How to reduce your electricity bill using solar power panels?

The rising rate of environmental issues is alarming and calls for sustainable and renewable energy resources. Solar panels are one of the best alternatives as they are not only good for the planet but can help you save a considerable amount of money on your monthly electricity bill.

An average monthly electric bill of $150 can cost you $1800 annually. This amount will increase depending upon the hikes in electricity rates. Going solar can bring you out of the vicious circle of high electricity expense.

Fixing a solar panel will make your electricity bill more predictable. It is quite beneficial for a person with a fixed income. Businesses can also improve their expense forecasting and management abilities.

Let’s look at some of the reasons how solar panels can help you lower your electric bill.

How solar power panel helps you reduce your electric bill?

• Get secured energy at a constant rate

Installing solar power panels can help you receive energy at a constant rate. When you are using a rooftop PV system to lock in energy costs, you no longer have to worry about the varying utility rates.

PV or photovoltaic essentially refers to energy from the sun and is derived from words ‘photo’ and ‘voltaic’ with Greek meaning as ‘light’ and ‘voltage’ respectively.

The only cost associated with a solar panel will be its installation cost which is a one-time investment. How much electricity bill you are able to offset will largely depend upon how you size the PV system. You can easily calculate the number of solar panels required to know the size.

• Net metering benefits:

Many countries now have introduced the net metering system. Under this, the energy produced by your solar panels which is not immediately consumed is sent to the electric grid. In exchange for this unused energy, you get net credits on your electric bill. This unused energy can also be used when the solar panels are not working due to the absence of sun at night or during a thunderstorm. As long as you are not over-drawing energy, your bill will be offset by net metering credits. Cost of any excess energy consumed will be added to your electric bill.

• Does not require any maintenance:

Your regular electricity meter requires maintenance every now and then. But, a solar panel once installed, rarely requires any maintenance. This means you can also save expenses on repairs and maintenance of electricity meters. The amount you pay for installation is a one-time fee. Solar power panel companies have warranties and other service contracts with the homeowners. They guarantee no extra cost maintenance of these solar panels.

• Space and resource optimization:

Solar panels can be installed on your rooftops. This means you don’t have to invest in any extra space to fix them. They do not require any large piece of land like solar parks.

Most of the solar panels use state-owned power grid as batteries which do not require expensive battery backups.

• Optimized energy utilization:

The power that travels from an electric grid to your home sometimes incurs huge distribution or transmission losses. This results in wastage of energy which is generated by burning fossil fuels.

When it comes to solar power panels, these losses are nil. This is because the energy is generated and consumed at the same place.

So, does it actually help in reducing electricity bills?

Overall, yes. You might not offset it by 100% as still, you will be needing grid energy when the sun is not shining. But, due to net metering credits system, you can save energy from your solar panels and utilize it when the sun’s energy is not available. This will help you save considerably on an electric bill. Remember, you will still receive the bill, but it will include only net credit and total utilization of energy if you use solar panels optimally.

8 Incredible Benefits Of Solar Panels For Homeowners

Solar panels have become quite popular in the past few years, and offer multiple benefits to homeowners in the United States. The economical and ecological aspects of solar energy systems are especially rewarding in a sunny state like Florida. Here is a list of 8 major benefits of having solar panels installed at your homes:

With Solar Energy Systems, Your Home Can Become Off The Grid:

With solar panels, you have electrical independence. You will no more have to rely on traditional energy for your home’s electrical needs. Traditional energy is created from limited resources like natural gas and coal, which in turn makes its consumption expensive. The market for this energy is also very volatile and is prone to changes regularly.

With solar energy systems, you can now have access to cheaper electricity and also energy security. With solar panels on the roof of your home, you are closer to being energy independent than you would have thought.

A Great Backup Plan:

The solar battery storage systems are lifesavers in times of calamities when traditional electricity may be cut off. These systems aid in electricity storage for rainy days and night time.

Easily Chargeable And Shockproof:

Solar panels are largely shockproof. This means you can save yourself the possibilities of electrocution and burnt appliance circuits. They also charge quickly!

These Are Any Day Less Expensive:

A clear advantage of solar panels is their comparative affordability to conventional electricity. Not only do they turn out to be less expensive from day one, some solar energy systems are built to supply energy for an estimated thirty years when maintained as required.

Solar Panels Bring Down Monthly Expenditure Of Families:

As mentioned in the former point, you can now save up on your electricity bill quite a lot. Over time, you will end up with a significant amount of savings just by switching to solar energy at every month’s end. This means that you can save up to thousands of dollars in electricity bills annually.

Scientifically, a well-sized solar photovoltaic system can offset about 70% of a home’s electricity usage.

Solar Systems Increase Home Value:

Did you know that quality solar panels could increase the value of your real estate? Savvy home shoppers find solar energy systems rather appealing. With the rising demand for electricity and increasing conventional electricity rates, companies that offer solar energy systems are expected to become quite popular.

Solar Energy Is Environment-Friendly:

Sun is a green source of energy. It supplies abundant solar power that we will never run out of. It is also an efficient way to reduce carbon footprint. With solar energy systems, there is zero pollution. There is no harm done to air or soil in its production or use. It is self-sufficient and installing the solar panels on your house’s roof is easy with a secure way to contribute to sustainable development.

Sun Is A Source Of Inexhaustible Energy:

This form of energy is not only sustainable in nature but is renewable when it comes to energy consumption. As long as we have the bright shining sun, you can reap the benefits of solar energy through solar powered systems.

How to choose the perfect Hurricane Shutter In Florida

South Florida experiences a hurricane season every year. With torrential rain and high winds visiting your locality regularly, it is smarter for you to be prepared rather than wishfully expecting the sun to shine and the storm to leave you unharmed!

When it is about Miami storm protection, accordion hurricane shutters are easily one of the most popular choices of Florida dwellers. While you will find innumerable kinds of hurricane shutters in the market, not all of these will suit your property and budget. And too many choices to pick from only make your task harder.

After reading this article, you will be in a position to understand the nitty-gritty before picking out your perfect storm shutter.

Types of Hurricane Shutters:

An accordion shutter is only one of the many types of storm shutters available in South Florida. Before you settle on this particular design, let’s explore the other ones you’ll find in the market today.

1. Accordion shutters:

Let us start with Miami’s favorite first. These shutters are installed on a slider or the windows. These slide from one side to the other. There is no width limit of windows these can be installed on.

The best part about these is their optimum lock system, and the level of maximum storm protection it offers.

2. Storm Panels:

Available in aluminum, steel, and clear Lexan, storm panels come with ease of storage. Steel storm panels meet Florida codes and are also the most affordable option of them all. Aluminum panels are equally credible under the state code but are more versatile in installation.

Glass panels can be matched to your property’s architectural style and also allows for sunshine to brighten up your interiors.

3. Roll Down Shutters:

You can operate this equipment from both the outside or inside of your property. An electric motor or hand crank is used to work these shutters. Roll down shutters are permanently installed, and are great at blocking noise from the outside. They can be adjusted to your preferred height.

4. Bahama Shutters:

Functional and decorative, Bahama shutters are essentially heavier aluminum shutters. Ideally set at a 45-degree angle from your window top, these permanently installed barriers provide great shade.

How to Select the Ideal Hurricane Shutter for Your Property?

It does not matter whether you are looking for a great hurricane shutter for your home, to protect your family in adverse stormy weather, or to safeguard your commercial premises. A good product is one that is optimally functional, reliable and also financially feasible.

Since not all storm shutters are made equal, here is a checklist of what you must look for when buying one of these:

Attributes Of A Good Storm Shutter System:

• Most importantly, your protection equipment must meet the required approval codes of Florida and/or Miami.
• Your choice should either meet or exceed the local code.
• The choice of a service provider is crucial. Contractors who are insured and licensed are the best.
• Your protection system should be strong enough to bear high rainfall, heavy debris and torrential days for days together.
• Be it accordion hurricane shutter or Bahama, it is best to remember that a little extra initial investment can save you big future expenses and also increase your property’s value

With this information in mind, your task of selecting the best protection for your family and property will definitely be easier.