solar panels for energy

What to Know Before Having Solar Panels on the Roof

The use of solar poses a lot of challenges because it is relatively new. For instance, if you are planning to purchase a car, you will find a lot of people that have done the task before and will guide you through the process. The truth is that installing solar panels on your roof can cost as much as a car, but you may not be experienced in this field.

alternative energy-solarSince you are going to have solar panels on your roof, you need to make the right decision. This is because if you make a mistake, it may become too late to correct it. The cost of solar panel installation keeps falling.

Roof Condition

You should note that you need a roof that can support the solar panels you want to install. Other than the structural integrity of the roof, you have to consider that the roof is not covered in the shade most of the day. This is something that needs to be assessed before you move forward. If your roof is an issue, you should look into the community or shared solar. In this case, a lot of customers purchase a stake in the solar installation and get credits on electricity bills.

Improving Efficiency

Remember that the amount of solar power to produce is dependent on your usage. Thus, it is advisable to trim the usage as much as you can before you pay for the solar panels. Therefore, you should start an energy audit of your home and look for the efficiency upgrades before drawing up blueprints.

Type of Solar Energy

You can choose a photovoltaic system that uses various cells to turn sunlight electricity. On the other hand, thermal energy is used to heat air or water for home use. You should consider solar thermal if you are living in an area where heating fuel is quite expensive as compared to electricity.

Connection to the Grid

house with a solar systemIn this case, the details vary taking into account where you live. The idea, in this case, is that any time you connect with a utility; there are different things you need to sort out. For instance, after getting connected, how long will it take to get credit for the electricity generated by your solar panels? Another important aspect is the net-metering. In this case, you will be reimbursed at the same rate as you are charged for electricity.…

sewage treatment

Common Questions about Sewage Treatment Plants

You may never know when you will have to deal with sewage treatment plants. If you happen to relocate to a property that is not installed to the local sewerage, then you will quickly need to know several answers concerning the tank or small plant which your building has. The following are the most common questions asked about sewage treatment plants to give a better idea of this issue.

Do sewage treatments smell?

smell

After all, you are going to live beside a sewage treatment plant, so it is vital to know what to expect. The truth is there is usually a primary settlement tank that is installed, and you can get some smells emanating from this area. This is common especially with septic tanks, and if the plant integrates aeration process, then there is the likelihood you will not have any smells being detected.

How does a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant differ?

A septic tank is a system which allows the effluent to flow out then settle on the drainage fields while the solid waste is retained in the tank until when emptying is necessary. With treatment plants, the wastewater is treated using different chemicals to produce much cleaner effluent that is better for your environment and the watercourses.

Do I need an approval or license to have a treatment plant?

Every sewage plant should be registered by the environment agency. They then need a permit or can apply for an exemption, depending on environmental issues like streams and nearby waterways. The agency will notify you if you are exempted from getting a permit or if you should apply for one.

When should the plant be emptied?

This depends a lot on the type of plant and the usage but anywhere from six months to three years for some installations. An average figure will be to have it emptied annually.

How far should the plant be from my house?

how farIt is stated in environmental building regulations that a treatment plant needs to be between seven to ten meters from a property in which anyone is living. There will be environmental officers who make the ultimate decision, but this is the usual distance allowed.

These are some of the questions whose answers will guide you in getting and installing a sewage treatment plant for your property.…