Having a solar energy system installed can be beneficial for homeowners. Solar energy is renewable, so it’s good for the environment and your pocketbook. Solar panels can easily be installed on any roof and can help provide you with an ample amount of power throughout the year. If you’re looking to install solar panels, here are some things to consider before making that decision.

1. Location

The location should not be overlooked. The first thing most people think about when they start talking about installing solar panels is how much the installation will cost them. However, location can affect the price as well. Will there be plenty of sunlight hitting the roof? Is the house in an ideal place for direct sunlight, or must be shaded by trees or buildings? Think about where you live and what kind of sunlight is available.

2. Budget

One of the biggest considerations when deciding if you want to invest in a solar panel system is whether or not you want to spend a lot of money upfront. Or maybe you’re more concerned knowing that the initial costs aren’t too high but rather have to pay more overtime for electricity bills. Either way, calculate your budget carefully and see if solar makes sense financially. You don’t have to break the bank; however, you also don’t want to go into massive debt paying for solar.

3. Energy Usage

Do you currently use all of the hot water from the heating elements in your home? Are you constantly running the air conditioner to cool off during summer days? Do you know exactly how many lights you actually need at night? These questions will tell you whether or not solar would be a viable option for your home. Know the answers to these questions before starting the process. After all, if you have little or no space left on your roof for solar panels, you won’t get the maximum benefit out of the installation.

4. Solar Panel Maintenance

While it isn’t difficult to maintain solar panels once they’re installed, some small care might still be necessary. Make sure to keep the panels clean. Dust buildup could reduce the panels’ output slightly by blocking light rays. You can hire a window washing service twice a year to safely clean your solar panels. Keep an eye on the wires coming off the panels often to ensure they aren’t frayed. This could cause short-circuiting and damage the electrical system within the home. Also, know the lifespan of each solar panel. Some panels may last longer than others.

5. Homeowner Insurance

It is important to check the terms and conditions of your homeowner insurance policy before installing a solar panel package. There may be limitations placed upon the installer regarding the type of panels used. It is best to ask your insurance agent before purchasing solar panels since this information may already be listed somewhere in their policies. Insurance companies usually say that you cannot claim your installation as a replacement for the main building, even though the installation itself may replace the old roof completely.

Solar power is becoming more and more common in our homes today. For those looking into making a move toward using renewable energy sources and saving money through solar, these are some considerations to bear in mind. Take note of the things mentioned above, then consider the details of your situation when deciding to install solar panels.

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If lately, you’ve been opening the mailbox dreading the arrival of that electric bill, you might be overusing energy in your home or office. It’s necessary to have the power on if you work with computers or use electronics in your house–but did you know that there are hacks that can help you save energy and, in the process, save money?

Here are some tips for saving energy in your home and office, in turn lowering the number on that electric bill.

1- Install Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs

Traditional light bulbs don’t last for very long, and you can go through hundreds of them every year. More modern fluorescent light bulbs can last ten times longer, so you don’t have to constantly buy new ones. What’s more, they do not require so much energy to light up your house.

2- Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Did you know that the majority of your washing machine’s electricity is spent on adjusting the water temperature? Some people estimate that at least 90% of the energy spent during a wash is used to keep the water warm. Unless you’re washing clothes that require warm water to keep them in good shape, setting your washer to work with cold water will save energy and money.

3- Unplug Appliances You’re Not Using

You only eat toast in the morning, so why is your toaster plugged in all day? You might not have noticed, but even when appliances such as the toaster or microwave are apparently off, they still take up energy. Take a look around your house and see if there is anything plugged in that doesn’t need to be.

4- Make Sure Your Filter Is Clean

We often forget about the filters that keep our homes free of contaminated air. While you are breathing clean air, your filter is building up layers of dust and other particles, making it work harder than it has to…and taking up energy. Remember to change your filter and you can save around 15% of your energy.

Conclusion

These life hacks might not make bills any more welcome, but they’ll help lower the number printed on them. We live in a world where we need to use electricity, but we shouldn’t have to overpay for the basics. Try these tips and save money.…

DESCRIPTION

The HEB generator

This is a floating waterwheel that can generate electricity when suspended over a river or other flowing water regardless of the depth.

The unique chevron shaped paddle treads give the barrel the ability to rotate about its horizontal axis in fast flowing water, entering the water smoothly and re-surfacing without lifting water.

The merit of this design is the significant reduction of any down force (Coanda effect) and the bow wave in front of the barrel, thus increasing the efficiency of the machine. This would be an ideal product for today’s demands for cheap re-newable energy and would be a cost effective product for the pico hydroelectric or micro hydroelectric energy market.

This design has many advantages over other methods of hydroelectric power production.

• Quiet operation compared to conventional waterwheel.
• Easy to transport and install.
• Environmentally friendly due to shallow draft.
• Cost effective to manufacture, low capital outlay per kilowatt. 24/7 operation unlike solar and wind.
• Does not significantly interrupt river flow and can roll over debris.
• Adjusts to water level.
• Need more power? Install another HEB generator.
• Many possible applications:-
  Remote area power supply for battery charging, lighting, irrigation, refrigeration, monitoring
• Potential for grants and feed-in tariffs.