
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