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

How To Save Electricity In Your Zimbabwe Home

Harare residents have for many years have been faced with electricity shortages. This, coupled with the introduction of pre-paid meters to many urban households, makes it common sense for everyone to want to save as much power as they can, both for the ‘national good’ and to save the few bond-coins they have.

Saving power and money means looking at how we can help conserve energy for our own good, however insignificant such actions might appear. To that end, here are a few tips on how to save electricity in your home.

Stoves: A conventional oven uses the same power as 18 microwave ovens. So if you can, rather use your microwave to cook. It is much quicker and cheaper. Do not defrost food in the microwave oven. Rather, take it out of the refrigerator to defrost. When you use your stove, match your pot to the size of the stove plate and keep a lid on the pot to conserve heat. If you have a stove with heavy, solid plates that retain heat, switch off the plate a few minutes before removing the pot. Also remeber that every time the oven door is opened, the temperature drops and the heat must be replaced.

Electric Kettle: Boiling one cup of cold water in the kettle for one cup of tea will save time and money. Boiling water in a kettle is much easier and more economical than using the stove.

Refrigerators and freezers: When you open your fridge door for more than a moment, it loses cold air. Cooling it down again will take a lot of electricity. So be quick and don’t let all that cold air out. Do not place hot food in the refrigerator or the deep freeze; allow it to cool outside first. Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer. Ensure that the door seals are in good condition. Do not put the refrigerator near the oven.

How To Save Electricity In Your Zimbabwe Home

Television: If you leave your television on in standby mode, the standby light alone uses up to 50% of the power the TV would use if it was actually on. So switch the television off when nobody is watching. You will be amazed at how much electricity you will save.

Lights: Try and replace as many of your light bulbs as possible with energy-saving bulbs. They last eight times longer and use 80% less electricity. Do not leave lights on unnecessarily.

Heaters: Rather use a temperature-controlled oil heater or a gas heater for space heating. Sit as near to the heater as possible in order to avoid the need to have both elements on. Switch off the heater when leaving the room for any length of time. Curtains help to retain the heat in a room. Draw the curtains early in the evening.

Computers: Always use the power button to switch your computer off. If you leave it on standby or in ‘sleep mode’ it uses up to 50% of the power it would use if it was actually on. Any other office equipment such as printers should also be switched off when not in use. By leaving it on you are wasting electricity and putting the machine under unnecessary strain.

Bathroom: Shower instead of running a bath. When you shower, you use less water. This means that your geyser will need less electricity to heat the water. You can save quite a lot of money this way.

Geyser: Keep it off. Switch on your geyser when you get home after work, and switch it off when you go to bed. Then you can shower or bath in the morning when the water is still hot. You’ll save a small fortune this way. Do not allow hot water taps to drip – you’re literally pouring money down the drain.

And that’s it! This list is not meant to be authoritative or exhaustive – there are many more ways we can save ourselves money (and power units). Please feel free to WhatsApp or email us your own tried and tested power-saving tips.

Joe Ruzvidzo is the founder of Zimbabwe’s customer experience blog Consumerizim.

Email or WhatsApp 0772 881 704 to share your experience today.

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PlusOne Brands   March 22, 2019

How To Save Electricity In Your Home - Zimbabwe Tips

Due to ZESA and ZETDC’s monopoly, incompetence and continued intransigence, Zimbabweans are faced with both random blackouts and tariff increments.

We have to accept, both as members of the business community and as private individuals, the reality of the perennial electricity shortages and try and just deal with them. Some are running their businesses at night, others have stopped running their geysers entirely.

Saving power (hence money) means looking at how we can help conserve energy for our own good, however insignificant such actions might appear.

Here are some tips on how to save electricity in your home:

Kitchen tips

How To Save Electricity In Your Home  - Zimbabwe Tips

Stove:

• A conventional oven uses the same power as 18 microwave ovens. So, rather use you microwave oven to cook. It is much quicker and cheaper.
• Do not defrost food in the microwave oven. Rather leave it in the refrigerator to defrost.
• When you use your stove, match your pot to the size of the stove plate. Also, keep the lid on the pot to conserve heat and energy.
• Do not cook food for longer or with the controls set higher than absolutely necessary.
• If you have a stove with heavy solid plates that retain heat, switch off the plate a few minutes before removing the pot.
• Keep oven doors completely closed until the food is cooked. Every time the door is opened the oven temperature drops, and the heat must be replaced.

Kettle:
Boiling one cup of cold water in the kettle for one cup of tea will save time and money.
Boiling water in a kettle is much easier and more economical than using the stove.

Refrigerators and freezers:

• When you open your fridge door for more than a moment, it loses cold air. Cooling it down again will take a lot of electricity. So be quick and don’t let all that cold air out.
• Do not place hot food in the refrigerator or the deep freeze.
• Allow it to cool outside first.
• Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer.
• Ensure that the door seals are in good condition.
• Do not put the refrigerator near the oven.
• Lounge tips

Television:
Switch the television off when nobody is watching. If you leave your television on standby mode, the standby light alone uses up to 50% of the power the TV would use if it was actually on. You will be amazed at how much electricity you will save.

Radio:
If you are not listening to the radio, switch it off – this is an instant saving.
Light bulbs:
Try to replace as many of your light bulbs as possible with CFL energy-saving bulbs. They last much longer and use far less electricity. CFLs last eight times longer and use 80% less electricity. Don’t wait for ZESA’s “free” ones.

Do not leave lights burning unnecessarily.

Heaters:

• Rather use a temperature-controlled oil heater or a gas heater for space heating.
• Sit as near the heater as possible in order to avoid the need to have both elements switched on together.
• Switch off the heater when leaving the room for any length of time.
• Curtains help to retain the heat in a room. Draw the curtains early in the evening.

Study tips

Computer:
Always switch your computer off at the power button. If you leave it on standby or “sleep mode” it uses up to 50% of the power it would use if it was actually on.

Other equipment:

Any other office equipment, such as printers, should also be switched off when it is not in use. By leaving it on, you are wasting electricity and putting the machine under unnecessary strain.
Bathroom tips

Shower instead of running a bath. When you shower, you use less water. This means that your geyser will need less electricity to heat the water. You can save quite a lot of money.

Geyser:

• To save electricity, get a plumber to turn the thermostat down to 60 degrees. Better still, switch off your geyser when you get home after work and switch it back on when you go to bed. Shower or bath in the mornings. You’ll save a small fortune.
• Do not allow hot water taps to drip. Repeat, do NOT allow hot water taps to drip.

Swimming pools

Filter pump:
The filter pump is likely to be amongst the largest consumers of electricity, accounting for up to 20% of the home’s electricity consumption. Operate the filter pump only for the minimum periods necessary. During winter algae growth is limited and the use of the filter cleaning system can be reduced to once every
few days.

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PlusOne Brands   March 22, 2019

Check These 21 Tips: No-Cost Ways To Save Electricity By Sharzo Electro Centre

The best way to start saving on your electricity costs is to get smart with how you use electricity. Make these 21 no-cost changes in your home and you could save $500 or more a year, depending on a number of factors including the size of your home.

Now's the time to also join Team Power Smart and start a Reduction Challenge. If you can deliver on most of the 21 changes below, you could reduce your electricity use by 10% over the year and earn a $50 reward.

1. Turn off unnecessary lights: Two 100-watt incandescent bulbs switched off an extra two hours per day could save you $15 over a year. Better yet, switch to LED.

Save $15

2. Use natural light: A single south-facing window can illuminate 20 to 100 times its area. Turning off one 60-watt bulb for four hours a day is a $9 saving over a year.

Save $9

Get You Home Electrical Installations Done By Sharzo Electro Centre

3. Use task lighting: Turn off ceiling lights and use table lamps, track lighting and under-counter lights in work and hobby areas as well as in kitchens.

Save $6

4. Take shorter showers Hot water is expensive. If two people in your home cut their shower time by a minute each, you could save $30 over a year.

Save $30

5. Turn water off when shaving, washing hands, brushing teeth: Reduce your hot water usage by 5% to save about $19.

Save $19

6. Fix that leaky faucet: Fixing a hot water leak in your faucet can save up to $9 per year in energy costs. Learn how to fix that leak.

Save $9

7. Unplug unused electronics: Standby power can account for 10% of an average household's annual electricity use. Unplug unused electronics and save $50 a year.

Save $50

8. Ditch the desktop computer: If you're still using that old desktop, recycle it and switch to your laptop. If you use your laptop two hours per day, you'll save $4 over a year.

Save $4

9. Not home? Turn off the air conditioner:Turn off that old window unit air conditioner for five hours a day while you're away. Do that for 60 days over a summer and you'll save $16.

Save $16

10. Recycle or donate that old TV: Recycle or donate your old T.V.. Even if you're just using it an hour a day, that 42-inch LCD is costing you six bucks a year.

Save $6

11. Manage your thermostat: If you have electric heat, lower your thermostat by two degrees to save 5% on your heating bill. Lowering it five degrees could save 10%.

Save $120

12. Be strategic with window coverings: Promote airflow through your home and block the afternoon sun. You could save you up to $10 (2 fans) or $45 (1 window unit AC) during the summer.

Save $45

13. Reduce heat in the kitchen: Avoid using the oven in summer – try salads, smoothies or barbecue. You'll reduce the heat in your home and save on your home cooling costs.

Save $5

14. Run full loads: Cut one load of wash per week, even if you're already using cold water only, and you could save $18 a year on your laundry costs.

Save $18

15. Wash laundry in cold: By switching from hot to cold water for an average of three loads per week, you could save up to $22 per year on your energy bill.

Save $22

16. Hang dry your laundry: If you do eight loads of laundry a week and use your clothesline for 50% of those clothes, you could save $65 a year.

Save $65

17. Toss a towel in the dryer: A dry towel added to your dryer load can significantly reduce drying times. If you're doing seven loads a week this could save you $27 a year.

Save $27

18. Be efficient with refrigeration: Keep your fridge and freezer at their ideal temperature. For your fridge this is between 2°C and 3°C and your freezer should be at -18°C.

Save $25

19. Unplug your second fridge: Unplug that second fridge and save up to $55 a year. Freeze plastic jugs of water and use them in a cooler when you need them.

Save $55

20. Skip the heat-dry setting for the dishwasher: That heat-dry setting is expensive. De-select it and, based on one load of dishes a day, save up to $27 for the year.

Save $27

21. Use the microwave, crock pot or toaster oven: A microwave takes 15 minutes to do the same job as 1 hour in an oven. Use a microwave instead of your oven 4 times a week and save $13/year.

Save $13

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PlusOne Brands   March 13, 2019