One of the greenest home improvement projects that you can undertake is to install solar panels. As more research is conducted, it is becoming more and more clear that our reliance on fossil fuels is one of the main contributors to not only our planets overall health, but the health of everyone who lives here. As a homeowner, working with solar panel installers to reduce your dependence on less renewable sources of energy can not only give you more energy freedom, but also help the environment at the same time. Plus, you could save a significant amount of money in the process.

Cost of Solar Panels

As a result of technological advancements, increased demand and the variety of payment options for solar panels, the cost is more affordable than ever. Although purchasing panels and the systems that go with them up front can be very expensive and cost prohibitive, many solar installers are offering alternative to this process. One of the most popular options is the solar lease. Rather than buying panels up front or financing their purchase, you can actually lease solar panels from a solar leasing company. This gives you both the solar power that you desire and the financial flexibility that you need.

Solar Leasing

Solar leasing is by far one of the largest growing trends in the solar power industry. The way it works is simple. You work together with a solar installer who will install the panels on your home for you. You then pay them a monthly leasing fee for the use of the panel. All of the electricity that you generate belongs to you and any excess can be sold back to the power company. As a result, you will typically start saving money in your first month.

At Solar Panel Info, we have compiled extensive information on the benefits of solar panel and solar leasing.

Click here to read more.

In most offices, hallways, and other lower level and flat ceiling environments you will find some sort of tube lighting in place. The most common technology that is found to be used is currently fluorescent, but after this post that might slowly change for some because this alternatives to fluorescent office lighting and all of those other uses listed above is going to change your mind on which technology is the truly efficient one.

Although it is completely harmless while in the tube itself, accidents always happen. When a fluorescent tube is broken, a LED fluorescent tube alternative, you will skip this issue entirely because LED technology does not require any sort of mercury to work!

While LED technology is pretty much good to go in a greater range of temperatures, fluorescent lamps only works at it’s peak performance when it is in room temperature type environments. So LED technology is much more flexible in which temperatures it can operate properly at, fluorescents are only suitable for inside only applications. But even then, LED still wins for all of these other reasons listed on this post! And a thing to remember is that fluorescent technology isn’t better than LED is indoors, it’s just that it only works optimally at room temperatures. But when you replace fluorescent light with LED, you still get all the benefits that LED brings and they aren’t picky about the temperature at all.

When you hear the words non-directional, what exactly does that mean to you? Well, in the world of lighting it basically means that such fixture emits lights 360 degrees (or in all directions). This causes 30-40% of all the light being emitted by a fluorescent tube to be wasted due to the trait it carries of non-directional emission of light. With LED, it has directional lighting which allows you to direct the light where it needs to go and isn’t going to waste being emitted 360 degrees.

Let alone all of the other benefits that a a return on investment when you start looking at what contact us with any questions you have!

image: dedeking.com for IKEA

Take the stress out of getting dressed in the morning and update your closet lighting design.  See colors more vividly and surround yourself in flattering illumination with the latest closet lighting tips.  Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for safely and effectively lighting this valuable space.

The options abound in closet design from choosing the number of shelves and drawers to the dimensions of hanging space and shoe storage.  Some closets may serve as dressing rooms with areas for makeup application, as well.  Providing sufficient lighting is tantamount to making the best use of your space; for all that planning is wasted if you cannot see well enough to distinguish a black sock from a navy blue one.

1. When using surface-mounted incandescent or LED(light emitting diode) luminaires within an enclosed light source, be sure to install fixtures at least 12 inches from all storage areas.  If opting for a single surface-mounted light fixture, size the fixture to allow for a clearance of 18-24 inches from the wall. Usually one centrally located surface-mounted fixture will be sufficient to illuminate a standard size closet.

2. For surface-mounted or recessed fluorescent light fixtures, a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the light source and storage space is required.  LED and fluorescent light fixtures run cooler than incandescent, so they are the top choice in closet lighting design.

3.  When choosing surface-mounted or recessed LED light fixtures, go for top quality luminaires and buy from a reputable dealer.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but the energy-savings, maintenance-free operation and safety features of LED will prove to be well worth the investment.