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solar power

BUILDING + LAND, home renovation

Beyond Savings: 7 Reasons to Make the Switch to Solar Power

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Property owners and managers usually spend money on maintenance and upgrades to improve the longevity and attractiveness of their property. However, some install solar panels to reduce reliance on grid electricity and save money.

A quality, well-installed solar panel can provide enough power for a homestead for years. Solar systems require minimal maintenance and can last at least two decades without expensive repairs or replacement. However, the advantages of solar power go beyond these. This article highlights seven reasons property owners and managers should consider switching to solar energy.

Reduced Electricity Consumption

Uninterrupted power supply is essential for homes and industries. It keeps machinery and appliances running smoothly and prevents interruptions affecting production or routine chores at home. However, achieving reliable, uninterrupted power can be expensive due to backup generators and infrastructure costs.

For example, electric power backup solutions like a generator or large battery require significant upfront investment. Additionally, maintaining and running backup systems adds to the overall expense of ensuring buildings have enough power, even during power outages.  

Solar panels offer a sustainable and affordable way of generating electricity. They allow business operators and homeowners to rely less on the traditional power grid and reduce electricity bills.

However, property owners can only enjoy the full benefits of going solar if they choose the right system for their needs. So, property owners should work with solar power of oklahoma to install the best system. Reputable solar installers can help ensure the power system operates efficiently and produces maximum power.

High Return on Investment

Solar systems can be affordable to install, especially with tax incentives or rebates. However, quality systems require a significant upfront investment, including the buying price and professional installation, to ensure sufficient power supply.

Investing in a solar system has a great return on investment. Homeowners can recoup the money spent on solar power systems within a few years since they will pay low or no electric bills. Over time, the long-term savings on energy costs can outweigh the initial expenses, making solar systems a smart financial choice for homeowners.

Higher Property Value

Many home buyers want value for their investment, so they look for energy-efficient homes. They look for homes with modern appliances and good insulation to ensure comfort and lower utility costs.

Buyers also value homes with sustainable features, like solar panels, which offer long-term savings on energy bills. Therefore, homeowners who invest in solar systems will likely sell their property quickly and get more offers.

However, homeowners should work with a professional to maximize power from the solar system and complement their roof’s aesthetics. Involving solar experts might seem costly, but the results are worth every penny. Besides, the property owner recoups the money in energy savings or when selling the house.

More Environmental Benefits

Some power sources use coal, oil, diesel, or natural gas, which can harm the environment. Burning these fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

On the other hand, solar energy is renewable and emits no harmful pollutants. These qualities make it a good power source for homes and business premises.

Property owners who go solar will utilize the sun’s energy and rarely rely on fossil fuels or grid electricity. Therefore, installing solar systems helps reduce pollution, mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources.

Lower Health Risks

Harmful emissions from power plants, especially those burning nonrenewable energy sources, can cause severe health complications. Air pollution from these plants contributes to respiratory and other health problems that may require specialized treatment.

Companies that use power plants to generate energy may incur huge losses on compensation if workers take legal action after developing diseases associated with inhaling harmful substances. Homeowners may also spend time in hospital if harmful emissions from power plants cause health complications.

Property owners can reduce the demand for alternative power sources by installing a solar system. This can reduce the need to generate power-using power stations, which might affect the environment or human health. Solar radiation does not pose health risks, which means that users of solar panels are safe. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can also slow climate change, such as heat waves and heat-related illnesses.

Resilience and Independence

Businesses suffer substantial financial losses after storms and natural disasters cause power outages. Homeowners also experience disruptions to their daily schedules when power goes off unexpectedly.

Homeowners and companies can enjoy uninterrupted power during outages with a good solar system and reliable battery storage. The battery provides reliable backup, ensuring critical activities that require power remain operational even when the grid electricity fails. This reduces financial losses, improves energy security, and minimizes disruptions caused by unexpected power failures.

Power in Different Seasons

Investing in solar systems ensures a reliable power supply across various regions and seasons. Solar panels only require sunlight to generate electricity, making them effective even in areas with shorter daylight hours, as long as they have access to sunlight during the day.

Buyers should consider systems with modern solar technology, which ensures power generation in diverse climates. For instance, some panels are designed to perform well in colder or cloudy weather. Such systems make solar energy a dependable solution that owners can rely on for consistent electricity all year round despite weather changes.

Home and business owners usually prefer power options that are efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. Quality solar panels can offer these benefits and ensure they get the most from their investment. However, solar installers must assess the property’s unique energy needs and consider the building’s location, roof structure, and local weather patterns to choose the right system.

Expert assessment helps recommend the right solar solution or customize the system to match the power demands. This ensures optimum energy production despite changes in power demands or weather patterns.

Professional solar installation helps guarantee continuous power supply and prevent power interruptions. Solar installers can handle intricate electrical tasks and ensure the system conforms with building rules and local laws. They also provide homeowners electricity at every power outlet to minimize inefficiencies or electrical risks.

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HOME DESIGN

What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run?

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving your car out of the garage to start your work day while the sun is setting, and you’re driving via solar energy!

The truth is that solar panel technology is incredibly useful. You can power your home, your office, and even your car. These are all with solar panels. If you’re just starting, it can be hard to envision exactly how you’d use solar panels to do these things.

So, what will a 100 watt solar panel run? Read on, and we’ll walk you through all the details for you!

A Smartphone

Solar panels are becoming popular as a way to recharge smartphones and other small devices. A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to keep a smartphone charged for a day or two, depending on how much it is used.

Most smartphones use about 5-10 watts of power, so a 100 watt solar panel can easily provide enough power to keep a phone charged. However, it is important to remember that solar panels do not store power, so if there is no sunlight, the panel will not be able to provide any power.

Standard Laptop

Laptops typically use about 60 watts of power, so a 100 watt panel can provide enough power for a laptop to operate for about 1.67 hours. Keep in mind that the number of hours of sunlight and the efficiency of your solar panel will also affect how much power you can generate. Nevertheless, it is possible to run a laptop off of a solar panel.

A Small Television

A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to run a small television. The average television uses around 80 watts of power. So, if you have a 100 watt solar panel, you will have enough power to run your TV.

This is a great option for those who want to be able to watch television without using traditional means of power. A solar panel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

LED Lights

One solar panel can generate enough electricity to power a LED light for up to six hours. LED lights are a great alternative to traditional light bulbs, as they use less energy and last longer. Solar panel installation to power your LED lights is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money on your energy bill.

If you are considering solar, we recommend working with a solar professional to size your system and choose the right one for your needs such as the Blue Raven Solar.

A Small Radio

A solar panel can produce enough power to run a small radio for an indefinite amount of time. The catch is that the solar panel needs to be in a sunny location and the radio needs to be a very low-power radio. Even a very small radio can require a lot of power when turned up to a high volume.

Understand What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run and Make the First Step

A 100 watt solar panel on your property is possible. It can provide enough power to run a small appliance or charge a battery. They are a great investment for those who want to reduce their energy costs or be more prepared for power outages.

It’s important to find quality solar panels that you can use to power your home.

If the article has been helpful, continue reading our blog for more tips!

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

How to Select Solar Panel Installers: Everything You Need to Know

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Though it may not seem like it, solar panels can be installed very quickly. Often, homeowners expect there to be a lot more work that goes into the installation.

Before you can get your solar panels, you need to select solar panel installers. There are many different things to consider before hiring the right contractor for your home.

Let’s have a look at what you should consider before installing solar panels and working with the right company.

1. Consider Their Licensing

Any solar company that you work with should be able to provide you with credentials. They should be licensed and have employees that are licensed to work with solar panels.

For example, electrical and contractor licenses are both appropriate for a solar panel installer to have.

Being part of solar panel organizations is another great sign of a reputable company. This shows that they uphold best practices and are involved with education and learning within their industry.

These two factors combined indicate that they are probably a great company to work with.

2. What’s Their Experience?

Before starting to work with a solar company, you want to ensure that they have the proper experience. A company that has solar installation experience will know how to do the job properly and quickly.

Working with a company without experience is a huge risk, as you don’t know if they have the knowledge and skills to do it correctly. It can lead to issues during the job and issues later down the line that you may not expect.

3. Think About Pricing

With any part of your home, pricing is an important thing to take note of. You need to be sure that the solar panels fit within your budget before fully committing.

Making a budget is a great first place to start. This will ensure that you can communicate this with the company and find something that works for you.

Blue Raven Solar is an example of a company that truly goes above and beyond when trying to find a solar panel solution within the client’s budget. They can offer you the financing to make the process more affordable and stress-free. 

Working with an installer like this who cares is a great way to proceed with your installation.

4. Check The Reviews

While you should never take one review or experience to be what you’ll experience when working with a company, it is a good idea to look at them anyway. Taking the reviews of a collective group of people can help you understand what type of experience a company provides.

If many reviews mention the contractor’s cleanliness, you’re likely to have that experience as well. If there’s one bad review, don’t automatically assume the company is entirely bad. Many good reviews with one bad one may be indicative of an abnormal experience.

Select Solar Panel Installers The Right Way

When you go to select solar panel installers, you want to make sure that you do it the right way. If you don’t you may end up with a mediocre job or other undesirable outcomes.

Did you learn something about working with contractors? Please read more if you did!

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

Should You Invest in Solar Panels?

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Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.

Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.

If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.

Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term

Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.

This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.

There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.

You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money. 

Increase Your Home’s Value 

One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.

This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.

To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you. 

Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.

If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solar to get an estimate on some installation costs for your home. 

Go Solar and Save Money 

If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet. 

Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.

SHOP OUTDOOR DECOR…

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home renovation

Switching to solar power? Avoid these 3 mistakes

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Solar power technology has finally caught up with the promise. For decades, solar has been promoted as the future of renewable energy, but it had a lot of shortcomings that needed to be addressed before it could be adopted by the masses.

It finally has fulfilled its potential and many homeowners are jumping on board the solar wagon. However, that doesn’t mean that it is as straightforward as setting up a traditional electrical system in your home. 

To keep you from making a misstep when getting your solar power system set up, we’ve put together this list of common mistakes people make.

1 – Not understanding grid vs off grid

When you get solar, you aren’t off grid. Unless, of course, you are actually going off grid somewhere. If you will still be living in your home in a city or suburb, then you are still going to be connected to the grid. It’s actually the law in most places that you stay connected. 

There’s nothing stopping you from buying a house in the woods and setting up solar panels and battery packs and not relying on civilization at all. For the sake of this article, we will focus on when you are living in a connected house and simply want to go with renewable energy. 

You’ll actually get a better return for your investment when you go with a grid based solar system as you will be paid when you put more energy into the grid than you take out. Batteries are expensive and can make it take a long time to pay for themselves through the savings.

2 – Not understanding your energy needs

When you are in the planning stages of installing solar, finding the best electrician that understands your needs and solar power in general is essential. 

The solar panel company that you are in contact with likely has a salesman that is working with you and is eyeing his commissions while he talks you into a system. An electrician will let you know exactly what you need for the type of household you have. This way you don’t end up with too weak a system and end up relying on the grid, or too much so you overpay for a system that is more than what you need.

3 – Not shopping around for solar power options

A lot of times, when somebody decides to go solar they end up with the first company that they talk to. It isn’t like your regular energy company in that you don’t have much choice. 

So, make sure to talk to several companies to zero in on the right deal and the one that will be with you throughout your time with their panels. Customer service is very important when it comes to installing solar. If you struggle to get answers then it is time to move on. 
And be careful when it comes to being sent off to third party suppliers. Some people can save money when this is an option, but many more end up paying more and you can’t use net metering which is when you are paid for generating excess electricity for the grid.

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home renovation

8 Home Battery Storage Buying Tips

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Sick of dealing with power outages or have appliances and devices that can’t be placed at risk of turning off without a moment’s notice? Buying a home battery storage system is the best solution. Homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there. Read on to find eight home battery storage buying tips that can help make the decision easier.

1. Determine Power Needs First

It’s important to take the household’s power needs into account when sizing a home battery backup system. To do this, homeowners must estimate the power consumption of all their essential devices and appliances in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Homeowners working on a budget should keep in mind that many power-hungry devices such as air conditioners are not strictly necessary and can be turned off in the event of a power outage.

2. Consider Installing Solar Panels

Homeowners whose houses are tied to the grid can install a battery backup system without solar panels, but it will only provide power for a short period of time. Installing solar panels to power the battery bank will allow residents to access power even if the grid goes out for days at a time. Solar systems with battery banks can still be hooked into the grid. If they produce surplus power, homeowners can sell it to power companies to make back some of their investments.

3. Look Into Tax Credits

Homeowners who choose to install both battery banks and solar arrays may be eligible for a tax credit through the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program. Only batteries that are charged using solar panels exclusively are eligible for the tax credit, so those who choose to use grid-tied systems may not be able to get it.

4. Choose the Right Battery Configuration

There are two types of battery configurations that are common in residential homes. They are known as critical load backup systems and self-consumption systems. While critical load systems only run vital devices during grid failures, self-consumption systems are designed to operate during peak utility hours even if the grid is working as intended. They can help to reduce high energy bills but require a larger upfront investment.

5. Learn the Difference Between AC and DC Coupled Battery Systems

Homeowners who want to install solar arrays to charge their battery banks need to learn the difference between AC coupled and DC coupled battery systems. To put it in its simplest terms, the main difference is that DC-coupled systems are more efficient since they don’t require as many power conversions. However, they also require a larger upfront investment.

6. Hire a Professional Installation Technician

Whether homeowners plan to tie their battery banks into the grid or use solar panels to power them, they should always hire professional installation technicians. Working with electricity can be dangerous.

7. Buy the Right Inverter

Inverters are designed to convert the DC power produced by batteries into AC power. Make sure to buy an inverter large enough to power all essential devices and appliances.

8. Keep Batteries Safe

Batteries should be stored indoors but away from living areas. Ensure that they are kept dry and at above freezing temperatures to avoid problems with premature failure.

The Bottom Line…

Installing a battery bank is the best thing homeowners can do to increase their energy independence. Whether they choose to install full solar systems or just store power from the grid for emergency applications, it’s worth the investment.

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