Top 10 Solar Energy Myths

Debunking 10 Solar Energy Myths: The demand for renewable forms of energy is on the rise in order to lessen the effects of global warming our environment faces due to increased pollution. 

We are surrounded by a plethora of renewable energies, especially solar energy, which has the potential to be used year round. Although this is true, there is still scepticism surrounding the benefits gained from solar energy. It is time to remove that scepticism of solar energy and improve the future outlook for it.

Myth 1: Solar panels do not work in cold snowy weather or when it is cloudy.

Fact: Solar panels work in sunny, cold, and even cloudy environments. The technologies of solar panels allow them to work effectively and efficiently and are even more effective in cooler temperatures than warmer ones. In addition, cloudy weather does not inhibit the efficiency of solar panels; they can be a viable source of electricity as they can still produce enough power. Even cold, sunny winter days generate a comparable level of electricity to what you would get from hot summer days. Examples of countries where such systems are efficient are Germany (world leader of solar panels), the UK, China and Italy.

Myth 2: Solar energy can still power my home when the power goes out.

Fact: Of course if you are living on the grid when the power goes out, the grid system also goes out as it is dangerous to run electricity to wires that electricity workers are trying to fix. As a result, your inverter knows that the grid has been shut off and shuts off the electricity generation that is driven from solar panels. 

Myth 3: Solar energy is too costly and is not economically viable.

Fact: Actually, if we look at figures from 2009 to 2015, investments in solar panels have generally been on the rise as they are becoming more affordable. Their average costs have fallen by about 30% percent. Globally, it is actually cheaper to produce electricity from solar energy than it is from coal. In addition, having solar panels allows you to give electricity back to the grid, allowing you to benefit from the feed-in tariff scheme.

If you are interested in investing in solar panels for your home, we recommend you act quickly in order to still benefit the Feed in Tariff in the UK. This government scheme is ending on 31 March 2019, but if you submit your application in time you could still benefit from payments over the next 20 years.

Myth 4: Installing solar is quite complicated and requires a lot of maintenance.

Fact: Actually, solar panel installation is relatively straightforward as long as you are using a reliable manufacturer. Ideally, if your system is connected to your utility grid, which is common among electricity systems, then it makes solar panels easier to maintain. The solar panels would just need to be cleaned with water to remove any accumulated dust or debris or snow that has been trapped on them. 

Top 10 Solar Energy Myths

Solar panels are constructed in a way that allows them to withstand harsh weather, including hail, sleet, etc. If you have a battery based system, it will need more cleaning than one without, but systems without batteries are more common and are cheaper than those that have battery systems.

Myth 5: Solar panels will cause damage to your roof.

Fact: Solar panels actually benefit the portion of the roof they cover by protecting and preserving it. In the unlikely event that the roof the panels are sitting on is damaged and needs to be repaired, the panel can be easily removed since they aren’t directly attached to the roof; they are just mounted on top of it. Usually, if there are any gaps between the rooftop and the panels, a sealant is used to fill in the gaps. In addition, the mounts are protected using a metal “flashing” or coverings for an extra barrier for protection. Always remember to make sure your roof is damage-free before mounting a new rooftop.

Myth 6: Excess energy can be stored in battery systems.

Fact: If you are living on the grid, your system is connected to the electricity grid, thus you would benefit from a net metering system. Additionally, if you are connected to the grid, you are still able to keep your current local utility company, so if you produce more electricity on some days, you end up having more electricity credited to your own account. Therefore, if you need more electricity at night when the system isn’t running, you end up using the extra electricity produced to power your home directly from the grid. This is done automatically so you won’t notice any changes when the switch occurs whilst still have a low electricity bill.

Myth 7: Reselling your home will be harder with solar panels.

Fact: Actually, solar panels would enhance the property value of your home. Many studies have found that homes with solar panels actually sell faster than homes without solar panels. Although the cost of solar panels ranges from £5,000 - 8,000, you end up saving on a long term basis as they enhance your home’s value by as much as £14,000 on average, but this is completely dependent on how much it will be worth. Additionally, as solar panels allow for increased savings from the feed-in tariff scheme, such homes are appealing to buyers as they would reap the continued benefits from the feed-in tariff scheme. 

Myth 8: Solar panel prices are based on the size of your home.

Fact: Solar panels are designed to fit the specific needs of each homeowner. When determining the cost of installing solar panels, special attention is paid to the orientation and slope of your home’s roof. In addition, the surrounding area of the roof is considered when building to make sure it is positioned in an area that has easy access to sunlight and is not obstructed by surrounding trees or buildings.

Myth 9: If we can use clean coal, why invest in solar energy?

Fact: Solar power is a cleaner form of energy than “clean coal” because coal isn’t really clean. Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels. Coal mining is responsible for a number of health problems due to the blasting of mountaintops and leaving a pond of black slurry in its path. The more coal we burn, the more damage we do to the environment as it increases the levels of mercury and smog and additionally increases carbon pollution, leading to more damaging effects in the environment.

Myth 10: Solar panels are bad for the environment after their lifetime is used up.

Fact: Actually, solar panels are built to reach a maximum lifetime use of 25 years, after which they can be recycled. This all depends on the manufacturer you use to install your solar panels, but knowing whether they will be recycled is a bit tricky as most solar panels are still working optimally. Additionally, some manufacturers will even recycle them for you free of charge.

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PlusOne Brands   March 26, 2019

Check These - 10 Tips For Using A Generator

Generators can be a real lifesaver. But used improperly, a generator can be a killer, too. Carbon monoxide and electrocution hazards are real dangers if you don’t know what you’re doing with a generator. 

Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind with a generator.

Never run a generator inside your home or an enclosed area. It’s safest to operate a generator in an open outdoor space with plenty of ventilation.

Tip 1: Never operate a generator in or too close to your house

Generator manufacturers warn you over and over about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Yet every year, people die from running their generators in their garage or too close to their house. The manufacturers aren’t kidding. You can’t run your generator in your garage, even with the door open. And you can’t run it under your eaves either. Yes, it’s a pain to move it away from the house and run longer extension cords. And yes, you’ll have to stand in the rain to refill the unit. But it’s better than burying your family.

Tip 2: Never “backfeed” power into your home

The Internet is filled with articles explaining how to “backfeed” power into your house with a “dual male-ended” extension cord. But that’s horrible advice and you shouldn’t follow it. Backfeeding is illegal—and for good reason. It can (and does) kill family members, neighbours and power company linemen every year. If you really want to get rid of all those extension cords, pony up the few hundred bucks for a transfer switch. Then pay an electrician to install it. That’s the only safe alternative to multiple extension cords. Period.

Tip 3: Let the generator cool down before refilling

Generator fuel tanks are always on top of the engine so they can “gravity-feed” gas to the carburettor. But that setup can quickly turn into a disaster if you spill gas when refuelling a hot generator. Think about it—if you spill fresh gas onto a hot engine and it ignites, you’ve got about 8 more gallons of gas sitting right above the fire. Talk about an inferno! It’s no wonder generators (and owners) go up in flames every year from that little mistake. Spilling is especially easy if you refill at night without a flashlight. 

Check These - 10 Tips For Using A Generator

We know you can go without power for a measly 15 minutes, so cool your heels while the sucker cools down.

Tip 4: Store and pour safely

Most local residential fire codes limit how much gasoline you can store in your home or attached garage (usually 10 gallons or less). So you may be tempted to buy one large gas can to cut down on refill runs. Don’t. Because at 6 lbs. per gallon, there’s no way you can safely hold and pour 60 lbs. of gas without spilling. Plus, most generator tanks don’t hold that much, so you increase your chances of overfilling. Instead, buy two high-quality 5-gallon cans. While you’re at it, consider spending more for a high-quality steel gas can with a trigger control valve (Justrite No. 7250130 is one example).

Tip 5: Run it on a level surface

Many small generators have “splash” lubrication systems with crankshaft “dippers” that scoop up oil and splash it onto moving parts. That system works well if the unit is on level ground. But if you park the generator on a slope (usually more than 10 degrees), the dippers can’t reach all the oil, and some engine parts run dry. That’s a recipe for catastrophic failure. So heed the manufacturer’s warnings and place your generator on a level surface. If you don’t have a level spot, make one. That advice holds true even if you have a pressurized lubrication system.

Tip 6: Keep enough motor oil and filters on hand to get you through an extended outage

Most new generators need their first oil change after just 25 hours. After that, you’ll have to dump the old stuff and refill every 50 or 60 hours. During extended outages, you can easily run your generator long enough to need an oil change. Don’t count on finding the right oil filter for your particular generator after a major storm. Instead, buy extra filters and oil before the storm hits.

Tip 7: Limit cord length to prevent appliance damage

Generators are loud, so most users park them as far away from the house as possible. That’s OK as long as you use a heavy-duty, 12-gauge, outdoor-rated extension cord. But even a 12-gauge cord has its limits. Never exceed a total length of 100 ft. from the generator to the appliance. The voltage drop on longer runs can cause premature appliance motor and compressor burnout.

Tip 8: Prevent theft

The only thing worse than the rumbling sound of a gasoline engine outside your bedroom window is the sound of silence after someone steals your expensive generator. Combine security and electrical safety by digging a hole and sinking a grounding rod and an eye hook in cement. Encase the whole thing in 4-in. ABS or PVC drainpipe, with a screw-on cleanout fitting. Then chain and lock your generator to the anchor. If you don’t want to sink a permanent concrete pier, at least screw in ground anchors to secure the chain. Ground anchors are available in the hardware department at home centres.

Tip 9: Running out of gas can cost you

Some low-cost generators with economy voltage regulators will keep putting out power as the generator runs out of gas. As the generator comes to a stop, the electrical load in your house can drain the residual magnetic “field” from the generator coils. Sure, it’ll start up once you refill it, but it won’t generate power. You’ll have to haul it into a repair shop and pay a pro to rezap the “field.” That will cost you about $40. But good luck getting it serviced in the aftermath of a big storm. Instead, turn off the electrical load and shut down the generator before it runs out of fuel. Let it cool. Then refill it, restart it and connect the load.

Tip 10: Bad fuel can stop you in your tracks

Stale fuel is the No. 1 cause of starting problems on all gas-powered small engines. Every generator manufacturer recommends adding fuel stabilizer to the gas to minimize fuel breakdown and varnish and gum buildup. But they stressed that it’s still no guarantee against future problems. So, many of the manufacturers and most repair shops recommend emptying the fuel tank and running the carburettor dry (run the engine until it stalls) once you’re past the storm season. If your unit has a carburettor drain petcock, wait for the engine to cool and drain it manually. Dump the gas in your vehicle or take it to a recycling centre. 

Always use fresh stabilized gas in your generator.

Continue reading the original article at Family Handyman.

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PlusOne Brands   March 26, 2019