Vital Factors to Consider While Choosing PV Powered Lighting

PV lighting means lights powered by electricity produced from the solar panels. Some popular examples include pathway or garden lights.  There are the parking lot luminaries including solar panel on its top. Usually, such stand-alone or off-grid systems have only a single power source that is SUN.

Hybrid and utility-connected systems are very complicated because solar energy is blended with different power sources. It includes wind powered generators, utility-generated grid and fossil fuel-powered generators.

Night time off-grid lighting applications

Solar energy is collected in a single or more PV panels and stored in batteries. At night, the energy is released to power the light sources.

Components of PV lighting system

·         PV panels

·         Electronics (inverter, timer, switch, battery charge controller)

·         Batteries

·         Light sources (lamps)

·         Luminaries

Initial cost of purchase and maintenance cost (of several components) is high in comparison to grid connected traditional lighting system. In addition, installing and designing PV lighting system is more intricate than the conventional grid-powered system.

Vital factors to consider while selecting PV lighting

Quantity of solar irradiance

Solar radiation that the earth receives is 1367 W/sq m. However, as the solar radiation traverse the air mass, the amount reduces. Solar radiation means the radiant energy released by the sun.

Solar irradiance means the radiant flux amount on any surface. At sea level, solar irradiation is low. Generally, low solar radiance becomes available as you move farther from the equator. Weather too affects solar radiance for example it is longer in summer than winter. Solar irradiance gets affected by trees, snow, buildings, and dirt on PV panels.

Aesthetics & structural concerns

Large PV panels can appear awkward. Wind load and structural support has to be considered to avoid hazards. If you decide to install small PV panels then both visual and structural worries will be reduced, but power generating capacity of PV panels will be restricted. Learn more about large and small solar panels visiting - los-angeles.solar

Cost vs. performance

From users point PV lighting system comprises of more components, so they are expensive than grid-powered lighting sources. However, in regions where grid-powered electricity is unavailable extending cable lines is very expensive. PV off-grid power system is a good alternative to provide lights at a camp ground in the remote mountains.

Most suitable PV lighting applications

·         In remote locations like nature preserves, mountain areas, state and national parks or towns & rural villages

·         Residential garden or landscape

·         Parking in remote regions

·         Waterfront areas and docks

People can see the pathway properly and can avoid hazards like falling or tripping. In parks and campgrounds, PV lights are pleasing because they allow you to see and navigate safely in appropriate direction.

Night time lighting applications that need moonlight levels are basically well-suited for PV systems. Just a small amount of DC power has to be stored in the provided battery.

The light can be used for a limited period, at night. Thus, the solar panels chosen can be small, inexpensive and can be easily incorporated into a luminary design. In addition, the cost of the batteries is less.  

Solar Power System Usage To Protect Environment And Save Funds

Solar power, the energy emitted from the sun is a very powerful source of energy. Plants are one example as they make the best use of sun rays to prepare their food. Gradually humans are also moving towards the same pattern that plants follow. The only difference is the process.

Bay Area solar power is one such source to take guidance from in terms of the right panel to choose as per your residence and the facilities around. 

These panels enhance the value of your property and bring the amount in the electricity bill to almost 0.There are plenty of boons attached with the use of solar power panels.

The environment and bank balance protection

Once you have the solar power panels attached to supply electricity at your residence, the chances of you shifting to the use of fossil fuels are very low. Monetary angle is different but you also come across as green i.e. environment friendly. You take a lot from Mother Nature, but by preventing the increase in the levels of CO2, solar users protect the environment. 

Utility companies making use of fossil fuels to supply electricity but when you start using solar energy the non-renewable energy usage gets reduced. In addition, utility rates are high but renewable source provides power at cheap rates. Eventually your bank balance will rise and you may invest your savings into something more productive.

Independent source

Every year the prices of electricity increase by some percent. Though it is entirely dependent on the inflation rates of world economy, yet the raise does happen. Many researchers have claimed that there are no chances for the prices to fall down but are said to worsen even more.

Once you have the solar power panel installed, you become the owner of a ‘power plant’. The cost that you will have to bear is almost a fraction of what you would be paying post using the ordinary source. This way you may gain independence and freedom from the anxiety that the inflated prices you get through the heavy electricity bills.

You did look after your personal gain, the other perspective is - you reduce your country’s dependency on foreign sources i.e. oils. Congratulations, you just served your nation.

Trust the technology

Solar power panels come in a variety of forms. The best is the PV module. They are considered superior because their design is such that they may bear harshest of weather conditions but are helpful.

Several satellites have been making good use of it. The system has proved its metal. The pros attached with PV systems are:-

·         They have no movable parts

·         They emit nothing

·         They are silent

·         Almost no maintenance is needed

·         Once installed, you are free for almost one fourth of a century

Why solar panels are considered to be a boon?

Solar power is extracted from the closest star - Sun. The benefits attached with the use of solar power panels are:-

·         The energy used is renewable

·         The energy is clean and abundant

Be smart- use right energy for a better tomorrow.

Turn Your Dream Home into Reality - Best Guide to Choose Home Remodeling Contractor

If you are planning to remodel your home, then the most crucial step involved in the entire process is choosing the right remodeling contractor. Many people have certain standards about choosing it that may not be sufficient to choose the best one.

So, here are some of the most important suggestions that will definitely make you select just the correct one for your home. Take a look at them and be ready to turn your dream home into reality!

 

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Ask around and do your homework well

Asking referrals can make a great difference in the selection process for remodel works bath and kitchen remodeling. You never know who can suggest you the one that can suit best to your remodeling project. So, ask for referrals to your friends, family members, colleagues, and other reliable persons and know their experience.

After you get certain recommendations, it is now time for you to do a proper research on it. You can contact them directly or visit their website. You need to also find out whether the contractor holds appropriate license from state or local organizations relevant to his field. A smart homework can be really beneficial for you while selecting a remodeling contractor.

You get what you pay for!

It is true that price is not the only parameter to judge any of the remodeling projects, but it is an important criterion though. Price is directly related to the quality. Remember that the cheapest deals are not always ideal.

Ask your remodeling contractor for his valuable recommendation about the different aspects of the project. You can even request for a written details of all the materials that will be required for the entire job.

A low bid can indicate the use of low quality materials, so don’t get carried away by such tempting discounts or unreasonable quote. The most appropriate bid is possibly somewhere in middle.

Get everything in writing

After you select the remodeling contractor for your home improvement project, it is now time to check out the documentation prepared by them. Find out whether they appear professional or not. Evaluate each and every point of the contract well. Ensure that it is balanced, fair and up to your requirements.

There are certain important things that must be included in the contract. These things can be the site plan, bid price, payment schedule, and sequence of primary construction tasks, warranty, and an additional clause about resolution of disputes, change-order clause, and other important things.

Be clear with your budget

You should be upfront about the home remodeling budget. Breaking the entire project into multiple stages can also be a good idea. You may think that it may actually increase the total price as a result of repeating start up expenses, but it can be indeed a great option to spread out the price over time.

A final walk through is needed to complete the entire selection process. Contact your contractor and take written notes for the tasks needed to be accomplished. 

To conclude, ensure that your contractor properly meets all your requirements and be sure to check for the above points. Once you feel that you can rely on the particular contractor, you can then sign the agreement with confidence.