Reduce Your Monthly Bills With These Green Energy Tips

Posted on by Round Eye

Going green does not mean going broke or having no time for anything else. Just a few changes at home and you can slash electricity costs and provide many positive things to the environment. Read this article for ways to use helpful green energy!

The government has made grants for investing in renewable energy available to the public. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. Depending on your local energy programs, you could end up getting a renewable energy system set up for your home for free.

If you heat your home with fuel oil, inquire about switching over to biodiesel. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Biodiesel will burn cleaner than petroleum, which helps to protect the environment.

Wait until your dishwasher’s full before running it. The same amounts of water and energy are used every time. Make sure you are using the energy saving settings on your dishwasher that will air-dry your dishes.

Using solar energy is one good way to heat water. There are many solar hot-water appliances to get the job done. You can select from direct circulation systems or indirect varieties. You’re better off with an indirect system if you are worried about pipes freezing during the winter.

Be sure you maintain your refrigerator properly. The refrigerator hogs energy, so it should work well. Make a regular habit of removing dust from the refrigerator’s heating coils. Don’t forget to be certain to keep the seal surrounding the door tight and clean.

If you would like to live your life green, stay away from excess electric heater usage. Instead, start wearing warmer clothing indoors and use a pellet stove or fireplace to keep main living areas heated. This is good for your health as well as your electric bill. Breathing cooler air at night helps keep your respiratory system healthy; you’ll avoid drying out your airways.

Solar Power

If you are interested in solar power learn about the difference between active and passive power. Active solar power is stored so it can be used later, but passive doesn’t need pricey solar panel cells to store power. In order to use active power, you will need to install a few things, including solar cells, mechanical systems, and most importantly, solar panels. Passive solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.

Investigate options for heating your oven through solar energy. You can make one with easy-to-find items like old windows, boxes, and aluminum foil to reflect light. These ovens can reach temperatures of over 300 degrees, and use no outside energy other than the sun. They can be made in minutes.

Closely monitor how many watts you are using. There are devices like Watt Minder or Kill-A-Watt that can monitor your wattage and help you see what is consuming energy. Plug your appliance or gadget into the watt-checking device, and it will tell you how much the unit consumes in energy in one hour, month or year. You can use this to identify your most expensive energy-hogging appliances.

A good energy saving tip is to switch your boiler. Older boilers are not as energy efficient as new ones because people didn’t worry about the environment when they were made. New boilers create less carbon dioxide, keep you healthier, and save you money.

Less Energy

Use Energy Star rated appliances instead of your old appliances. Energy Star ratings mean that your new appliances are technologically built to use less energy than previous models. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.

One simple way to recognize products and appliances that are energy efficient is to locate those with the ENERGY STAR designation. When you see any appliance that has ENERGY STAR on it, then that means it meets guidelines approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and additionally the EPA ENERGY STAR products are useful for tax credits.

For room that are heavily occupied, add motion detecting light sensors. This turns the lights off in rooms that have nobody in them, which saves a lot of energy (and money). Make sure your garage has outdoor lighting, as well.

Use weatherizing techniques to improve the energy efficiency rating of your home. If you seal ducts and drafts around your windows or doors, then you will reduce the energy you need to run your house. Also, you will greatly reduce your energy bill.

Although many people do not believe in global warming, everyone can still benefit by using green energy at home. Simple changes, like turning off the overhead lights when leaving a room, can add up to huge utility bill savings.

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Getting The Most Out Of The Sun’s Powerful Rays

Posted on by Round Eye

Solar energy: Perhaps you’ve heard of it? Solar energy works from the sun and provides electricity. It is a healthy way to power homes and businesses. If you are considering investing in solar panels, you should go over this article for some useful tips.

You can do your part to save the planet by installing a solar-powered water heater. Solar water heating systems include tankless designs as well as tank designs. Both the roof and sunny outdoor locations are options for installation.

Although solar panels seem like a permanent installation, the best systems allow for the panels to be adjusted. If you must install fixed angle panels, you’ll have to make a compromise in between the best angles for summer and winter.

There may be rebates or grants that can help you pay for your solar panel installation. At first glance, such a system seems very expensive. Look into grants and rebates available from your state and federal government that reward those who use renewable energy. They can help lower costs considerably. If you qualify for a tax rebate, you will receive a tax return to cover a part of your expenses.

Do a careful estimation of your energy usage needs and how many panels you will need with someone who knows all of the points to consider. Determine if you will be saving money over the course of the year with them. Do the math to figure out how much quality solar panels will cost you and how much money you will be able to save on the long-term.

Solar Energy

If you are concerned about the environment, solar energy is the smart choice for you. It’s the cleanest source of power available. Switching to solar energy drastically cuts down on your consumption of fossil fuels.

Are you in the middle of building a home? Think about solar power as construction gets underway. Solar energy is a great way to power a building because it doesn’t have that much of an effect on the environment. When you haven’t checked this out before, now is the best time.

Think about getting an attic fan that’s solar powered if you’re not totally sure about getting solar power for your whole home. Solar-powered attic fans have temperature sensors that will turn your fan on and off automatically based on the attic’s temperature. As a result, you can reduce your home’s heat, which will decrease cooling costs. As an additional incentive, they are powered by the sun, which means they themselves add nothing to your utility bill.

Solar Panels

Since solar panels are expensive, it is best to purchase a small number of efficient panels. Get a professional to perform an energy audit on your home. They can tell you how you are wasting power and help you figure out what to do differently. This can help you cut down on the amount of solar panels that you will need.

Your solar panels need to face the sun. The sun is where the energy comes from and it’s important for them to be as exposed as possible.

Solar Energy

Hopefully, you now feel more confident with understanding solar energy, how it works and how it can benefit you and the environment. You need to use the knowledge you’ve learned in order for it to be beneficial. Use these tips to get your power via solar energy. Spread the word in your social circle so everyone can think about converting.

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Why Choosing The Green Energy Provider Is The Right Choice

Posted on by Round Eye

Most people are probably unaware how the environment is affected by the products we use at home. But it is important to remember that everything we do has some impact on the environment. You can use green energy in countless ways to keep the environment a happier place. Use the tips found here to lower your energy costs and help the the only planet you have.

To save money on your electric bills, simply try to minimize the electricity you use. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Turn off lights and the television when you are finished using them. This is a simple tip that can help you save money, too.

When creating lightning outdoors for a garden path or patio, consider using solar-powered lamps. These lamps are cheap and don’t require any power besides sun exposure. This doesn’t merely save energy. Also, it will no longer be necessary to install wired outdoor lights.

Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Cell phone and mp3 chargers draw energy even if they aren’t charging anything.

If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. Consider renting out a small space where a power company can place a wind turbine. You and the neighbors can relish in the free energy and installation, if it doesn’t require too much space.

Cover your windows when no one is at home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Generally, the south-facing windows get the most sun because of their position. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.

When you are not using something, turn it off. When you leave the room you should think about what is not in use, like the lights, a television or your home theater. Get a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at the same time, rather than letting energy get wasted in standby mode.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is a great way to get hot water at a low cost. You can purchase a hot-water system that is run by solar energy. There are direct circulation systems as well as indirect systems. Indirect is the best choice if you have pipes which often freeze in the winter.

It’s possible you haven’t given your home’s environmental impact a lot of thought. However, based on what you now know about green energy technologies, you can see that making the environment a priority doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. If you take full advantage of the information from this article, you can put green energy to work for you and the environment.

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Green Energy Advice That Can Help You Out

Posted on by Round Eye

While it might seem difficult to incorporate green energy into your everyday life, it’s really not that hard. No matter whether you make a few minor alterations or do something more significant, you can have a positive effect on the environment. In the paragraphs that follow, you will find different ways to get into green energy.

Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. Solar lamps are relatively inexpensive and can save you a great deal on wiring and electricity expenses. This does more than just save energy. It also means you do not to have string up those outdoor lights.

Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Solar water heaters use the sun’s heat to warm water rather than using natural gas or electricity for heat. Although some of these systems cost more initially, many qualify for tax credits or deductions.

Keep your windows shaded when trying to conserve energy. Closing your blinds and curtains will keep out the sun in summer and keep heat from escaping in winter. By doing these things, you’ll lower the amount you need to run your air conditioner in the summer, as your home will already be cooler. You will save energy and money.

Are you a farmer? If you have a farm or know the owner of a farm, you may be able to rent some land to a utility company for installing a wind turbine. Your home and the surrounding residences will get some free power. Don’t worry, wind turbines don’t take up a lot of room.

Research the different energy sources available in your community. Compare the costs of various utilities, and take current or pending energy legislation into consideration. You may choose, for example, to go from electric to natural gas for heating, or using a well instead of city water.

When planning a home solar system, calculate the potential energy generation of the system using hours of sunshine in the winter. You will have more than enough energy during the summer months, while avoiding falling short during the winter. However, you should also include any refunds you will get from your utility company for excess energy generated in summer!

Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. These still use gas and electricity to heat water, but they heat only what you use instead of continuously heating the whole tank. There are tankless heaters designed to not only provide one area with hot water, but also to heat entire houses.

Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Use products such as double-glazed windows or eco-friendly doors to help reduce your energy usage without sacrificing your home’s needs. These kinds of products can cut down dramatically on your cooling and heating costs.

Look for federal and local rebates that apply to renewable energy at home. Sometimes your utility company may offer additional rebates which will help pay for the expense of the systems. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. These tax savings can reduce the net cost of installing alternative energy technology considerably.

Switch over to getting information through email. Going paperless can help the environment in many ways. This kills two birds with one stone: you save energy and encourage businesses with whom you correspond to do so, as well. This benefits everyone in society along with your own business.

Less Energy

If you are purchasing new appliances, try to aim for Energy Star rated ones. ENERGY STAR ratings mean that the appliance has met standards of the EPA and is especially crafted to use less energy than older models. Refrigerators and freezers use about 20 percent less energy, while the energy that washing machines use is cut in half.

Even though people know better, they often forget to turn off unused appliances, lights and computer equipment. Most people could probably save a ton on utility bills by getting in this habit. Consider what you actually use and unplug the rest.

Going green doesn’t have to be complicated. As you can see from the advice above, the thing you can do to make your home just a bit greener are easily found. Use the tips in this article as soon as possible. Choosing green energies will have positive results on your home and on the environment.

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Seeking Knowledge About Time Management? You Need To Read This Article!

Posted on by Round Eye

Many millions of people waste time and effort, living stressful lives because they do not manage their time well. This leaves them stressed out. If you want to use your time wisely, then read this article. This piece has advice to help you better manage your time.

Get yourself a timer that you can set. If you have problem with focusing on tasks, set a timer for the amount of time that you need for your task. For example, if you’re trying to work for two hours, you should set your timer for every thirty minutes. This way you’re able to take a break and continue on until the task is done.

A calendar is very handy when you are working on time management. A lot of people like to use physical calendars that they’re able to mark on. Others prefer easily accessible electronic calenders on their computers or phone. No matter what you use, a calendar can keep tasks organized so that you can effectively manage your time.

When you feel constantly late, start thinking more about your deadlines ahead of time. When you know that a deadline is looming, your other tasks are going to take a back seat and everything suffers. If you had kept your deadlines in sight, then it would not have been necessary to drop some projects for a rush job elsewhere.

Make good use of your time. Determine how much time a task will take, and schedule a completion time for it. This can help you improve your time management. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, use it to pamper yourself.

Fill in any blanks on your schedule at the beginning of the day. Beginning each day knowing what needs to be accomplished, allows you to focus on important things that lead to you reaching your goals. Look over your schedule carefully to make sure you haven’t overbooked yourself.

When planning each task of the day, allot some time for interruptions. You must schedule travel time and a little flex time so that you will be able to realistically accomplish the tasks on your list. By planning for interruptions, it’s easy to stay on the right path.

Plan out your day ahead of time if you’re struggling with time management. You might construct a task list before retiring for the day, or perhaps draft a detailed agenda. Doing this gives you some peace of mind and allows you to be better prepared to handle the pressures that you are bound to face the next day.

Now that you read the article above, you can improve the way you choose to manage your time. This will improve the quality of your life for the better. Now, all you need to do is stay committed to making your life better with these time management skills you just learned about.

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Need Some Advice About Desktops? Read On.

Posted on by Round Eye

There’s always new information available about desktop computers. Learning more about computers is easy when you have the right information. The following article is filled with great advice about desktop computers.

Be on the lookout for computers that the owners are giving away. Many more people use tablets and laptops these days so they’ll be getting rid of their desktops for cheaper prices. These computers are usually in fine shape, but before you buy, make sure.

If you have found that your desktop is running slow then you can start by doing a boot check. Click Start, navigate to Accessories and choose Run. Then type msconfig in the run box. This menu will allow you to find the information that you need. Identify any software or apps that you don’t use, and disable them from automatically starting at boot. This will make the system run faster.

Inspect a computer’s add-ons before you buy it. They often come with optional upgrades. Be sure that you only buy what you need. Other sites may even have the add-ons cheaper, so use caution. The ones that you can get directly from the computer makers are frequently priced at a premium.

Carefully choose your products when building a desktop yourself. Some motherboards work only with certain types of processors. Some RAM units only work with some motherboards. When buying parts, check out the compatibility factor. This will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches when building your own desktop computer.

Look at different reputable tech sites for reviews of a computer before you decide to buy it. It might seem intimidating to sort through everything, but top pick lists can help immensely.

It is vital that on your next desktop computer purchase it comes with a warranty. It is generally for the software if the computer starts malfunctioning. You can simply return it to the store and get it replaced.

Gamers need to buy specific rigs. Your new system should have 4GB of memory at the very least, a video card that will offer what you need and a display that offers a higher resolution. Special controllers and keyboards are also available that will enhance all your gaming play.

The world of desktop computers is an ever-changing one, and today computers are often less expensive than laptops. You can get a great computer for under 500 dollars. Buy it from a trusted store to ensure that full support is offered.

Avoid getting caught up in price drops. Sometimes when people are in the market for a desktop computer, they track the deals. Some of them don’t buy one because they are waiting on a better deal. Usually there isn’t much difference between deals, so if you find one that is good, then buy it.

When shopping for a new computer, keep peripherals in mind. At minimum, you require a mouse, keyboard, monitor and speakers. A printer can be very useful as well. Are there any other accessories that you will need, too?

Technology is always changing, so you must keep up with desktop computer changes in order to make a proper decision. That’s why articles like this help simplify things for you. For more information, continue to do your research.

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Saving Time: Helpful Advice On Making The Most Of Your Time

Posted on by Round Eye

Most people want to use their time wisely, but they do not know how to go about it. If this is familiar to you, you have come to the right place. The article below has the time management information you need.

Working a day ahead of time is a smart way to manage time. Set up your goals for the following day ahead of time, if you can. Preparing the next day’s list is the best thing you can do at the end of each day. When you can see your jobs ahead of time, you can get to work faster.

Pay close attention to deadlines if you find you are constantly late with projects and appointments. This can cause your tasks to suffer if you do not. Making a schedule an sticking to it is the best way to eliminate stress.

Check your schedule over in the morning. If you begin your day knowing the things you need or expect to do, your chances of accomplishing your goals increase. Be sure you haven’t penciled in too much.

Focus on single tasks if you have a hard time managing your time. Many people cannot finish multiple projects at the same time because they are not good at multi-tasking. If you try to do a lot, you may suffer. Concentrate on only one project at a time, and don’t move onto the next one until the first one is completed.

Step back for a minute and look at how you are working right now. If you find it difficult to concentrate on your tasks until they are done, ask yourself why. If you’re serious about managing time wisely, you must identify what is keeping you from doing that.

Learn how to say no. Just saying yes can add a lot of stress to your life. When you’re overbooked, check the schedule. Perhaps there are tasks that could be given to others to handle? If so, ask for help from friends and family.

Each morning when you wake up, take some time to plan your day. Write down your schedule on paper. Having a visual reminder can help keep you on task.

Keep your office door closed so others don’t disturb you. An open door signals others that you can help with their problems. Closing your door affords you instant privacy. People will be aware that you’re busy and you can get more done.

Unless you really have to do so, it’s not a good idea to answer a phone or any other type of device if you’re trying to get a task done. If you take a call, you’ll forget where you left off. Return all correspondence once the task you’re working on has been completed.

Check out your schedule for the day. Could any activities be cut from it? Can you give some jobs to someone else? Delegation will be one time management skill that’s just great to use. Let things go and you’ll have more time for your own tasks.

To make life more enjoyable, it’s important to not let yourself become distracted when you need to get things done. Don’t get distracted with items that interrupt your tasks. Do not work on two tasks at once. This is something that cannot be allowed. Before you take on more tasks, finish the ones you have started.

Know that you really can’t do everything. Actually, it is very hard to do this. There’s a good chance you’ll put in about 20 percent effort to accomplish 80 percent of your workload. Do your best to get as much done as possible, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get to everything.

List everything you must accomplish for the day and prioritize your tasks. Begin the day by starting at the first item on your list and working your way down to the bottom. If you find it difficult to remember everything that appears on the list, carry a copy of your list with you.

If you really want to get good at managing time wisely, then you need to get good at determining how much work each individual task is going to take. Don’t spend a lot of time on a task that’s not important. Only spend enough time to get each task done well enough to move forward to the next. When you save your best work for important jobs, you will use your time more effectively.

As described in this article, good time management is easy if you follow strategies that work. Luckily, you have read these great time management tips. Put them to use and stay determined. In no time, you will be a time management expert.

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Check Out This Article On Time Management That Offers Many Great Tips

Posted on by Round Eye

Life gets busy with all of the conflicting demands on our time. The thought of managing your time wisely may sound intimidating to you. It shouldn’t be like this. The right tips, just like those below, will help you sort out your life.

Make good use of a timer. If focusing for a set amount of time is difficult, setting a timer can help. For instance, if you have an hour available to work, use the time to work for 15 minute increments until you have worked for the amount of time you have available.

If you find yourself late all the time, attempt to focus on deadlines. You can get behind on things if you find out a deadline is coming up. However, if you keep those deadlines in focus and allocate your time wisely, you won’t have to sacrifice one project to finish another.

Be careful as you set your schedule. Think over each task and how long it will take and then tell yourself what time that task should be done by. It can improve the way that you live as your time will be managed wisely. If you find yourself with surprise pockets of free time, apply them towards enjoying yourself or catching up on anything you’re behind on.

When making a daily schedule, remember to schedule time for interruptions that can occur. If you don’t allow for unexpected things, you could mess up your day. By planning for interruptions, you can stay focused.

If you have a hard time managing your time, analyze the way you work. You may be doing things in an inefficient manner. Ask others how you can improve. To improve you have to admit to inefficiencies and mistakes. Don’t let your pride get in the way.

Unless you really have to do so, it’s not good to answer the phone, instant messages, or texts while you’re busy with other things. You will have trouble getting back on task if you get interrupted. Do all your chatting, electronically or otherwise, once you’ve completed your tasks for the day.

Staying on task is important when trying to improve one’s life. Don’t get distracted with items that interrupt your tasks. Sometimes others interfere with your workflow by giving you things to do while you are engaged in another task. Do not allow this to happen. Before you take on anything else, complete your task at hand first.

It is almost impossible to complete every task you have. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much impossible to do. You may discover that much of your time is spent on unimportant tasks. Get everything that you can done, but realize that you won’t be able to do everything.

Make a list of everything that needs to be done for the day; then prioritize the list by how important each task is. As you finish one thing, move on to the next. Be sure to carry a copy of your to do list with you so you won’t forget your chores.

Look into taking a class in time management. There, you’re going to learn how to deal with time in a better way. Time management classes are even offered by some corporations, allowing their employees to reap the benefits of this important topic. If you cannot find a time management class through your employer, community colleges and libraries offer them as well.

As you can see, you can get more done if you just manage your time properly. Keep a positive mindset, use these tips, and gain control of your life. Utilize these tips on a daily basis.

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Find Out The Solar Energy Methods Which Are Being Hidden From You

Posted on by Round Eye

You should realize that solar panels impact the environment in a positive manner. It represents a significant financial investment as well. You must be able to afford this system. The piece that follows will help you understand the financial implications of switching to solar power.

How many panels you have in place and their efficiency will determine output. Be sure and crunch the numbers to see how many solar panels you’ll need to install. It can be better to buy the highest performance panels.

Consider a backup power option, just in case you have a problem with your solar panels. Generators are a good idea, though you might also stay connected to a main grid so that you can access power when necessary. Keep your generator well maintained and run it regularly to keep it in good condition.

Solar Power

Even if your area is cloudy and cold, you can still use solar energy. Solar power benefits do not need full sun at a particular temperature. Great solar power output can come on poor weather days.

Changing your current energy system over to solar energy is a smart idea. The pay-off won’t be complete for a few years into the future. Invest in solar conversion only when you are are prepared to stay at your current home.

You can cut down on costs by using grants and rebates. It can be expensive to install your solar panels; however, help may be available. Look at state and federal rebates or grants that will reward renewable energy usage. This will help cut your expenses significantly. Often, the initial cost of your solar panel system will net you a tax break.

Really look at the numbers before you get solar panels. In some parts of the country, you may have to pay far too much for the combined output and overhead. Rushing into solar energy without doing your homework may lead to a nasty surprise.

Solar Energy Systems

Solar energy systems just get better and better as the years pass. In the beginning, solar energy systems were cost prohibitive. Now they are quite affordable for the vast majority of consumers. It does not matter if you are purchasing a small system to use at home or a large system for your company, if you spend some time on your search, you will find one that you like.

Two of the most popular ways to cut heating costs include installing solar water heaters and solar panels. These work well in areas that are more exposed to the sun’s rays. Swimming pools are often heated using solar heating.

In a perfect world, the sun could be used to power everything from planes to pickup trucks. Unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet. Having said that, small power machines that run on solar energy are available. You could invest in a small-scale system such as a solar-powered generator or a solar-powered water heater.

It is not necessary to be hooked up to power grids in order to connect solar power systems. You have the ability to be independent from the power companies in your area. You will no longer have a bill rolling in each month or need to schedule an appointment to set up power when you switch houses.

Solar Energy

You do not have to purchase an entire solar energy system at once. Sometimes it is more economical to start small. This type of fan features sensors that can turn on the fan at a certain temperature. This gets rid of heat and reduces cooling costs. Also because it’s run by solar energy, you won’t have to pay for the electricity it creates.

Solar panels don’t come cheap, so you may end up getting just a few of them to meet your needs. Hire someone to come into your home and do an energy audit. This will show you possible sources of wasted energy so that you can make the appropriate changes. This means you will not need as many panels installed.

Regardless of the type of solar energy system you choose, the panels should always face the sun. You get the energy from the sun, so it’s important for the panels to be located in an area where they can get all the solar energy possible.

Solar Energy

If you reside in the Southwest, solar energy is a wonderful option. Within this region, you will find more year-round solar energy. This makes it financially sound to depend on our sun to fuel your energy demands. You should start comparing prices and learning more about solar energy.

The information presented here should be helpful to you in making the most cost effective solar energy choices. While it sounds great in theory, if your home doesn’t receive plenty of direct sunlight, solar energy may not be for you. Everything you’ve learned should serve you well as you explore the costs and benefits of solar energy.

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