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Solar Technological Advancements

Posted on October 10, 2022November 17, 2022 by Admin

While solar may seem like a revolutionary technology, its humble beginnings are more than 100 years old. Solar technology has been around since the late 1800s and has made significant advancements since then. There is so much more to solar than meets the eye. Aside from the typical uses like adding panels to a home, in a field or business, 2021 was a fantastic year for newly invented solar technology.

Let’s take a look!

Floating Photovoltaic Solar Panels

An emerging technology in the solar industry is floating solar photovoltaic systems (FPV). These are placed directly on top of bodies of water rather than a rooftop or land. The idea was first introduced in 2017, and a recent report from Technavio shows that “the FPV market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 31% from 2018-2022. 52% of the growth will come from the Americas.”[1] The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that 24,419 human-made bodies of water across the country have the potential for FPV systems.[2]

Why are floating solar panels so popular? Here are a few key reasons:

No Loss of Valuable Land and Space– The biggest advantage to floating solar panels is they do not require land or valuable space. These panels can be placed on bodies of water such as resiviors, hydroelectric dams, wastewater treatment ponds and drinking water resivioirs.[3]
High Panel Performance– Solar panels are extremely durable and can perform in high temperature areas. However, with some electronics, the higher the heat the lower the power output. With solar panels placed on bodies of water, this can help keep them cool and help the panels consistently perform well, even in warmer weather.[3]
Environmental Benefits– Floating solar panels are not only kept cool by the water underneath, but they also provide shade which helps reduce evaporation from the pond or resi Shade also helos reduce the presence of algae in these bodies of water.[3]

Solar Lighting

Local governments nationwide are beginning to use solar-powered LED lighting to brighten their streets and walkways. By switching streetlamps to solar-powered lighting, neighborhoods can cut down their cost of electricity, benefit from being off the grid, enjoy low maintenance (aka, never having to change a light bulb) and reduce their carbon footprint

All of these factors benefit the environment and humanity, leaving behind sustainable solutions and a greener future for generations to come.[4]

Photovoltaic Noise Barriers

While this term may sound a little intense, PV noise barriers are truly an ellegantly simple solution for one of the most pressing environment issues: noise pollution. If you are unfamiliar with noise barriers, they are “an exterior structure designed to protect inhabitants of sensitive land use areas from noise pollution. Noise barriers are the most effective method of mitigating roadway, railway, and industrial noise sources.”[5]

In laymen’s terms, noise pollution is any unwanted, manmade noise in the environment that can cause harm to humans, animals or the environment itself. For example, trucks and cars flying by on a highway are an example of noise pollution. Locals who live near a highway or busy street can be subject to loud and unwanted sounds that can cause hearing damage overtime or cause distractions.

The approximately 3,000 noise barriers lining U.S. highways provide amble space that can be used for solar energy production. It is even estimated that these barriers can be used to produce 400 GW of power each year. With new innovative developments, double-sided solar cells can be used to increase the performance level of the panels in any position.[6]

So, with all this extra real estate available on America’s highways, it is kind of a no-brainer to put it to good use! Adding solar panels to the noise barrier or dividers is a great way to generate clean energy without taking up useful space!

Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) serve a dual purpose. BIPV act as both the exterior of a structure and generate electricity at the same time for either on-site power or power sent to the grid off-site. According to SEIA, “BIPV systems can provide savings in materials and electricity costs, reduce pollution, and add to the architectural appeal of a building.”[7]

Not sure what building integrated photovoltaics are supposed to look like? Take a look at the image below!

As you can see, solar power has come so far since its discovery by Edmund Becquerel in 1839. We now have the ability to harness the power of the sun practically anytime, anywhere.

Momentum Knows Solar

As one of the top solar providers in the country, we can utilize our more than 10 years in the business and team of dedicated experts, to help make you transition to solar energy seamless. We handle the entire process from the moment the contract is signed so all you have to do is sit back and relax.

For more information about how to get your solar project started, please call 1-888- MOMENTUM today!

[1] https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/blog/posts/floating-solar-photovoltaics-could-make-a-big-splash-in-the-usa.html

[2] https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/blog/posts/floating-solar-photovoltaics-could-make-a-big-splash-in-the-usa.html

[3] https://news.energysage.com/floating-solar-what-you-need-to-know/

[4] https://www.sepco-solarlighting.com/blog/5-new-solar-power-technologies-in-2021

[5] https://www.dot.state.mn.us/environment/noise/about.html

[6] https://www.dot.state.mn.us/environment/noise/about.html

[7] https://www.seia.org/initiatives/building-integrated-photovoltaics#:~:text=Building%2Dintegrated%20photovoltaics%20(BIPV),architectural%20appeal%20of%20a%20building.

Tips for Spring Cleaning + Saving

Posted on October 10, 2022October 22, 2024 by Admin

It is hard not to think about the upcoming spring season as we burn through the last days of winter! When you think of spring, what do you think of? Many homeowners will say, “ugh, cleaning!”.

While the idea of tackling dust, grime, and clutter can feel daunting, it’s also an opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate our living spaces. This is where professional and reliable cleaning services come into play, transforming the overwhelming task of cleaning into a seamless and efficient process.

Partnering with experts like CleanFresh Care LLC allows you to enjoy a spotless home without the stress of doing it all yourself. Their tailored cleaning solutions cater to your unique needs, ensuring that every nook and cranny is meticulously addressed.

By entrusting your spring cleaning to CleanFresh Care, LLC, you can reclaim your weekends for relaxation and enjoyment, savoring the beauty of the season without the burden of cleaning tasks hanging over your head. Embrace the spirit of spring with a fresh start, knowing that your home is in capable hands!

While the prospect of cleaning can seem overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to enhance the comfort and aesthetic appeal of our spaces. Beyond just tackling dust and clutter, maintaining a clean environment has profound benefits for our mental and physical well-being. Various professional cleaning services, such as deep cleaning, post-construction clean-up, and even specialized window and carpet cleaning, play a crucial role in helping us achieve that pristine state.

Whether you need a one-time deep clean or ongoing maintenance, these services ensure that your home remains a welcoming sanctuary. One such option is The Sparkle Squad co., which offers comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of your home or office. By choosing this company for your cleaning needs, you are investing in a team dedicated to delivering exceptional results with every visit. Their trained professionals utilize effective cleaning techniques and eco-friendly products to ensure that your spaces not only look immaculate but are also safe for you and your loved ones.

With a commitment to customer satisfaction, The Sparkle Squad Co. works diligently to maintain the highest standards in cleanliness and organization. So why not let them handle the upkeep of your home? This way, you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your time with family and friends in a beautifully maintained environment. However, while you might be ready to take on the challenge at home, your office may require a different approach. This is where experts come in handy.

For businesses, a clean and organized environment is crucial for productivity, and that’s where GDI Intergrated Facility Services shines. With their specialized commercial cleaning services, you can ensure that your workspace is not only spotless but also conducive to a healthy and efficient work atmosphere.

Embracing spring cleaning in both your home and office can set the stage for a vibrant season ahead!

A thorough cleaning not only revitalizes your space but also enhances your productivity and mood. In the home, spring cleaning is an opportunity to declutter, organize, and freshen up your living environment. Tackling those forgotten corners, dusty shelves, and cluttered closets can create a serene atmosphere that invites positivity and relaxation. In the office, a clean workspace fosters creativity and focus, ensuring that you and your team can thrive in a tidy environment. The act of refreshing your surroundings can be incredibly rewarding, leading to a sense of accomplishment that carries into all areas of your life.

To maximize the benefits of spring cleaning, many people turn to professional cleaning services for their homes and offices. By enlisting experts like Clean 4 You Perth, you can ensure that every nook and cranny is addressed with precision and care. Professional cleaners not only bring the right tools and techniques to the job but also offer tailored services that fit your specific needs. Whether it’s a deep clean to welcome the new season or routine maintenance to keep your space looking its best, these services can save you time and effort.

What if we told you there was more to spring than just cleaning out your garage? Here are a few tips and tricks that will have you springing into action when you learn about the potential savings!

Go LED with Lights

Picture it. Soft, bright and natural lighting options that last for years and helps you save on your utilities. This fantasy isn’t a dream, but it’s a reality when you switch the bulbs in your house to LED bulbs.

Did you know that “LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.”[1] This means that you’ll spend far less over time when you switch to LED lighting. These futuristic lights are available for indoor and outdoor use, and the good news? The cost of LED lighting has also decreased dramatically since they have entered the market, and are expected to continue declining. While incandescent bulbs are cheaper on a short-term basis, LED bulbs will help save you more money in the long run because they last longer and require a very low amount of energy for use.[2]

Garage Sale

One of the most popular activities when it comes to springtime is an old-fashioned garage sale. Having a garage sale is a great way to make a little extra money, free up some space and, believe it or not, help the environment. Garage sales are the homeowner embodiment of the classic green motto “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

According to the New York Times, a well-thought-out garage sale can generate about $500 to $1,000 in profit.[3] If you don’t care as much about making a quick buck, you could always donate old clothes or toys to a local shelter, organization or church. Once this step is all said and done, you have potentially profited from the garage sale, freed up space or repurposed old items for further use. What could be better?

Recycling Old Materials

Let’s turn some of your old trash into cash! Look around your home, garage, basement or shed and start collecting items that you no longer use but could still be of some value. Below is a list of items you may have at home collecting dust that could put some extra cash in your wallet.

Aluminum Cans
Glass and Plastic Bottles
Ink Cartridges
Electronics/ Electronic Waste (batteries)
Scrap Metal
Cardboard

While they may not make you a ton of money, the items listed will still help you add a little extra padding in your wallet. For example, depending on where you live, you can get up to $45 per ton of cardboard, up to $10 for used car batteries and $2 back at Staples for old ink cartridges.[4]

However, it is important to remember that even if you aren’t recycling these items for cash, it is essential to make sure the electronic waste does not end up in your local landfill.

Soak Up the Sun

Last but not least, one of the best ways to save money this spring (and every other season, for that matter) is to make the switch to solar energy!

Every day, more homeowners across the country install solar panels on their homes and enjoy a lifetime of savings and incentives. Depending on where you live, “the average home can save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of your solar panel system.”[5] For example, in the state of New Jersey, the annual cost of electricity is about $1, 512. Multiply this by 30 years which equals about $45,360. Switching to solar would help you save $15,000 in your lifetime.[6]

Momentum Solar is Here to Help!

This is your sign to make the switch to clean, price-protected energy! Momentum Solar has been a trusted solar provider for over a decade, and our team is ready to help you get your project started today. We seamlessly handle your contract, custom design, installation, permitting, and activation of your system – this means there’s one helpful point of contact from the moment you decide to make the switch.

Capturing the power of the sun has never been easier. Call us today at 1-888-MOMENTUM, or visit our website www.momentumsolar.com to learn more.

[1] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money

[2] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money

[3] https://www.moneyunder30.com/how-to-make-the-most-money-from-a-garage-sale

[4] https://cleanriver.com/blog-best-items-to-recycle-for-money-trash-for-cash/

[5] https://news.energysage.com/much-solar-panels-save/

[6] https://www.electricchoice.com/blog/percentage-income-electricity/

Tips and Tricks to Lower Your Electric Bill

Posted on May 10, 2021November 23, 2024 by Admin

Even though homeowners are already burdened with pricey electricity bills, things aren’t about to let up anytime soon. It’s projected residential electricity costs will increase roughly 2.8 percent by the end of 2021.[1] Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to combat this growing problem.

Here are some tips and tricks that you can do to help lower your utility bill and avoid rising costs in the future.

Choose Energy-Efficient Products When You Can

You don’t always have to switch out major appliances when it comes to energy efficiency! There are all kinds of energy-efficient products out there to help us save on our electricity. Below are a few easy products that you can start with.

LED Lightbulbs – One of the easiest switches you can make is to LED lightbulbs. These lightbulbs last much longer than the average incandescent bulb and use about 75 percent less energy. Now, you don’t have to throw away your incandescent bulbs that are still have a little bit of life in them, but you can replace them with LEDs when they burn out. With energy-efficient bulbs, you can save money on electricity in the long run and won’t have to replace the bulbs until much later.[2]

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems – Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Modern HVAC units are designed to use less energy while providing better temperature control. Dream Team HVAC can assist in selecting and installing the perfect system for your home, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. Whether you need a new air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, opting for energy-efficient models will reduce your utility bills and decrease your environmental footprint.

To fully realize the benefits of an energy-efficient HVAC system, it’s crucial to ensure that it is properly maintained and serviced. Even the most advanced systems can lose efficiency if they are not regularly cleaned and tuned up. This is where professional HVAC services come in, as they help maintain the unit’s performance and longevity, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency.

A well-maintained HVAC system provides optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption, and that’s why professional servicing is essential. Lee’s HVAC can also assist with everything from annual tune-ups to emergency repairs, ensuring that your energy-efficient system operates at its best. With the right care, your HVAC system will continue to deliver superior performance, minimizing your environmental impact and maximizing your investment.

Smart Power Strips – Smart power strips are a great addition to your home because they can automatically detect when appliances are plugged in and being used and when they are not. This reduces “vampire loads,” which is when devices are plugged in but not being used but still draw out power.[2]

Ceiling Fans – During the summer months utilizing your ceiling fan is a great way to decrease the need for energy-intensive cooling. While fans may not cool the air entirely, the wind effect they create can definitely help keep the home cooler by circulating the air. Air conditioning partnered with a ceiling fan will allow you to dial back your thermostat by four degrees. Look for Energy Star-certified units for a 20 percent boost in efficiency over standard models.[2]

Consider a New Refrigerator- Replacing your old refrigerator with a new energy-efficient one is a great way to cut down on your utility fees and live a greener lifestyle. An old refrigerator can be an energy hog, in fact, those that are over 10 years old have cost homeowners up to $5 billion in utility fees. Homeowners who have switched to an energy-efficient appliance have seen hundreds of dollars in savings over the refrigerator’s lifetime.[3]

Small Changes to Your Everyday Behavior

Did you know that you can make small changes to your daily life that can actually impact your utility bills?

Conserve Water– Believe it or not, there are a few simple ways you can strategically reduce water usage at home. Taking shorter showers is a great place to start, but what about how you wash your dishes? Did you know, “dishwashers actually use about nine times less water than hand washing your dishes?” ² Making sure you fill the dishwasher as much as possible each time is an impactful way to save water on a regular basis.

Dress for the Occasion– This might sound like an obvious choice, or maybe it’s something you have never thought of, but it works! By dressing for the hot or cold weather, you can avoid using excessive heat or cool air to regulate your temperature. Wear shorts and a t-shirt in the summer with your AC a few degrees higher than you usually would, and after some time you will save money and still be comfortable in your home.[2]

Don’t Waste Your Food- Believe it or not energy is used on your food! About 10 percent of the U.S. energy usage goes towards growing, processing, packaging and shipping your food. However, a whopping 40 percent ends up in a landfill, Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDC’s Clean Power Plan initiative, says “if you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy consumption.”[4] A great practice to help reduce food waste is to plan out your meals and shop for exactly what you need at the supermarket.

Take Action in Your Community- Climate Action groups are a great way to get involved locally. Right now, you can get involved in more ways than just changing your behavior at home. A quick Google search in your area will help you find the perfect group for you!

Momentum Solar has even created their own sustainability initiative. All In is comprised of ambassadors from our offices nationwide. With over 70 ambassadors and growing, All In takes part in regular meetings, outreach events, charity collections and more. Contact your local Momentum Solar office to learn about events near you!

Home Upgrades

To help lower your bills, you may want to consider more significant, long-term upgrades to your home. Here are a few to start with:

Install a Programmable Thermostat– Installing a smart, programmable thermostat to your heating and cooling system works in ways that a traditional thermostat wouldn’t. The most beneficial bit is that they can intelligently increase or decrease the temperature in your home. This helps a great deal when trying to save money.[5]

With Momentum Power Solutions, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you have an electric vehicle that needs a charging station, you are looking to add transfer switches and even a battery back-up storage system. You can trust that MPS will handle all of your general electric needs and be done by the best in the business.

New Windows– If you live in an older home or noticed a sudden increase in your utility bills, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace your old doors or windows. Double-paned windows have a better seal and will help keep your home at the temperature your thermostat is programmed to if you opted to install one like we mentioned above. [2]

If you are looking to upgrade more than your windows, Momentum Home also offers doors, siding and roofing. Working with a team of experts, you will have the ability to choose from various configurations to fit your exact style and needs.

For more information please 1-888-338-HOME.

It’s Time to Make the Switch

Switch to Solar– Although this may seem like an obvious answer, many people still do not know the true number of benefits of solar panels add to your home. Not only can you soak up the sun and convert solar energy into usable electricity for your family, but you can also increase the overall value of your home all while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

If you’re looking to go solar, you can trust Momentum to take the stress out of the process. Our team handles the process from start to finish and is dedicated to helping you make a seamless transition. With over a decade in the business, Momentum is ready to take on any project, no matter the size.

If you are looking to make the switch, please call 1-888-MOMENTUM.

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/201714/growth-in-us-residential-electricity-prices-since-2000/#:~:text=Itpercent20ispercent20projectedpercent20thatpercent20the,risenpercent20overpercent20thepercent20lastpercent20decade.

[2] https://www.rossandwitmer.com/8-best-appliances-energy-efficient-home/

[3] https://www.rossandwitmer.com/8-best-appliances-energy-efficient-home/

[4] https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming

[5] https://news.energysage.com/how-to-lower-your-electric-bill/

Author: Admin