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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Switching business energy suppliers is an opportunity that every company should not miss out on. Compared with a residential household, companies use more energy daily. An average UK small business spends around £13,000 on electricity annually, and another £7,000 on gas. With so much on the line, it is crucial to find the best and most affordable energy tariffs.
Apart from the cost, you also need to consider the reliability of the service considering that any interruption will cause significant damage to business operations. That’s why it is also essential that while you are comparing quotes from different suppliers using a comparison tool like Utility Bidder, you also need to take into account the following factors.
Supplier history and reputation:
Corporate responsibility and values adhered to by an energy provider are some things to look into if you want to partner with a reputable supplier. Some may think that the natural choice is going with large companies that have been around for many years. Although it is true that the top energy suppliers may provide some of the best services out there, there is no reason not to look elsewhere and choose a supplier that is relatively new on the scene. These small providers usually have more personalized services, and many people are missing out on these benefits because they think that bigger is always better.
Service areas:
In this regard, big energy suppliers are a better choice. Depending on where you are located, you will want an energy provider that supports your location and guarantee that there will be fewer or no service interruptions. Apart from reliability, you may also want to look into tax incentives or local prices which may vary from one supplier to another depending on where you are.
Prices and plans offered:
The energy market is affected by many factors which makes it highly volatile. Apart from choosing a fixed-rate plan over variable plans, you also need to ensure that the supplier you want has the best offers and rates. Take note of cancellation fees or other fees associated with transferring from one supplier to another before you decide. Hidden transaction fees can add up and increase the cost of a plan which makes switching less than beneficial if that is the case.
A wide range of services:
In finding the best energy provider, you also need to consider if the supplier offers a variety of services. Paying multiple suppliers could be a waste of money, and if you can get all services under one roof, you will have a better chance of getting the best rates.
Customer service:
Suppliers with reliable service also tend to have excellent customer support. As a business owner, you need to ensure that any issues you have with your energy supply are dealt with quickly. As much as possible, choose a provider with round the clock customer service. This way, you are confident that you can get help at any time of the day. Customer support is not merely about responsiveness, but the capability to provide the best possible solution considering the unique circumstances of your company.
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When you go to purchase a solar power system, you will find a variety of options. Some will include a battery. Others will not. The battery can either be a battery that stores the energy of the sun, one that stores the power of the wind, or a combination of the two.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that provides more storage capacity without taking up more space than lead-acid batteries. These types of batteries are useful for off-grid power stations. They have high charging and discharging efficiencies and long service life.
However, lithium batteries do have their limitations. These include the potential to catch fire. Furthermore, the battery's lifespan depends on how deep it is charged. This is known as the Depth of Discharge or DoD.
Most lithium solar batteries have a DoD of about 95%. While this means that the battery can be safely used for more than ninety percent of its total capacity, it also means that the battery will need to be recharged every so often.
In addition, lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Depending on how many batteries you want to purchase, it can cost from $5,000 to $15,000. To make up for the higher cost, there are federal tax credits available.
Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifetime. Lead-acid batteries have a short lifespan, usually around five years. On the other hand, lithium batteries can last for twenty years or more. A properly installed lithium ion solar battery will have a very low risk of thermal runaway.
The round-trip efficiency is another characteristic of a lithium-ion battery. It is the difference between how much energy is used to charge the battery and how much is left when the battery is fully charged. Generally, lithium batteries have a round-trip efficiency of between 90 and 95 percent.
Some lithium solar batteries require three stages of charging. The first stage charges the battery until it is about 90 percent full. This is done by using a voltage regulator charge controller. At this point, the battery begins to drain the amperage.
The second stage of charging is where the battery is charged for a short period of time until the amperage is nearly full. If you use a store charger, this will increase the discharge rate. Because of the sensitivity of the battery to temperature, it is advisable to choose a battery that is designed for cold or warm weather conditions.
Lithium-ion batteries are generally more forgiving than lead-acid batteries. However, they may still need to be replaced in the future. Therefore, it is important to look for a company that has an excellent track record of customer satisfaction.
Another important consideration is the warranty. Ideally, you should be able to buy the battery with a warranty that guarantees the specific capacity of the battery. The warranty should also state how many cycles and years of good performance it can provide.
Choosing the right battery for your solar panel system is dependent on many factors. You will need to consider the frequency of discharging, the amount of available space, and the installation method.
DC Coupling
DC coupling in solar power systems is the process by which electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is routed directly into the batteries of an energy storage system. This can help reduce the overall Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and provide increased energy independence. In addition, it eliminates the need for a second inverter or additional controls.
One of the main benefits of using a DC-coupled system is that it is more efficient. With an AC-coupled system, each DC output of a PV module must be converted to AC, resulting in efficiency losses. When the dc output of the PV modules is directly tied to the battery of an Energy Storage System, it is possible to maximize the amount of solar-generated electricity fed into the grid.
While an AC-coupled system can be a viable option for some applications, a DC-coupled system is preferred for most projects. The reason is simple. These systems are easier to install and operate. They are also slightly more efficient than their AC counterparts. For this reason, they are considered the best choice for new solar+ storage installations.
There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding between an AC and DC-coupled solar system. The specifics of a particular project will play a big role in this decision.
However, one important factor is interconnection costs. Using the same inverter to charge and discharge your battery system can decrease the cost of the installation. Also, co-locating your assets will reduce the cost of land acquisition and permit applications.
Another benefit of adding a battery bank to your PV system is that it can allow you to take advantage of tax credits. As a result, you can end up with a completely self-sufficient home. You will be able to store excess energy for use during periods of inclement weather or in the evening when the solar panels are no longer producing.
DC coupling is a promising development in the field of energy storage. It is a newer system architecture that can increase the efficiency of an Energy Storage System. Unlike the AC counterpart, a DC-coupled system has direct current wiring. This allows for faster, simpler installation. Furthermore, the systems can be expanded.
Inverters used in DC-coupled systems are usually smaller than those used in AC-coupled systems. Because of this, DC-coupled systems may be more suitable for residential or small commercial applications. Those that are more than 6kW will require multiple strings of solar panels. If you need more than a few kilowatts of energy, you will need to invest in MPPT solar charge controllers.
As more utilities and solar developers begin to develop DC-coupled solar+storage solutions, the industry is expected to become more mainstream. The technology has the potential to lower the cost of implementing solar+ storage projects and will make the energy storage market more competitive.
Hybrid Systems
Hybrid solar power systems offer a number of benefits over traditional solar systems. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to store energy in your own home. This is especially beneficial when the weather is cloudy or when the sun isn't shining.
Hybrid power systems can work alone, but they also work when connected to the grid. They allow you to store extra electricity in your battery and then return it to the grid at peak hours for high-value credits. The most efficient hybrid system will use a basic inverter that controls the flow of power into the battery.
Another major benefit of a hybrid system is its capability to store and provide power in case of an outage. While a traditional grid system does not have the battery backup capacity to keep your lights and appliances running during a power outage, a hybrid power system can do just that.
There are a number of components that go into making a hybrid system. These include batteries, an inverter, a combiner box, and a solar panel. Each of these items can be used to improve the efficiency of your system, which translates into lower costs and a longer lifespan.
A hybrid solar system is especially appealing to consumers in areas that are prone to losing power for long periods of time. These systems can be a great way to cut down on your energy costs and help protect your house from future rate hikes. Also, a hybrid power system can be more environmentally friendly than a system fueled by fossil fuels.
Most hybrid systems will use lithium-ion batteries as the main source of energy. Lithium-ion batteries are capable of holding more energy and have more capacities than lead-acid or other types of batteries.
While a hybrid system may be a bit more expensive than a purely on-grid system, it is still much cheaper than an off-grid system. In addition, some utilities do not have retail rates for solar electricity. Even with a small solar array, you can save up to two-thirds of your electric bill.
Another big advantage of a hybrid system is the fact that you will get credit for the amount of electricity you produce. Some utilities have net metering policies, which allow you to buy back excess energy from the grid for a higher rate than you pay for the actual electricity. Depending on your area, you may be eligible for a federal rebate.
For example, the Federal Investment Tax Credit is available through 2022, which will allow you to reduce the cost of your solar power installation by up to 30%. Moreover, in 2022 or 2023, the federal tax credit for solar power projects will be extended, which will further decrease the price of a hybrid system.
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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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