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Is Investing In Solar Panels Worth It

ESOS reporting highlights that solar energy is essential to combating climate change. However, solar panels are quite an investment so you need to consider the factors involved to decide whether this is a worthy investment.

1.What Is Solar Energy and Solar Panels

173,000 terawatts of solar energy reach the Earth at any given time. This is more than 10,000 times the world’s total energy needs, making solar the most abundant source of energy we’ve got. Solar panels capture it and turn it into electricity for your home or your business.

Currently, this photovoltaic power accounts for only five-tenths of one percent of the total energy consumed in the United States. But solar technology is improving and so is our ability to harness this energy, making it more affordable with each passing day.

Solar is a proven technology that works in many climates and it is more affordable than ever.

2. What To Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Weather conditions can impact the amount of electricity a solar system produces. Solar panels are actually more efficient in colder winter, but sunny weather is what get them to produce more electricity. Obviously, some states have more sunny days than others but even residents of cloudy and foggy locations such as Seattle and San Francisco can get huge savings by going solar. In simple words, solar works anywhere where there is daylight.

Don’t be discouraged by clouds as just as you can burn on a cloudy day, solar panels can also generate electricity when it’s cloudy. But, it depends on the quality of solar panels and thickness of the clouds that can reduce their efficiency by 25 percent.

You should keep in mind that solar panels are mostly used in real time which means they are idle at night. Their look is not stylish in design. You cannot install them on your own as you need professionals who know how to capture the maximum amount of sunlight available. Their greatest downside is that they don’t work on every roof but solar companies do their best to customize them. Roofs come in all shapes and sizes so the more room you have for them, the better.

Although they generate energy in a sustainable manner, they are still a manufactured product, so their production does have an environmental impact. Moreover, like with every product, there are many kinds of solar panels out there, with some not being of high quality.

3. Are Solar Panels Worth the Investment

Solar panels have a long lifespan and they are durable. This is another reason why they increase your home’s value with a typical PV system added estimated to add $15,000 in value. But, unlike what a sales person will tell you, there’s more to the story. Whether investing in solar panels is a smart choice for you depends on several factors.

The price you pay for electricity

Your PECO energy utility bill is the largest factor in determining whether this is a worthy investment. The bigger it is, the more you can save by switching to solar power.

The cost of going solar

Installation prices will vary significantly depending on the solar company you choose and the equipment you install. Although cheaper offers are always attractive, high quality equipment will pay off in the long-run.

How will you fund for your investment

If you can make the purchase in cash, you’ll save more than with any other option. But, you will achieve savings with a loan as well. Solar leases and power purchase agreements don’t require any money upfront and come with maintenance-free option, but they will reduce your total savings which can only be somewhere between 10 to 30 percent of your electricity bill and not more. If you are lucky to live in a state that offers incentives for making your home more sustainable, you could be eligible for a tax credit or deduction.

Takeaway – Across the globe, people are starting to invest in solar panels for good reason. They reduce our impact on the environment, help us lower our monthly costs and reduce our dependency on electricity providers and yearly price increases. Installing solar panels makes good financial sense and it contributed to preserving the planet as they help us turn away from fossil fuels.

Natural Sleep Remedies

The Dangers Of Sleep Deprivation  

Poor health

Sleep deprivation can lead to poor physical and mental health. If you are not well rested you will become run down and fall ill more easily, it is also likely that you will feel more stressed and have less motivation.

Poor work life balance

If you are less energized and motivated, you will be less productive and this could mean that you have to devote more time towards completing your work commitments. If you become fatigued it is likely that your spare time will be spent sleeping rather than exercising or doing the things that you enjoy.

 Benefits Of A Good Night’s Sleep 

Reduces stress

Having a good sleep routine will help to ensure that you keep well rested. Being energized can help you to think more clearly and maintain structure and organization within your life, this in turn leads to lower stress levels because you feel in control.  

Better immune system

Sleep gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate completely. Your body often repairs itself in many ways during sleep, a good sleep routine can help to keep you physically strong. Your immune system is often much stronger when you are well rested.

Increases alertness

Sleep not only gives your body a good rest but it also gives your mind time to rest. This helps you to stay aware and alert. Increased alertness can help you to be more productive and this can also help to reduce stress and keep you in control.

Improves memory

A rested mind will lead to many benefits such as improved memory, increased intelligence and heightened motivation.

 Natural Sleep Remedies  

Nighttime drinks

Try to avoid drinks high in sugar or caffeine in the evening. These drinks can leave you feeling awake and will keep you up through the night. Try to drink warm comforting drinks that are low in caffeine such as warm milk or chamomile tea.

Exercise through the day

Being active during the day can help to use up your energy and will leave you feeling more tired at night. This can encourage your body to go into a resting state.

Prepare the mind for sleep

If you are often busy and have a ‘racing mind’, you may find it hard to minimize your thoughts and calm your mind in the evening. It is good to stop working at a reasonable time and give your mind a good amount of time to settle down and relax before going to bed. You could watch something relaxing, listen to music or read a book. Try to do something non work related, something that is simply for your pleasure and relaxation.

Keep a routine

Your sleep routines are closely related to your eating schedules, work schedules and exercise routines. Try to eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise throughout the day to ensure that your body has the energy it needs but that you will use up the energy by the time you would like to go to sleep. It is also a good idea to eat your evening meal in the early evening, rather than eating too close to the time you will be trying to sleep. Food gives you energy, eating too late in the evening can give you energy at the wrong times. You should also try to wake up early and avoid napping throughout the day. Keeping a strict and regular routine can help you to sleep better in the evening.

Have a comfortable environment It is important to create a comfortable and relaxing environment in your room. One way to do this is to limit technology in the bedroom and have your bed designated for sleep. Studies have show that bringing technology into the bed can cause poor seep quality.  Since sleep is vital to your health it is important to invest in your sleep with quality products. Invest in products that will improve your sleep quality such as your mattress, pillows, comforters as well as items such as blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are beneficial in blocking out light as well as outside temperatures. These curtains have been shown to keep your Toledo Edison costs down due to reducing heating and cooling costs but many have claimed a significant improvement in their sleep.

Tips on getting back into the workforce after unemployment

Money-Saving Strategies when you are between jobs
When you find yourself between jobs it is important to quickly engage all money saving strategies so that you are able to pay your bills and focus on acquiring a new job. While working you should always try to put 20% of your paycheck into your savings account. This will accumulate over time and work as a reserve if you find yourself unemployed. By having some money in your savings account you will be able to pay your bills and fully immerse yourself in your job search.

If you have not been able to build up a savings account that will float you between jobs then you’ll need to follow these tips:

  • Cut all extras from your expenses
  • Contact your utility providers and seek out better rates
  • Only purchase necessities
  • Become more aware of all spending

By cutting all extra’s from your expenses you will immediately see a reduction in monthly spending. This would include cutting any subscriptions you may have, eliminating cable and suspending gym memberships. Another great way to save money is to practice energy efficiency in your home, your utility bill is typically one of the higher household bills so by conserving energy you can save a little each month on your Oncor Energy costs. While focusing on saving during unemployment it is important to only purchase necessities and become aware of all spending. The necessities purchased should be on sale and coupons will help further reduce their price.

Tips for s smooth transition back into the workforce
When you find a new job and are beginning the transition back into the workforce you should not jump right back into your previous spending habits. This is the time to rebuild your savings account and focus on reconnecting any extras that you may have had to do without for a bit. You will also need to be extra aware of the fact that many companies do have a probationary period for the first 30 to 90 days.

Pay attention to your job and learning the new aspects of it. Put in extra time if necessary and build client relationships that will help make you a vital asset to the new business. Remember that life is about balance and now that you can work again you should also focus on your mental and physical well-being as well. You just experienced an extreme mental low then high and balancing after unemployment and employment once again will require focus through the transition. Remember to still participate in your favorite activities whether it be working out, walking, reading or spending time with friends and loved ones. A balanced work and home life will help you feel more successful and focused.

Resume and Job Interview Tips
Giving yourself an advantage above other job applicants starts with your resume. A well designed and easy to read resume will stand out from a stack of boring and lengthy resumes. During a competitive job market hundreds of people can apply for the same position. If you have not updated your resume in the past year it will be beneficial to take an online resume building refresher course. There are several resources such as local libraries, colleges and community centers that offer resume building and rebuilding tips and strategies. The resume is only the first step of applying for a job. Once the potential employer contacts you for an interview you will want to brush up on your skills before the actual interview. Some businesses conduct informal phone interviews before scheduling in person interviews. Make sure you research the business and have a firm understanding of what the job will entail. Many employers will also inquire about your life and personal hobbies. Have a brief but informative explanation of how you spend your free time as well. This shows employers that you have a healthy balance in your work and personal life. Once you move on to the in person or zoom meeting you will want to look presentable. Make sure you have a good night of rest the night prior and appear refreshed and ready to answer any questions the interviewer may have.

Do not let unemployment get you down. Remember that when one door closes, another often opens. Stay open-minded and ready to step into the next chapter of your life.

Benefits of Home Automation

What is home automation

With advancements in technology, home automation allows you to control any smart device in your living space remotely. Anything that can be connected to a network can be automated. In the early stages of home automation, simple “binary” systems, such as lighting appliances, were innovated with smart features. However, technological advancements have revolutionized other aspects of the home, such as home security and entertainment.

Monitoring apps are vital to managing all this new technology. From your mobile, you can check a detailed account of what has happened in your home and what is currently happening – anywhere and anytime. Almost finished with your urgent work deadline? Pre-heat the oven from your phone to prepare for dinner at the same time. Has the doorbell’s camera alerted you that the babysitter is already here? Remotely unlock the door and let them in as you finish getting ready.

 Benefits of smart products  


It is easy to become invested in the limitless opportunities from home automation. However, how can these smart technologies improve your life other than just making you look cool?

  • Energy efficiency: Not only are home automation products smart with technology but they are also very efficient. For example, smart thermostats tend to be more expensive than the traditional alternatives up-front. However, due to their ability to monitor your energy consumption and give real-time readings, they ultimately can help lower your Eversource bill in the long run. 
  • Multi-functional: Advancing technology can greatly enhance your home appliances by more than just status appeal. Usually smart home appliances show innovation with multiple functions, from robot vacuums that play music to mattresses with biometric sensors which track your sleep. In the long run, you may actually save money by minimizing frequency of purchases for multiple household items with limited properties.
  • Will help create a simpler life: Sometimes more means less. In the context of smart appliances, added functions, such as voice control features and robotic automation, can add convenience to your busy everyday lifestyle. Controlled by your mobile phone or remote control, you can instantly make a cup of coffee or warm up the house with a touch of a button or voice control.

 Best smart products for your home 

  • Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa, supported across numerous multimedia applications, and equipped with powerful audio components, this thermostat is one of the best smart thermostats available in the market. 
  • Yeelight Smart LED Bulb: With this smart LED bulb you can control the rainbow from your fingertips. Dimmable with 16 million colours, this advanced appliance supports a range of controllable software, from Apple HomeKit, Google, and Siri voice commands. The simple-to-control app also lets you organize lighting schedules to decrease energy usage and your overall utility bill. 
  • Brava Oven: Sizing down doesn’t always mean you’re compromising quality. The Brava Oven is one of the most advanced countertop ovens available. It has multiple automatic cooking pre-sets to ensure consistent quality and has a built-in camera for checking on the food remotely. Now you can confidently roast, grill, and reheat while entertaining dinner guests.  
  • Tempo Studio: Looking for a more fun way to exercise? Improve your health and fitness with Tempo Studio’s smart strength training machine, built with artificial intelligence and 3D sensors. This body sensing technology personalizes your workout and protects your body by offering real-time pointers from assessing your weight, height, and form.

Conclusion

Manufacturers are only increasing the level of their technologies’ innovative capabilities. With a mixture of real-time notifications and simplified controls, watch your home transform into a set from a sci-fi film with an awesome audio visual system, as the possibilities of home automation are endless.

Most Cost-Effective Hobbies

Most people understand the importance of hobbies. They help bring meaning to our lives. All too often, people end up spending massive sums on their favorite hobbies. In the majority of cases, this is unnecessary. Proper preparation can limit your expenditure dramatically.

 Benefits of Hobbies 

Hobbies benefit numerous aspects of your life. When you participate in your favorite hobbies, your brain releases endorphins and neurotransmitters. The net effect is an improved mood and sense of well being. There are more than enough reasons for you to enjoy your hobbies. That does not mean you must drain your bank accounts to support them, in any case.

  • Mental Health Benefits

Hobbies bring a sense of purpose to many people’s lives. This sense of purpose is essential. Without a sense of purpose, it is easy to get weighed down by the meaninglessness of things. You can avoid that negativity with avid participation in hobbies.

Physical Health BenefitMost hobbies involve some physical components. When you participate in a physical hobby, the health benefits are extensive. The human body is made to move. Modern life forces many of us to live sedentary lives. This is problematic. As we age, the effects of sedentary life accumulate. When you have a physical hobby, it can ward off many of these adverse effects.

Expand Your Perspective:

Hobbies also offer a crucial avenue for learning. Picking up new hobby forms all kinds of new connections in your brain. This will keep you sharp well into old age. Never underestimate the power of trying a new hobby.

  1. Hobbies That Can Help Your Mental and Financial Health

There can be more than just mental benefits when you have healthy hobbies. You can also streamline your financial life. Some hobbies help bring in more income. Others help limit your expenses. The result is the same. You have a healthier bank account at the end of the month.

Top Hobbies For Mental Health and Financial Wealth

  • Hiking
  • Art
  • Writing
  • Budgeting
  • Couponing
  • Cooking
  • Gardening

Learning New Things Benefits the Brain

The human brain is an incredible machine. It is capable of learning new information at a rapid pace. Unfortunately for many of us, we slow down the pace of our learning with age. This creates a negative feedback loop. Ultimately you stop trying to learn as it becomes more challenging to learn. Break the cycle. Continue to try new hobbies regardless of your age. The benefits will be astounding.

Do Not Be Afraid of Starting Many Things

Often we limit ourselves because of a fear of failure. You must refine your perception of failure. The only way we indeed fail is when we give up. As long as you continue to try, there are no failures. Each one is a new opportunity to learn.

Always Keep an Open Mind

Make it a hobby to find ways you can lower your monthly expenses. Cooking and gardening are hobbies that can save you a significant amount of money on your household bills.There are many areas you spend more than is necessary. Gardening is great for your physical, mental and financial health. It can save on your produce bill at the grocery store, add value to your home, and it can help shade your home from the sun which can save on your Direct Energy bill. DoorDash and dining out is a huge monthly expense, many might be shocked it they knew the amount that they spent on food each month. Cooking is a great skill to master and it has an added benefit of saving a significant amount of money each month.

Make a Budget Plan and Put It On Paper

Our best piece of advice for keeping a healthy bank account and maintaining your hobbies would be to make a budget. Put it down on paper. When you have a written budget, it is much easier to limit spending. You can not control what you do not track.

Final Thoughts About Cost-Effective Hobbies  Your hobbies say a lot about you. The most important thing is that you have them. Do not let a lack of funds limit you from enjoying life. There are ways you can afford to have hobbies. Follow the advice from this guide, and you will be well on your way.

How Technology Has Changed The Workplace

Technology seems to advance continually. If anything, it is advancing at an ever-increasing pace. Today it is possible to do many things with the help of technology that was only dreamed in the past. Working from home is more popular than ever before. It is a great idea, especially in the face of Covid 19.

Technology Advancements and Working From Home  


The year 2020 will forever be remembered as the year of the coronavirus pandemic. It will also be seen as a key moment when many jobs began to transition to a work from home model.

Pandemic Response and The Work From Home Movement:
Social distancing is one of the most powerful tools available in response to viral pandemics. Most viral contagions will not spread unless you are near other infected individuals. Working from home allows you to work without putting yourself at any risk.

Video Calls:
You no longer need to be in the same room to have meetings with other people and see them. Video conference calls are becoming increasingly popular in the business world. They allow you to have all the benefits of face-to-face contact without any of the risks.

The Internet:
Thanks to Internet connectivity, you do very few things at work that would be impossible to do at home. It applies to almost all industries.

How to Thrive While Working From Home   


Working from home may sound like a dream come true. However, it would be best if you prepared to encounter some common challenges. Most people have not ever worked from home. Thus, they do not have the experience of social isolation that often accompanies working from home. Here are some things you can do to minimize any negative effects.

Maintain Your Sanity By Minimizing Stress:
It would help if you worked hard to minimize any sources of stress in your life. Social isolation is only compounded when you are stressed about other things. One way that you can reduce your stress is by minimizing your expenditures. Since you are working from home, you will be using more electricity. By switching to a new provider, you will have a lower electric bill.

Set Up a Good Sleep Schedule:
When you work from home, maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential to success. Disruptions in your sleep schedule can impact every area of your livelihood. One of the best ways we have found to improve the quality of our sleep is blackout curtains. Ambient Light easily disturbs people and disrupts their sleep. Blackout curtains ensure that you can get a full night’s rest.  Blackout curtains also help save energy.   Green Mountain Energy offers competitive electricity rates, and offers a great tool that will help you can see who offers the most best utility rates in your community.

Separate Work and Home Life:
When you are from home, it is difficult to balance your work life with your home life. This is especially true during your initial transition. When you work in an office, you can compartmentalize your work life and separate it from your home life. If you want to succeed when you are working from home, you must do something similar. We recommend creating a specific area of the home and delegating it to work. When you are outside of that room, you should not think about work or do any work. That way, you can maintain a home life and a work-life that are separate from each other.

A Mindset of Abundance in the Modern Economy  


There are so many benefits of working from home; it is difficult to decide which is the best. One of our favorites is the location of independence it gives you. When you are not working in an office, you can move to areas with much lower costs of living. It may not be a raise, but the effect will be the same. At the end of the month, you will have more money in your bank account.

Read More About: 7 Marketing Strategies Every Startup Should Know

Benefits of Technology and Smart Products

Technology has changed the way we live and is now present in almost every aspect of our lives. Work, travel, and home life have all been advanced significantly through smart tech and products. But how has technology advanced over the years? What are the benefits of modern technology in society? This article shall aim to answer these questions. 

  1. Technology advances through the years

Almost all of the technology we take for granted today stems from 50 years ago when the company INTEL was formed and ARPANET was created. ARPANET was originally created for scientists and researches to share computers and data remotely but has since evolved into something far greater- the internet. 

In 50 years, the world has seen incredible technological advancements. Instead of incredibly slow, gigantic computers, we now have laptops and MacBooks that work at impressive speeds. The release of the first iPhone has further led to more technological advancement, with over 5 billion people around the world now using some sort of smartphone. Nowadays, we are seeing further technological advancements in the home, with more and more smart products (such as smart lights, which can turn on via voice command) being invented every day.

  1. The benefits of technology

It is undeniable that technology has advanced at a rapid rate since its birth 50 years ago. But what are some of its benefits? 

  • We can stay in contact with anyone, no matter where they are in the world. 
  • With tablets, smartphones, and computers, it is easier now than ever to stay informed with news from around the globe. 
  • It has made it easier to live, through the invention of such appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines. 
  • Transportation is better than ever, and we can easily fly to any country we like. 
  1. Smart products and the impact on the modern world

One of the fastest-growing areas of technological advancement is the home, with the invention of smart speakers, smart lighting, and smart televisions. These smart products have a huge amount of advantages. 

  • Surveillance– smart products such as cameras have allowed for people’s homes to be more secure than they ever have been. Remote surveillance allows you to monitor your house no matter where you are, and be able to call for authorities if any suspicious activities occur. 
  • Saves people time– speedy internet has meant that many people are able to find any information they want and fast. Smart speakers are one example of this- you can ask it any question and it will search the web for the result, meaning that there is no need to spend time on your computer looking for answers. 
  • Saving money smart-products, such as smart heating and lighting, may be expensive in the short term, but can save you thousands in the long run as they help you stop using unnecessary electricity. These smart products all require electricity, though, so it is important you find the best supplier of cheap electricity to keep your smart products running.

Conclusion

It is undeniable that technology and smart products have completely changed the way we live and work. With more and more technological advancements happening every day, there is no doubt that technology will continue to alter and benefit our lives for many years. 

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