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Solar Power – The Perfect Energy Source

Solar energy is the light and the heat from the Sun. This energy is free, unlimited and, it doesn’t cause any pollution, which makes it the perfect source of power. With the availability of very low priced easy to install DIY solar systems, certainly, there has never been a better time to take advantage of this remarkable, infinite energy source.

There are lots of ways in which we are able to harness the power of the sun. In warm countries for example, solar furnaces are able to be used as means for cooking food. A solar furnace is merely a huge array of mirrors used to concentrate the Sun’s power into a small area and produce quite high temperatures. They are generally referred to as solar cookers.

The movie ‘Race the Sun’ was a story concerning low- income and under achieving Hawaiian students, advised by their teacher to join the Solar Car Race. In the movie, an automobile the same shape as a cockroach and covered with solar panels utilised the Sun’s rays as an alternative source of energy to run the vehicle.

Since Roman times we have been using the Sun as an effective method of obtaining electric power. Nowadays nonetheless we have created solar thermal solutions which are put to use for water heating, space heating, space cooling and process heat generation. Solar technology is also used to distil water and even transform saline or brackish water into something that is drinkable. Solar water disinfection or SODIS as it’s commonly known, involves subjecting water-filled plastic polyethylene terephthalate or PET bottles to the Sun, whereby UV-radiation kills diarrhoea generating bad bacteria. The SODIS-method helps to defend against diarrhoea and and in so doing is saving lives of people. In excess of 4000 children die each and every day from the effects of diarrhoea. This technique does rely on climate conditions, but given that the most crucial demand for water is located in hot countries this is when this system is most effective. Currently, you will find in excess of two million people in developing countries who rely upon SODIS for everyday drinking water needs.

Daylight systems are also being used to optimize the power emitted by the sun. A Daylight System is used to provide interior illumination, thereby replacing the need for artificial lighting. Daylight systems include things like sawtooth roofs,, skylights, and light tubes. Where daylight systems are correctly implemented they’ll reduce lighting-related energy consumption typically by 25 percent.

One of the fastest growing areas regarding the utilisation of solar power is in the use of photovoltaic or PV panels which can be used to convert the sun’s rays directly into electricity. To start with solar energy was only utilized to power modest appliances and equipment, such as calculators that are powered by way of a single solar cell. Even though water and space heating tend to be the most commonly used applications of solar energy, the advancement of photovoltaic technology now means that a lot more families are using solar energy to supply either a significant percentage or even all of their energy needs.

One of the main concerns associated with the usage of solar energy with regard to domestic properties has been the expense of fitting such a system. Several thousand dollars were required simply to pay for installing a fairly modest system. Today however, the availability of DIY solar energy materials, and indeed complete kits, has meant that superb systems can easily be installed for mere 100’s of dollars.

What Makes the Commercial Solar PV Worth the Purchase?

With the office space equipped with all the advanced facilities, the high electric bill is expected. It is gradually becoming a big concern for all the businesses. Everyone is looking out for solutions to cut down on the cost of electricity. Well this might take time to figure out, in the meanwhile, you can consider Commercial Solar PV as a strategic solution, to reduce the electricity cost. It can be best described as a panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays to generate electricity.

You can install it on the rooftop of the building where your business is located. The maximum benefit is that it can tap all the free energy from the sun. And if you don’t find the rooftop area convenient, there is always an option to install the Commercial Solar PV on the ground, only if there is a good amount of sunlight being directed in the area. Read below to find out how it can benefit you:

1. Utilise Your Dead Space Effectively – If you have an area which you count as unproductive, thing again. You can install Commercial Solar PV and make way for the side income.
2. Energy Consumption is an Ongoing Process – There is no stoppage for the solar energy when it comes to lighten up homes and commercial spaces. You just keep on getting the radiations day after day, week after week.
3. Maintenance is not an Issue: Once you install the Commercial Solar PV, you don’t have to worry about changing its parts, for it has no moving ones. The installation charges are there but it can be treated as negligible as once you install it, you don’t have to worry for a long time. The device usually comes up with at least 10 years of warranty.
4. You Contribute Towards a Greener Nation: That’s true! Commercial Solar PV does not emit a large quantity of CO2 which proves that it is not harmful and works towards the common aim at making the nation greener.
5. Other Benefits: Apart from the abovementioned points, you must also know that solar energy is free. The sun never charges for the energy that you need for your use. Also, the ROI can go up to 20% which means you save on energy, electric bills and your pockets too.

Now that you are well versed with the benefits, it is easy to consider Commercial Solar PV as one of the suitable option to cut down on the electricity cost. Moreover, the energy consumption will also be leveled. To save on the electricity bill is one of the achievement for your business. Another one is entering into the zone of eco-friendly companies. Now here comes the question of finding the most trusted name that can help you switch to the cost effective method, for all your power requirements. For that matter, you can count on the firms that specialises in these kinds of products only. By doing this, you can be assured of getting a durable range only.

Why It Is Important To Save Energy

Simple Payback

Payback is a relatively simple concept. If caulking costs $ 100 and allows you to save $ 100 / year in fuel costs, has a recovery period of one year. If insulation work costing $ 1,000 and save $ 200 / year in fuel costs, it has a recovery period of five years. Think about the cost of the improvement that the money deposited in a savings account that you can remove (maybe) if you sell the house. Caulking have a return of 100 percent in a year, 20 percent of isolation in a year. The return is probably more important than some of his personal investments:

Complications Payback

The theory may be simple, but its implementation is complicated, for these reasons:

The cost of the improvement does not really know until you do it. Your local cost could be higher or lower, it is enough to seriously affect the recovery period. Making improvements as wall insulation can be much less for their neighbor, who placed in the new surface anyway, to you, because you have to paint over the holes in his coat coup in isolation and not your neighbor will .

The weather is a factor. The savings for the same improvement can vary widely from region to region and from city to city (or even the desert mountains are within two miles of each other) that save more energy improvements in very hot or very cold.

The quality of the installation is a factor. Bise installed evil can be useless. Wall insulation blown to the wrong pressure can be installed. Isolated door is not properly adjusted can let hot air is saved by its insulating qualities.

Some “energy savings” not long enough to pay the cost of installation. The counter-doors, for example, often collapse in a year or two, creating cracks that denies its air goal. Many do last seven to ten years. For these reasons, they are generally a bad purchase.

Some “energy saving” simply do not save them all. The most notorious example is double glazed enamel that replace their older storm windows with good tension in them. In this case, the replacement may have a negative return on investment that actually has less heat than older windows.

Some improvements partially cancel each other. More efficient furnace, for example, effectively reduces the payback period of isolation work. If improves oven and protects the less expensive heat escapes through the walls.

Energy Costs vary depending on the fuel and time. Insulation saves more in a house heated in an electrically heated by gas, by reducing its purchase of a more expensive fuel. and if oil prices fall, as they did once dramatically, all home improvement hot oil start paying less.

There are other variables to consider; these include their own habits (open the windows in winter in search of fresh air, taking long, hot showers, and so on), sun exposure, and even the temperature of your water supply. More energy-saving ideas

Energy audits: Many utilities and government energy offices provide brochures, work shop and telephone counseling on the various recovery improvements. But beware: their advice is based on the average case to nullify or all of the variables that we talked about. Therefore, these agencies advise an audit, an individual survey of energy for individualized qualified to recommend measures and better predict their recovery time inspector.

Future of Alternative Energy For Homes

There are many different alternative solutions to your energy needs on the market. Many of these alternative energy products help produce energy for your home, for all of your electric and electronic needs, without breaking your bank or burning a hole through your wallet. There have been many advances in research involved with finding new and better means of alternative energy. Several companies out there can offer you a variety of choices in both wind and solar power solutions for your home, that will provide you with endless amounts of energy provided directly from nature itself.

Solar power is one of the most prevalent choice out on the market, for anyone looking into the benefits alternative sources of energy can provide. The future of alternative energy can be found today in solar energy for homes, wind energy, and many other methods which you can easily install in your home. DIY solar energy installations are some of the most affordable means of getting energy in your home without having to pay for electric utilities on a monthly basis. Solar power is easily harnessed using solar chargers and solar panels, storing the energy into reserves which your home appliances and electronics can then access throughout the day and night. These installation packages are extremely affordable, whether you’re on a fixed income or are limited financially in any way. They will actually pay for themselves within a short period, when compared to how much you would have been paying in utility bills to the electric company.

Wind energy is another alternative source of energy, which is becoming more and more popular. Using wind power generators to generate wind energy into electricity, and then storing it into batteries which can be used by homes or businesses, is a very innovative and inspirational means of using nature to produce energy both cheaply and effectively. The equipment may seem costly at first, but when compared to electricity bills, deposits with electrical companies, and initial wiring and installation of utility poles, you’ll be saving more money using an alternative power source such as this which will leave you with more money in your pocket for other uses.

Many families are looking into alternative energy solutions on a daily basis, to save on their high electricity costs and allow for a greener way of living. Installing a solar system for homes into your family’s house, may end up being just what you need to save your family a little extra money each month. That money will then begin to build more and more as your alternative energy helps you over time. Families aren’t the only ones benefiting from this either. There are many companies out there, switching over to greener, alternative energy solutions, to help power their company buildings and machinery. These systems are easy for anyone to install and hook up into their homes, and will start providing energy within hours.

If you’re looking into purchasing an alternative energy solution for your home, there are many to choose from that can offer you to the power you need, at a price you can afford. Whether you’re on a fixed income, or assisted living income such as social security, there is a solution out there for alternative energy that you can afford. Not only will you be able to toss your electric bill away, you’ll be saving money and making the earth a greener place by using natural energy. It’s time to look to the future of alternative energy, and let it provide you with the power your family needs in it’s day to day life. Whether that’s solar energy trapped by solar panels, or wind energy collected by wind generators, there’s no end to possibilities and help an alternative source of energy can provide you. Take advantage of all the benefits of alternative energy for your family, and make your home a more environment friendly place to live.

What Is Going Green And How To Accomplish It

What Is Going Green?

Many people hear the words “going green” and are not exactly sure of what “going green” means. Going green simply means not doing anything that causes harm to the environment. For example- Currently we are using fossil fuels and out dated technology such as: fuel powered cars and air planes, buildings that are made of trees that we need to clean our air and electricity to power our homes that cause damage to our environment. Going green would mean utilizing an alternative to these things. We could replace the fuel driven cars and jets with electric cars and Mag Lev technology. Instead of using trees for houses we could use hemp. An alternative to burning coal and fossil fuels would be geo thermal, wind power, solar power, magnet power, wave turbines and many more.

The Effects on the Economy

A lot of people are worried that going green would be bad for the economy or would make us primitive but in actuality the opposite is true. Let’s take fossil fuels for example. Let’s imagine that we did away with fossil fuels. We could replace them with magnet technology, solar, wind, geo thermal and many more. These green energy alternatives are clean, renewable, affordable and easy to maintain. These things alone would reduce overall energy costs to about one tenth what we’re paying now. To put that into perspective that would mean instead of paying four dollars a gallon for fuel that pollutes the air you would be paying about forty cents for electricity that is clean and renewable. Your electric bill would go from $100.00 to about $10.00. An alternative to cutting down trees would be to use hemp. (not to be confused with marijuana) You can build a building with hemp for at least half the cost and make it twice as strong without having to insulate it. Hemp has some of the strongest, longest lasting fibers on the planet and can be grown and produced for a fraction of the cost of lumber. In short, the effects on the economy if we were to do these things would be extraordinary. It would raise the standard of living and lower the cost of living tremendously.

How to Apply These Things in Your Daily Life?

When going green it is not only not necessary but almost impossible to go from one extreme to the other. I would start small. Start recycling and keep an eye out for recycled or green products. Get a small solar kit to charge your small appliances with. Get a wind turbine for your home or start growing or purchasing organic food that is free of chemicals. Start taking small steps and get comfortable. You might also want to consider getting involved in groups and signing petitions that are involved in going green. With the technology age these things are widely available and easy to be a part of. Not to mention they are a great way to make friends and meet people.

Solar Power Generators – Be Prepared

Solar generators, generator green energy, can be a great tool to keep it charged and ready to go during bad weather and to support you while you are in remote areas. Power outages occur for a variety of reasons and there is nothing like being prepared for all circumstances.

A portable solar generator uses the sun’s energy to store energy for use when needed. The gas-powered generators can be noisy during execution and will remain in view of their use. Fuel needs to be changed and stabilized and is often advisable to try to make sure it works properly. The fuel must be stored for possible use and the tank must be provided. I remember having to restart the engine several times, ours was a quasi-generators are a must these days. So many areas of the country were affected by the storms, whether tornadoes, wind, ice or snow storms and all you need is a good power failure to notify to the “I should have ..”.

Time to regain power uncertainty can be a real problem when you have problems in cold storage, heating and cooking questions. The worst of these situations can be when there are small children in the home or the elderly are affected. Medical problems can do, it is essential that power is maintained to maintain the operation of essential medical equipment. Oxygen machine and other essential medical equipment such as C-PAP need power sources when working.

Your online business can be interrupted and joins emergency assistance may be affected by power outages. Do not be left in the dark. The safety switch on the light and keep in touch with the outside world is a comfort to his family.
For those who are green-mind, solar generators are a great way to contribute to the overall health of the environment. No need to worry about emissions and quiet! There’s no noise.

There are other major benefits of having a portable solar generator. It is portable !! Your generator can go with you on camping trips and no noise or odor to disturb wildlife or other campers. You can take as many comforts of home with you and still be alone, away from other distractions that you leave behind. This is a cabin of a home away from home. A generator of green energy could be exactly what you’re looking to be comfortable and to be at home outside.

A solar generator is an advantage in construction, giving energy needed without worrying about running out of gas to run it. Cordless drills can be recharged while an air compressor is operating. The possibilities are endless. You can even cook a hot meal on the spot. A large solar battery charger and much more, in their remote region could make all the difference for you.

A generator of green energy can be used only to take some of the load off your electricity bill by running some of your appliances or equipment garage. It is a step in the direction of self-sufficiency and autonomy that makes you feel independent.

Four Simple Steps on How to Clean Your Solar Panel at Home

Have you noticed that more and more owners are turning to renewable energy sources for their homes? This change from traditional sources of non-renewable energy sources renewable energy is fed primarily by the rising cost of oil and diesel, and also by the desire to go green and preserve the environment. Today, most homeowners have embraced the benefits due to them by the use of solar energy.

Solar energy is the energy that is trapped by the sun. This energy is often caught using solar panels. There are many different types of panels for homes sold in the market. The choice of a solar panel depends on its use or consumption. True, most of these devices are very expensive. In this sense, it is always advisable that you keep your board in the best conditions.

Keep your panels in perfect condition is important because it ensures that the panels work best. So it is very important that you as the owner to implement regular cleaning of the solar panels. You might consider cleaning their own panels instead of getting a professional to do it for you; it could save some money. However, this can only work if you equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to clean solar panels and make sure that you take the proper safety precautions. This knowledge not only guide you on how to clean the panels, but will also help to avoid damage in the process. Before proceeding to clean the ceiling, make sure the power is disconnected from the solar system and use the necessary safety equipment, such as harnesses roof work.

So if you have some spare time on your hands, why not do some research on how to effectively clean their solar panels, here are some basic tips for your search started:

1. Gather all necessary materials to clean the panels. You will need to have a bucket of water, a clean towel and dry sponge. The bucket and sponge used in the cleaning and rinsing of the solar panel while dry towel is used to dry the water from the panel after cleaning.

2. The powder dust, leaves, animal droppings and dirt covering the panels of the solar system. This should be done before starting to clean the solar panel with water. This makes the process much easier cleaning.

3. Check the panel to ensure that all children are protected by plastic or glass. This is a very important step. You do not want to pour water on the naked child. This would potentially ruin her system of solar panels or worse cause a dangerous situation for yourself. If the naked son, an electrician to repair the cleaning of the front panel.

4. Make the actual cleaning after ensuring they have followed all the first three steps, then you can start with scabs any dirt with a damp sponge. End process of cleaning up its solar panel with a dry towel to dry the water.

As indicated by the above four steps, with adequate preparations, safety measures, equipment and cleaning panels solar system knowledge is not a complicated case. However, if for some reason you’re not sure how you or you run out of time to do the job, make sure that you can call your technician to clean for you. Always remember, a clean solar panel will not only last longer, but also to support more energy for use in the home.

Solar-Powered Floating Island is an Off-Shore Green Retreat

What could be a better hotel to use drifting along the coast in its own floating autonomous station? Designed by Michele Puzzolante, this aquatic evasion is a floating island-style Waterworld offered a slice of the good life – even when the world turn back coasts full of hotels. Solar Floating Resort (SFR) for six people and has a living underwater viewing a photovoltaic thin skin layer, and a hot tub on the deck.

Four Ways to Finance Your Solar Power Project

Solar energy is the buzzword of the decade for companies looking to implement progressive policies that will help you save money while reducing their carbon footprint through renewable, clean energy from the sun safely. Solar energy protects your bottom line by reducing your monthly electric bill. In addition, our government offers financial incentives to companies in the form of federal tax credits for investment (which can cover up to 30% of the cost of installing the system), along with tax benefits, such as accelerated depreciation changed. State and local governments also offer incentives, usually in the form of financial aid.

Solar Financing Option # 1 – operating lease

One of the biggest advantages of operating lease paperwork usually generated in a situation imposed by the federal government is reduced. In this type of lease, you should not make an initial investment; Instead, a finance company buys and leases solar system energy back to you on a monthly basis. These leases run much like car leases that at end of period (usually five to twelve years), you have the option to purchase your system up to its fair market value, which usually yields 10- 20% of the total system cost. Meanwhile, the company makes financial incentives and tax benefits, but it will happen these next to you in the form of lower monthly payments.

Solar Financing Option # 2 – Capital Lease

Do you operate a business for profit that generates taxable income? Then you may be interested in the realization of his dream to build a solar energy project without outlaying a lot of capital through a structured as a capital lease loan. This type of loan is usually five to ten years in length, and is similar in nature to a mortgage. Your company receives tax incentives, no money down, and you can buy the loan at the end of the rental.

Solar Financing Option # 3 – Municipal Lease

Municipal Lease contract is most appropriate for these public organizations or nonprofit that want the benefits of solar energy. These contracts are usually longer, ten to twenty-five and that offer rates of all options of possible lower interest rates. In addition, you can buy your solar energy project at the end of the lease as with other options.

Solar Financing Option #4 – Power Purchase Agreement

PAL offers the loan period as long as possible to twenty to twenty five. In this agreement, the financial company that sells the power of your solar energy system at a contracted rate. Although you only pay for the electricity generated, tax benefits are passed on to you as lower payments. It includes maintaining your system in this arrangement. You can always choose to buy the system to its fair market value at the end of your lease.

Whatever type of financing you choose, most companies agree that a solar project can provide many benefits, both financial and environmental.

All You Need to Know About Solar Power Generators

Solar arrays convert sunlight into electricity. Containing photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity through a phenomenon known as the photoelectric effect. These generators are used in both commercial and residential purposes.

Operation

A typical solar power system consists of solar electric panels, installation of a rack, inverter, battery bank and a subway system. The panels are the most important work of converting sunlight into electricity. The frame is basically a platform on which the panels are anchored. Stores electricity from the battery bank that can be used at night or in cloudy and rainy days.

Photovoltaic cells generate direct current (DC). Therefore, the converter converts alternating current (AC). The meter measures the amount of electricity produced by the panel system, the amount of electricity consumed, the amount of energy stored in the battery bank, and several other aspects of system performance.

The two main types of solar power generators

Grid Tied System

This system, as the name suggests, is connected to a door. Solar energy and roads to the door of the electrical energy is converted. The only downside to this configuration is that you can not feed a home or business during a power outage. To compensate for this problem, a backup, in the form of a battery bank, can be used. Batteries store electrical energy, which can then be used during a power failure.

Off-Grid System

This system is commonly used in remote locations where the distribution network service is not available. It can be used for electric cabins and remote host sites. Since it works independently, it continues to produce energy even during a power outage.

Advantages of using a solar energy system

* Solar energy is environmentally friendly. So by using solar energy can be a great way to combat environmental degradation.

* It is completely renewable and sustainable. This means that the world will never be without it. You can choose to generate solar power as much or as little as needed.

* You are allowed to live off the grid. You have more to rely only profit for its energy needs.

* It’s completely free. This means you can say goodbye to fear electricity bills and save a lot of money.

* It is profitable for you in the long run. If your system produces excess electricity can be sold to the local utility. With the amount of money you save regularly energy bills and the amount of money you earn by selling surplus energy, you can recover their initial investment within a few years. From there, you can continue to enjoy free electricity and even make money by selling excess power on occasion.

Buying solar power generators

If you are looking to buy a solar power generator for your home or business, you should first assess your power needs correctly. Only then will you be able to choose a system that can generate enough power to meet its energy needs.

While choosing a solar energy system, you should consider various factors such as battery capacity, nominal capacity of the panels, the panels voltage and output power of the inverter. It’s a good idea to go online and visit websites that contain a lot of information about solar energy before making a decision.

If you want to avoid heavy installation costs charged by various companies, you can choose to install the system yourself. Alternatively, you can buy all the necessary components to build a solar electricity yourself.

Google Launches New Maps Search Results Interface

Google has quietly launched a new maps search results interface. What do you think of it? The post Google Launches New Maps Search Results Interface appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Please visit Search Engine Land for the full article.

The Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Despite the fact that solar energy is used for many years, the technology is still considered as being generally again. As people focus too much on the benefits, therefore, the disadvantages of solar energy are often neglected, and many difficulties Pray drop investing a lot of money on a solar panel that could not even function properly for one reason or other.

If you are really serious about solar energy to provide electricity to your home, therefore, you will see that a deep understanding of its disadvantages is crucial. Thus, if you do your research properly, and weighs each point carefully, you find that you can make the best decisions, and benefit from the many positive aspects that comes with solar energy.

The contrast between the solar green energy sources and other

Solar energy is used successfully as a source of energy for over 50 years. Its advantages are well known to those who are even remotely interested in the development of alternative energy sources; However, the truth is that, compared with other methods of “green” energy production, solar energy is considered the first in terms of efficiency or consistency.

Their main rivals are: geothermal energy, wind energy and hydropower. Wind turbines are starting to become more popular and new models are developed all the time, so it can be considered as a viable solution for the future. When compared with solar energy, wind energy is generally considered to be at a similar level. It is more expensive; However, it has an advantage over solar energy, solar energy does not work at night, for example. On the other hand, wind energy can be harvested at specific places where weather conditions are appropriate.

The same problem arises when comparing solar energy to the other two sources of energy as well. Hydropower is a little less clear, however, despite the fact that no direct waste produced. Geothermal energy is very beneficial for the environment, on the other hand, is comparable to solar energy in this regard; However, solar power is less effective.

However, geothermal energy is being investigated because there are many problems with it, because the technology is not yet advanced enough to allow ordinary people will directly benefit by building their own energy sources. Here, the solar panels really shine, that despite the cost, which can be much easier to manufacture, and maintenance problems are generally rare.

Manufacturing costs and purchase

One of the major disadvantages of solar panels is their cost. Both in terms of manufacture and purchase ready-made, the costs can be very daunting. Of course, investment depends mainly on household size, and the type of power using solar energy.

A photovoltaic system of 1 kWh can range between $ 8,000 and $ 10,000. When you think that a family living in a house with 3 bedrooms need a system that can provide approximately 1.3 kW, the cost of a system viable and stable solar panels generally can double or even triple.

Heating systems, solar water are generally much more accessible, however, it requires an investment of about $ 2,000 to $ 4,000. This is good news for those who prefer separate from their power sources, and maybe use multiple systems for greater efficiency.

Even better, the price of arrays of solar panels has dropped considerably over the past two decades. Previously, costs were more than 5 times less affordable, and quality was less acceptable for such investment.

As a result of these developments, many scientists are quite convinced that soon the price and efficacy evaluation of solar energy will be sufficient to permit replacement of conventional energy network, and provide people with a useful, alternative and clean powerful for many energy sources known to date.

Also, if you’re up for it, you can only buy the parts, and make your own system based on solar panels. Depending on your needs, you can make much cheaper, only a fraction of the price of a regular solar panels cost. While this may be a little difficult, with a little work and effort, you can do.

Difficulties DIY

Of course, if you decide to make your own arrangements of solar panels, it is likely to encounter many difficulties, especially if you’re not used to build things from scratch. In addition, to reduce costs, you may have to use inferior materials that could not last long term.

Manufacturers often emphasize the difference in the quality and reliability between a solar panel and make an inexperienced worker can put together. This is, of course, a marketing strategy well, and there is no reason why you can not build a viable solid solar panel. The effort may be too much for some, but if you like good old fashioned work, you will likely be favorable.

Location matters

Another difficulty, regardless of the quality of the solar panel that uses, is the difference between various locations. The main drawback in this regard has to do with the places where sunlight is not always available.

For example, the closer to the poles during the winter season, places rarely made the sun appeared for more than a few hours. This can make it very difficult to use solar panels to produce coherent energy. In addition, in areas where the weather is particularly cloudy, rain or fog, solar panels provide energy, but the efficiency is greatly reduced, and you may need more than the estimated amount to successfully deliver electricity for the whole family.

Of course, if you live in an area where the rain does not come very often, and there is an abundance of sunshine almost every day, array of solar panels might be the best choice for you. In accordance with other factors such as the area she has for her, and the size of the panels themselves, you may be able to achieve excellent results in this case.

Pollution and long-term inconsistencies

Solar energy may be clean from a general point of view, however, remains vulnerable to contamination, that this factor may decrease the effectiveness of a solar panel. Although most of the newer models have no problem with this, older models can be relatively easily affected, the technology was not as advanced in the past, and the materials used were far less reliable.

While solar panels themselves can not be a threat to the environment, if a network system is used far, chances are you need to use lead acid batteries. His life is much less favorable than that of a solar panel (about 5 years for battery, in contrast to the panels 20-30).

Consequently, you are not only faced with additional recurrent costs, but lead and sulfur content in the batteries can be very harmful to the environment acid. Mismanaged, their use can lead to significant problems.

There are ways around this, of course, that over 90% of these materials in lead-acid batteries can be recovered in the recycling process. What you have to do is make sure that you extend the battery life for as long as possible, and take them to a recycling plant later.

Summary

In general, we can say that there are many disadvantages in using solar energy as an efficient source of energy for your home. As we have seen, however, all these disadvantages depend on the ability of people to determine exactly what they need, and to compare the results of their abilities. With a correct assessment of the situation, you may actually be able to find a viable solution.

There is no reason why it can not benefit from the positive aspects of this energy source, however, it is noted that the technology is still in its infancy, and if you want to get a good cost / quality you have to do a lot of research, and be aware of any potential problems.

However, experts believe that in a few years, solar energy will gradually become much cheaper, more accessible and more effective. Keep an eye on technological advances, so if you’re a fan of solar energy, you never know when an opportunity may be “shine” in which on the right track.

Converting Your Business to Solar Power

Before his conversion to solar energy business, you want to make sure you make a sound fiscal investment. Solar energy makes a big statement to its customers in its environmental conscience, but just want to make sure that you also get a tangible return on investment.

In the past five years, the commercial use of solar energy has increased by 487% as businesses see that installation costs are manageable, while their dependence on the grid – and its electricity bills – tumbling. Large companies such as IKEA have adopted the concept; in your store Draper, Utah, 4228 panels that feed your store and produced enough to supply 120 households in the region each year surplus.

Solar Power Equipment installation for most companies

Solar power for the installation of the company requires the installation of panels are usually installed in the ceiling, but also can be implemented on the ground. Whether your roof is flat or inclined seal foot, there are achievable solar solutions available. Installers sturdy mounting brackets to the wind at the best angle to pick up as much sun and good inclination that allows them to increase production.

In the northern hemisphere, the panels are mounted in general, to address south and positioned to be clear of obstructions so that they receive at least four hours of sun during the winter solstice. While the panels are light, they can be added to the load on the roof, especially when they are covered with snow. If the roof can not withstand that weight, or whether it is small or is not configured for optimal installation panels, floor installation is the preferred alternative.

Lease and purchase options make install Attractive

Installation of solar panels can be expensive, but local, state and federal incentives can bring down the price. Many utilities offer grants, loans and loan guarantees to offset the cost, while some countries offer a 10% tax credit of up to $ 50,000 corporate and sales tax exemptions for certain purchases. At the federal level, companies can apply for investment tax credit of 30% has no lid and use a system of modified accelerated cost recovery (MACRS) for equipment depreciation. In addition, most providers offer solar lease options that require little or no down payment.

For most companies, saving monthly or annual energy is what makes the installation of solar energy attractive. A contractor specializing in commercial facilities can help calculate the amount of energy your system can generate and can help you determine how this corresponds with their energy needs. Then, you can determine how much your utility costs for electricity to be replaced with solar energy – some companies are able to go to 100% or more (which is the case of IKEA), and some companies simply choose to supplement their needs by 50% or more solar. Even if you decide to install panels to manage part of their consumption, you can continuously add. If you generate more energy than you consume, you can sell back to the power company to offset their own utility costs.

To determine how solar energy to offset the energy costs of your business, contact a specialist in solar energy to information and a free quote.

A Few Advantages of Solar Power

As a result of concern for the environment and the increasing prices of traditional energy sources, solar energy has received much more press than in the past. Besides being a great way to reduce their reliance on public utilities and energy sources based on fossil fuels, many are finding that there are many other advantages of using renewable energy to power your home or business. To make things easier, the cost of solar panels is declining, so its purchase and installation much easier.

Here are some of the tangible benefits of owning solar panels:

Easy installation

Although some owners are trying to take the installation of your panel, you can greatly benefit from hiring qualified solar installers to install solar panels for you. This is not only very affordable but makes the simple, quick and easy process.

Lower energy costs

One of the most popular use of solar energy reasons is the fact that the use of its own solar panels rather than your local utility company can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. In fact, having panels installed and maintained, usually without monthly cost associated with ownership of the solar panels. In some cases, you can choose to take a solar lease or loan program which will have a monthly cost associated with it. These types of programs remains generally result in a net savings for the consumer.

Emergency stop

Do you have occasional or frequent power outages when the weather is bad or the demand is particularly high? Unless you have an emergency power generator, it can mean an uncertain amount of time without power. Most solar systems use a series of panels with battery to store electricity for use when the sun does not shine. Therefore, it can remain fully operational, even when your local electricity provider is not.

Clean Power

Because you receive your electricity from the sun, you do not have to worry about the same pollutants and other harmful side effects associated with energy sources from fossil fuels. Even alternative sources of energy such as nuclear energy produces products such as radioactive waste. Solar energy, on the other hand, is very durable, renewable and environmentally friendly.

Tax Relief

To force more people to install renewable energy sources such as solar energy, the government has created a variety of tax incentives, rebate programs and other incentives. Combining state incentives and federal entities, you can start using solar energy much less impact on your personal finances.

These five benefits, with countless other which are the result of a focus on the solar panel and other sustainable energy sources are now the perfect time to give it a shot. Because most homeowners trying Solar start saving money in the first month of installation, there is no reason to wait any longer.

How Mobile Solar Technology Can Change the World?

We can not go on forever with our current methods of energy production for the world. We consume natural resources at a rate of emptying and dangerous byproducts production and pollutants that often cause serious environmental damage. Fortunately, in recent years, the development of methods of sustainable energy production has attracted much attention. Many methods of renewable energy production have made great progress. Of all the types of sustainable energy production there, solar energy is probably the most advanced and well-known at this point in time.

Residential panels have grown steadily in popularity since it became available to the public, and many companies that want to show they are conscious use solar energy to the environment as part of the energy used to run their business. Whole houses will run on solar electricity when found, but having homes and businesses using solar energy is impressive solar technology, the mobile could produce a major change in terms of energy for the world.

While the vast majority of renewable energy methods require large fixed pieces of equipment, there are types of solar panels that are flexible and mobile. Traditional panels that most people are used to thinking big, solid, strong and fragile. These are the types of plates that are normally seen in buildings that have installed solar power system. They are not the only type of panel there, however. Although still very expensive due to the fact that they are a new technology, the most efficient methods to produce them must be found. There are movable panels that are flexible, you can roll up and transport, have been in development.

This new technology presents many exciting new opportunities. When these flexible panels are becoming more affordable while providing the ability to feed any outside parties to domestic charities in remote areas of the globe. Wherever there is enough sun to power a panel, which will be able to have electricity. This could make a significant difference in many third world countries where there is a lack of funds to install the type of infrastructure needed for electricity in remote villages and other places.

While traditional solar panels are made of fragile materials and mostly have to stay in place, these new panels offer a flexible set of new opportunities to harvest solar energy in places that would have been completely impossible before. This ability to provide energy in remote locations could be an important element of change for groups dedicated to improving the standard of living in poor and remote areas. Hopefully this technology is rapidly beginning to find its way into the knowledge and common use, as it can only be one of the greatest inventions of this generation.

The Advantages Of Using Solar Garden Lights

Solar garden lights are gaining popularity among most homeowners these days. Solar lights come in various designs and styles. You can choose from a wide variety of devices corresponding to decorate your garden. The biggest advantage of using these lights in your garden is that you should not use electricity for lighting. They use solar power. There are several other benefits of using solar lights.

Garden lighting is very important for the whole house. The beauty of your garden can be enjoyed in the evenings too. The beautiful lighting not only add value to your garden, but also illuminate all surrounding areas overnight. This helps keep intruders and improves the security of your home at night. In addition, your home will have a special visual appeal overnight. The lights are also useful for visitors who come home at night because they can find their way home without any difficulty. Different types of lamps can be used in your garden according to the areas that you need to stand out.

Another advantage of using the solar garden lights is that they are profitable. Because they do not require energy electricity bills will be greatly reduced. Also, your garden will be fully illuminated during periods of power outages. So you do not have to worry about these situations either. Solar lights are easy to install. They do not require any wiring and therefore no excavation is required around the garden. So your garden will be free from this unnecessary hassle. The devices will be installed in the necessary places without any difficulties.

These lights use solar energy for lighting. During the installation of the lights you need to pay attention to one thing. See that solar panels are placed in areas where they receive direct sunlight without any hindrance. This will ensure that absorb maximum sunlight becomes the required form of energy. Solar lights these days use powerful LED lights are very bright. They require very little energy and maintenance as well. Unlike other lights these lights work automatically due to the presence sensors. So you should not turn on and off manually.

Solar garden lights can be used to illuminate different areas in your yard as their playground, swimming pool, fence panels and other dark areas. You can use beautiful string lights on the fence and tree branches. Stains can be used to highlight the dark zones, how the lights in your driveway and various types of patio and pool lights for respective fields. When choosing the devices you need to remember to choose materials that can withstand all types of weather, as they will be exposed to all kinds of weather. So if your home has a modern or traditional design you can find appropriate types of devices that are tailored to your needs. You can buy the lights from your local dealer or even find online.

5 New (And Effective) Ways To Measure Event ROI

Events drive leads for sales and are a powerful networking tool that enables companies and brands to connect with their audiences and clients face to face. At least, that’s what we know. But as any marketer, sales rep and event organizer will tell you, qualifying those collected leads is anything but certain.

Why?

Because not all leads are created equal, and every individual at your event has their own unique journey to the final sale.

According to Statista, only 14% of B2B marketers’ budgets are being allocated for in-person trade shows in 2015. Because of this, event marketers are pressured to find the metrics that matter when it comes to proving value.

Traditionally most event organizers and sales reps have focused on the data that is generated before and after an event, which gives a good picture of who showed up, but not much else.

Here are 5 ways that event marketers can use the data that is being generated before, during, and after their events to create a richer experience for their attendees, while providing insights into the value of their show.

1. Social Listening

Using social media to track activity pre and post-event is nothing new, but keeping up with what your audiences are saying during your event could lead to valuable clues and insights to help optimize your event for the future. EventTrack revealed that nearly 77% of event marketers use social media as a key engagement strategy before an event. But that number drops to 61% after the event. It seems silly that most organizers would disappear on social after their event is over, and even sillier that we wouldn’t be prioritizing social media during events!

Try setting up a social listening dashboard to track your event’s unique hashtag. (And if you don’t have one of those, you’d better jump on that bandwagon!) Look for valuable clues such as sentiment, number of posts, images, etc. from your audience. Are they posting quotes from speakers who inspired them? Or are they complaining that the speaker went on too long? Are they posting a ton of photos about a specific exhibitor’s booth or product that they’re excited about? Those comments can go a long way to tailoring future events and finding the content that’s really connecting with your audience.

Using that social data will help you identify engaged attendees who really are invested in your event. Or use that social data to generate post-event content that you know your attendees loved by sending out notes from your most popular speakers, creating graphics based on trending quotes from your sessions, point audiences towards presentations that were used during keynotes, post photos of people having fun and enjoying themselves, or send out a newsletter highlighting all the great social activity that your event attracted to make attendees feel special.

Some tools you can use to set up an easy to use social listening dashboard:

• Hootsuite – Set up an alert for your event’s unique hashtag or name and collect all social mentions on your registered social accounts. The mobile app will allow for real-time responses and monitoring no matter where you are on the floor.
• Google Alerts – An “oldie but goodie” in terms of being able to have all mentions from around the web about your conference’s hashtag or name sent directly to your email account.
• Mention – A personal favorite of mine for setting up a dedicated dashboard to listen for any mention of your show. Mention pulls in everything from blogs, to forums, to social posts all in one dedicated location.

2. In-Event Surveys

Want to know what your audience thought about the speakers or exhibitors you’ve booked? Ask them while the content is still fresh in their mind! Sending out surveys during or the night of an event is a great way to gauge interest from your attendees and an excellent way to collect additional data that you can use when planning for your next one. How long did they spend at the session? Did they enjoy the topic? Is there anything else they wish the speaker would have covered? What topics are they most interested in?

Don’t forget to look at the metrics that come with your survey as well, such as open rate, bounce rate, time on page, etc. Those people who took the time to give you feedback might be qualified leads waiting to be added to your sales pipeline! And what a great excuse to follow up with them to thank them for their time, whether the response was good or bad!

Don’t forget to pool your exhibitors for their thoughts and feedback on the event. They are in the trenches talking to your attendees, and they can probably offer some unique insights as to how they thought the event’s marketing worked, what could be done better, attendee attitude, etc.

Some survey tools you can use during your event to maximize attendee response:

• Your Mobile App – If your conference has a dedicated mobile app that allows for surveying, this is an effective way to reach those who are already engaged and using your content to find their way around. Create surveys on the fly or work with your speakers to craft a questionnaire that will give valuable insights.
• Email – If you’re collecting attendee email addresses at your event (and you really should), then you already have a direct way to connect with them to gain insights. Not everyone will respond during the event, because hopefully they’re still engaged with the event itself, but you might be surprised who answers after the day is over.
• SurveyMonkey – A powerful and free survey tool to help you manage the email addresses, which allows organizers to “jazz up” their content a bit. Pro tip: Add your company’s branding to legitimize the messaging and increase response rate.

3. Targeted Messaging

Image Source

If you’re tracking movement during your event using beacon or RFID technology, then you have a good idea of where people are gravitating on the floor. Most event organizers send out messaging via their conference app, or using emails to “remind” attendees of upcoming speakers, special offers, etc.

Use that digital data to help understand which messaging and attractions at your event really resonated with attendees or inspired them to attend. For example, you can correlate how many individuals were scanned going to the events that you messaged them about via your conference app or use the email analytics to understand who was reading your content and who wasn’t. Not only will you have a better understanding of what messaging really caught people’s attention, you can prove to speakers, exhibitors, and your boss, which partners you should be securing for future events who will really drive attendance and traffic.

4. Gamification

Gamification is a trend that’s worth looking into when it comes to live events. What better way to engage attendees and get them excited about exhibitors, speakers, and parties than by creating a fun game with swag to encourage them to discover?

Some examples of successful gamification methods would be:

• Scavenger hunts – just as much fun as when you were a kid, but now you’re competing for grown-up prizes, and there’s networking along the way.
• Photo quests – encourage attendees to find locations or people to snap photos of that they can post to their social channels; it gets them to use your event’s hashtag, while promoting how much fun they’re having (and again, there’s prizes).
• Social check-ins – getting people to check in at certain event locations can be difficult, but not when you incentivize them or make it part of a bigger game!
• Networking challenges – Who’s going to be the first to collect 100 business cards or gain 20 new followers on Twitter?

The data that these types of games collect will be invaluable to knowing whether or not your content was compelling, and will help you understand which of your attendees were really interacting with your event.

Getting exhibitors in on the game is another great way to collect data too. They will appreciate the increased networking opportunities, and you will be able to see how actively people participated and where they went. Those attendees who enthusiastically played along may qualify as sales leads for your organization or possible thought-leaders to partner with in the future to help promote upcoming events or content that you plan on releasing.

5. Mobile App Insights

Your event’s mobile app is a treasure trove of attendee activity that you can export and use to produce data-driven insights. Beyond the total number of downloads, ask your app provider for a full breakdown of who used the app and how to discover whether or not it was effective. Did your attendees use the messaging function? Or were they more focused on the app’s networking capabilities? You could even send out a survey to ask attendees what improvements you could make to your event’s app. Those metrics will drive a better understanding of your audience’s needs as well as improve functionality.

Using this kind of digital data to help inform the layout, agenda, and messaging for your event will take a lot of the guesswork out of planning, not to mention deliver a more qualified list of leads to your sales teams! And because events are an expensive and immersive experience for everyone involved, marketers need these kinds of insights to help them prove value to their attendees, sponsors, speakers, and exhibitors.

Conclusion

Connecting with your prospects and clients in person is key to driving your sales and marketing. As described in this post, I am proposing several ways that you can learn about the actual experience of your attendees. Because each attendee has their own agenda, priorities and social behavior, it is complicated to understand every journey throughout your event.

At the very least, you should identify and understand those attendees who are the most engaged at the event. By focusing on these attendees, you will be able to optimize your messaging before, during, and after future events? With the right combination of tools, you can reveal much about your attendees and translate this on broader scale into successful sales and marketing campaigns.

Watch Our Upcoming Webinar

Brian Friedman will be the presenter in our upcoming webinar, How to Leverage Data to Drive Event Marketing Decisions. Signup if you’d like to learn more.

About the Author: Brian Friedman is the founder and CEO of Loopd. Design driven product leader socializing technology through wearables and analytics.