Tag: electricity

5 key benefits of investing in solar panels

5 key benefits of investing in solar panels

Do you want to cut your energy expenses? In 2022, Americans installed solar panels in numbers sufficient to power 22 million homes.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels on your home. They’re a great alternative to traditional energy sources such as gas, coal and nuclear.

Are you wondering where to begin to gain some traction? A good starting point would be learning about what it takes to invest in solar panels. By finding expert help, you can discover everything you need to know to get started.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about the benefits and how you can invest in solar panels.

1. Reduced energy costs

You can reduce your reliance on grid electricity. This is a great way to cut down on monthly energy bills and save money in the long term. Solar panel owners can sell any surplus energy generated to the energy grid provider. You can significantly save on your energy bill depending on your system size.

These energy savings can range from 10% to 30%, depending on your location. You can also benefit from the state, local or federal incentives and tax credits in many areas. Combining these benefits creates a great return on investment.

2. Enhance the value of your home

Home-owners can benefit from an immediate increase in the value of their homes. Potential buyers are attracted to solar panels and their positive impact. This can result in a higher sale price when it comes time to put the house on the market.

Solar panels are discreet and have a sleek, modern design. It can improve your home’s curb appeal, increasing its value in the market.

Investing in solar panels is one of the smartest investments you can make for the well-being of your home and the planet. You can find them online if you want to invest in solar panels; make sure to only check reliable sources.

3. Environmentally friendly

Using solar panels means reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. It benefits the environment by significantly reducing your carbon footprint and promoting an energy system with lower emissions. Once the solar panels are installed and connected to the grid, your home’s electricity is produced free of charge.

They also require no additional storage like batteries, therefore, are more cost-efficient in the long run. Additionally, solar panels produce zero pollutants, meaning they are ideal for greening your home or workplace. Solar panels also require virtually no maintenance and last for up to 25 years, enabling you to reduce your long-term energy bills drastically.

Last but not least, solar energy is cleaner and renewable, helping to provide a cleaner and healthier environment. By investing in solar panels, you not only increase the value of your home, but also help to reduce the impact of global warming. Solar power energy equates to lower carbon emissions and a cleaner environment.

4. Reliable source of power

Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy and can be used to reduce electricity bills or provide an independent source of power. With solar panels, there’s no need to worry about inconsistent power supply or dangerous emissions from traditional energy sources.

The panels are also low-maintenance and require no fuel, making them an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint.

5. Flexible installation

With flexible installation, solar panel manufacturers allow panels to be installed in almost any setting, from ground-mounted systems to rooftop installations to multi-array systems.

The flexible installation of solar panels can tremendously benefit any property owner interested in a renewable and efficient energy option. This allows for the efficient use of space and the perfect positioning to gain optimisation of solar radiation.

By utilising more unique, out-of-the-ordinary areas, home-owners can maximize their solar energy production while reducing their environmental impact. In addition, it allows homes with roof obstructions or other limitations to enjoy solar energy’s benefits.

Solar panel manufacturers, with their flexible installation strategies, enable solar panel installation in nearly any environment. This includes everything from ground-mounted setups to rooftop fittings, all the way to multi-array systems.

Flexible installation allows households to make the most of their solar energy investment and reap the maximum benefits of their solar energy system. Businesses and farmers alike can gain from flexible installation options that include:

Roof mounts

Roof mounts can save you significant money as they require little maintenance and provide some insulation from the elements. Roof mounts allow for more flexibility in the placement. They don’t take up much space, freeing up other valuable areas for other uses, such as furniture or landscaping.

Ground mounts

Ground-mounted solar panels provide maximum space savings. They provide customers with long-term savings on their energy bills and the potential to produce a return on investment. It lowers installation costs because they require less specialised equipment and labour.

Plan ahead to invest in solar panels

Investing in solar panels is an innovative and eco-friendly way to reduce energy costs and provide energy independence. With numerous financial and environmental benefits, now’s the perfect time to switch to solar. Contact your nearest solar expert or installer today to learn more about your solar energy options!

For more helpful home energy tips, check out other posts on our blog today!

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North Carolina solar: 3 things you should know

North Carolina solar: 3 things you should know

Is inflation driving you crazy? North Carolina residents expect a reasonable cost of living, but prices on everything from food to electricity and beyond are going up, up, up! If you’re looking for ways to save, you’re not alone… and you’re in luck.

Believe it or not, you can cut if not eliminate your electricity bill by tapping into natural North Carolina solar energy. You already love the warm sun that makes the Tarheel State paradise, so why not harness its full potential?

Keep reading to learn how it can help you save money, too.

1. There are North Carolina solar incentives

If you’re itching to go solar, North Carolina is an ideal state in which to live. There are several North Carolina solar incentives from the state government to help you afford a home energy system.

One awesome advantage of installing solar panels North Carolina residents love is higher property value. Yet, home-owners worry that value comes with raised taxes.

Lucky for them, North Carolina has a property tax abatement for solar electricity systems. That means you won’t pay taxes for the amount of property value added by installing solar panels.

Net metering is another state incentive. This policy lowers your electricity bill when your solar power system generates electricity you don’t use. The excess energy converts into a credit to your account.

If you’re a Duke Energy customer, you may qualify for a solar installation cash incentive from the company.

In some North Carolina counties and towns, as well as major cities like Asheville and Greensboro, solar panel installation comes with other rebates and credits. They vary across the state and may change, so it’s best to check in with your local government to take advantage.

2. Federal incentives help, too

The United States recently started making a concerted effort against climate change. It’s great news for planet Earth – but also for household energy needs and financial health. Throughout 2022, when installing solar panels, North Carolina residents and Americans throughout the country can receive a 26% federal tax credit.

Keep in mind that in 2023, the credit falls to 22%. In 2024 and beyond, only businesses get a 10% credit. Households will no longer get credits at that point, so make your move soon.

3. You’ll prepare yourself for North Carolina disasters

Coastal North Carolina is dreamy when it’s nice out, but there’s a trade-off. The whole state feels the impact of tropical storms that seem increasingly common every hurricane season.

Those who’ve lived through such rough weather are no strangers to blackouts that could last days. When your only source of electricity is the power grid, you’re lucky to have a generator. Even then, you have to be careful because gas generators emit toxic fumes.

When your main energy source is solar, North Carolina blackouts could be less harrowing. Even if your panels fail in severe weather, you can prepare by charging large batteries before storms and other disasters hit. Storing energy like that is cost-prohibitive on the electrical grid but is free when using solar power.

Clever facts and handy tips

These North Carolina solar facts will help you save on your electricity bills, prepare for disasters and lower your environmental impact.

With that worry off your mind, take some time to learn more helpful tips and facts on this site. Click on another of our great home and lifestyle articles to discover how to make more of your time and energy.

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Zinsco breakers – unique product features

Zinsco breakers - unique product features

Zinsco has been a long-standing manufacturer of electrical breakers and panels since its founding in the 1930s. Most circuit breakers are used for use with electric baseboard heaters, air conditioners and fan air heaters when they comply with local codes. Furthermore, each Zinsco breaker is custom-built using a thick design so it can be used in load centres from Zinsco specifically. Some will come along with grounded copper wire which is usually for 120/240-volt capacity drills.

Despite this, Zinsco circuit breakers come in various forms and many of them may not even be directly labelled with a specific Zinsco label. For non-experts, confusion can ensue without expert guidance. To keep any confusion to a minimum, here is how you can identify the breaker type by its unique features.

Zinsco breaker types

Zinsco breaker types are either single pole or 3-pole. Single pole circuit breakers have one grounding screw and one circuit breaker terminal. The third terminal is used to ground the line. 3-pole circuit breakers have three terminals: aground, a hotline, and a neutral line. These breakers are commonly used in heavy-duty applications where more than three circuits are being run at once.

The thickness of zinsco breakers is also an important factor to consider when looking for the right type of circuit breaker for your needs. Thick circuit breakers have thicker steel that can withstand higher temperatures from overloading and fires alike without letting go of its hold on the circuit.

Voltage rating

Another feature to watch out for is the voltage rating of the circuit breaker. There are different voltage ratings for each type of breaker. For example, a single-pole breaker may have a 15 amp rating while a 3-pole breaker may have a 30-amp rating.

Size of the circuit breaker

Another thing to consider is the size of the circuit breaker. The size of the circuit breaker is measured in inches and has to do with how far it can reach into the panel before it will not be able to fit any longer. The smaller circuit breakers are usually used in residential settings while larger ones can be used in industrial applications such as manufacturing facilities or any other heavy-duty locations that require large amounts of power due to usage or production needs.

Types of circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breaker

Triple-pole circuit breakers are the most common type of circuit breaker. Also known as GFCI circuit breakers, they are used on the most common circuit that is in a home and are rated at 15 amps. They can be used to switch two or more circuits together without tripping each time one of them is used. They also have built-in fuse protection that stops the power from flowing through if there is an overload or short in the line.

Single-pole circuit breaker

Single-pole circuit breakers are also commonly known as single-pole switches, and they can be found in residential settings such as homes and small offices where only one circuit needs to be switched on at a time. They are also used in large industrial and manufacturing facilities that require multiple circuits to be switched on at once. They are rated at 20 amps and can switch up to four circuits at the same time.

Solid-state circuit breaker

Solid-state circuit breakers are more advanced than the other types of circuit breakers, and they are only used in industrial or commercial settings where higher voltage lines are being switched on. Since solid-state circuit breakers don’t have a fuse, they don’t have to be reset when an overload occurs in the line. They can also be used on commercial buildings’ main power supply lines as well as large equipment such as transformers, motors, or pumps. This type of breaker will require a transformer that is built into it to work.

Circuit breakers are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads and short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line. Each type of circuit breaker is designed for a specific purpose, and they are rated at a certain number of amps to ensure that they can handle the amount of current that is being passed through them.

The main function of a circuit breaker is to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits. They are used in the electrical system to protect the power lines and equipment from overloads or short circuits by opening the circuit when there is an overload or a short in the line.

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Let’s check out a few facts about solar panels

Let’s check out a few facts about solar panels

Currently, many home-owners worldwide are finding that solar panels are beneficial as a renewable energy resource. The sun provides free, natural light. These panels convert this light into electricity giving considerable savings in energy and expenses in an environmentally-friendly package.

With the installation of quality options like Solar3D panels, a home-owner has minimal maintenance or upkeep.

A simple clean a couple of times each year maintains the integrity while keeping the system positioned according to optimum daytime light conditions will ensure peak performance. Let’s check out some other facts about solar panels.

Solar panel fitter on a roof

Facts you might not know about solar panels

Before you decide to have a solar system installed, it’s important to do all the research to ensure it’s the right energy resource choice for you and your household.

While virtually maintenance-free, a home-owner needs to take steps above and beyond using solar panels to become more conservative with their power usage.

The greater your efficiency, the more energy you’ll actually have to spend with the potential to sell some back to the utility companies. That puts you in a very enviable position. Let’s check out a few bits of information you might now know on solar panels.

●     You can own or lease the equipment

While the equipment can prove a reasonable upfront investment, you don’t need to purchase solar panels. You have the option for leasing if you choose with pros and cons for either situation.

Again, as a home-owner, it’s essential to research both opportunities to see the varied benefits for each scenario. Purchasing can range from as little as $10,000 to as significant as $50,000. Still, leasing, of course, will be considerably less.

Saying that, you’ll most likely need to employ a multiple-year contract, so the price can prove to be comparable in the long run. One question if you purchase is, can you take the product with you if you leave the house.

●     What’s the condition of your property?

The panelling will be installed on the roof of your property. That means the structure needs to be stable and secure. If it’s old, unstable or in sub-par condition, you will need to consider repairs or updating prior to afixing the panels.

Working with poor roofs or roofs made of specific materials can greatly increase the price point for installing the solar system by as much as 25%. That means you’ll need to get quotes before jumping into the process.

●     Intermittent service is a consideration

The resource boasts saving energy and expense in utility costs, but it’s essential to understand you need to learn to conserve above and beyond the solar panels. In doing so, you can save energy that you can use on days with minimal sunlight.

Weather conditions, like days when it’s cloudy or raining, can mean intermittent service. Powering the house might be challenging. You might need to rely on the utility company at night or in the winter unless you’re exceptional with conserving to have a surplus to use in these circumstances. Click to learn if you’re getting the most from your system.

●     Environmentally-friendly resource

While the renewable resource saves energy and utility costs, the option is also beneficial for reducing your carbon footprint. The pollution level associated with solar energy is slight, with that aspect deriving from transporting and manufacturing as opposed to the actual usage.

An investment in solar panels as a source of energy is a commitment to preserving the planet with an eco-friendly solution to powering a home or business.

Again, the more ways you find to conserve in the household, the more you can become independent in your energy use from the commercial grid because you’ll create a surplus of energy.

Some of this you can eventually sell back to the national grid if you don’t need it all in a 24-hour period. Find guidance on solar energy for your household at https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2020/04/10/tips-for-adding-solar-to-your-home.html.

Grid of solar panels

Final thought

Solar energy is an affordable, renewable energy resource that many people are turning to in an effort to get off the commercial grid.

In order to become independent of that grid, you need to go above and beyond the panels to find ways to conserve your energy. It might not be an easy process, but it’s not impossible to do.

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