Solar Farm

From science fiction to massive solar plants in the American West, solar energy has fascinated and tantalized scientists and writers for generations.  The promise of easily-accessible, virtually free energy from the large fusion reactor at the center of our solar system (the sun) is enticing and we’re getting closer to harnessing its power effectively every day.

Solar power is interesting because it’s one of the few electrical energy systems that does not use a turbine to generate energy.  Photoelectric cells contain a material that releases electrons when hit by a photon, generating electrical power.  There are no moving parts, no fuel to burn and pay for, and only occasional maintenance to keep the system performing optimally.

So what is holding back the proliferation of solar energy?  Space and storage.  We can generate large quantities of energy from solar, but we do not, at present, have the right method to store that energy for periods without sunlight (night time and storms).  So far the best response has been homeowners installing solar cells on their own homes with battery storage systems linked into their own neighborhoods.  By splitting up generation and storage within the neighborhood itself, enough solar cells can be installed to generate energy both day and night.

Space is at a premium when it comes to energy generation.  Solar power plants take up more space than traditional plants, while generating less energy per square foot.  Because solar cells need to be placed over large areas to maximize sunlight, installing power plants in urban areas can be difficult.  Though installing solar cells on your home can be done simply.

We mentioned self-starting or “œblack-start” energy systems.  These systems can be started without power applied to the system, a huge benefit to fuel-fed power plants, and necessary in the event of major blackouts and power losses.  True, we can supplement with gas turbines or nearby power generation, but we also want black-start renewables.  Fortunately, hydroelectric power plants require no off-system power to function.

Hydroelectric plants are special because, while they also have a somewhat variable energy source, they also have one of the best energy storage systems available: potential energy.  Hydroelectric dams use flowing water to spin turbines, typically generated from lakes and rivers.  Rather than storing generated electricity, hydroelectric plants can store water at a higher altitude.  By storing water in special tanks, they have access to electrical generation potential by simply releasing the stored water and allowing it to spin the turbine.  Hydroelectric power is perfect for energy storage, but they’re limited to specific areas.

Homeowners are always looking for ways to  lower their energy costs, and we can’t really blame them for wanting to do so. There are so many ways to go about conserving energy – both large and small – and we’re here to help you with some  ideas. It’s important to remember that even small changes can go a long way, so if you’re on a budget, don’t worry. Not every change requires a green gadget or a pocket full of cash. Simply altering a routine can have a serious impact on your annual energy costs.

We know that this can be a daunting process, because the opportunities are endless! This is why we’ve compiled five simple ways to lower energy costs.

Radiant heating is a popular heating choice with homeowners. There are a few types of radiant heating available, giving you some options as to how you heat your home using a radiant system. Both types offer benefits for your home, as we’ll discuss below, but you won’t gain any benefit from poor installation of your system. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to hire professionals to install your radiant system in Watertown. The experts at FB Electrical Services can handle every kind of heating installation, including radiant systems, so call us today!

Types of Radiant Heating

The types of radiant heating can be categorized by how they heat and their placement. Let’s start with flooring:

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

With a hydronic radiant floor system, flexible PEX tubing is placed underneath your flooring. Hot water or steam flows through the tubing, so you must have a boiler to install hydronic radiant floor heating.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

There are 3 ways to install electric Contact us today!

Fun Fact: According to studies conducted by photobiologist Dr. John Nash Ott, overall academic achievement improved and hyperactivity problems dissipated when students were taught in classrooms containing full-spectrum lighting. *Full spectrum light fixtures emulate natural light from the sun. You can find many contemporary lighting options at Capitol Lighting that feature full spectrum lighting.

Supplying our children with the full spectrum light is more important to promoting their academic success than providing them with the greatest tutoring services in the world. Full-spectrum lighting should be standard in all rooms where children spend a considerable amount of time. Children’s bedrooms and study areas should be furnished with layered sources of full spectrum light, including dimmers, to accommodate their daily circadian rhythms. This promotes restful sleep, and allows children to perform at their best in school.

Full spectrum lighting from Capitol Lighting offers benefits for beyond the classroom, office spaces should be equipped with full spectrum lighting to promote maximum productivity and energy levels.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom to view contemporary lighting ideas in table lamps, floor lamps and overhead lighting. Capitol Lighting has the best selection of contemporary lighting ideas in the country. If there isn’t a showroom nearby, go to 1-800Lighting.com to view our vast selection. The experts at Capitol Lighting can offer you advice regarding placement of light fixtures, installation of different types of lights, and tips on types of lighting. Let their certified lighting professionals help your family reap the benefits of full-spectrum lighting for optimum health and mental acuity.

The proud owner of a generator, whether for general use or use in an emergency, can rest assured that they have access to the power they need. But what if your generator isn’t quite up to the task? This can leave you with no means to perform normal functions at best, and at worst could leave you powerless in the face of a storm or other catastrophe. The certified experts at Kolb Electric have a strong history of handling generators, and today we bring you one of the most common complaints among generator-owners: power surges.

When it comes to communicating signs of disrepair, generators are actually rather talkative. It’s all in understanding the signs, the most common of which coming in the form of surging.

Surging refers to a generator (or other electrical component, machine or device) displaying clear fluctuations in behavior at intervals. These intervals can follow a clear pattern, or can be completely random. What exactly does this mean? Let’s use some examples.

A surging generator often will leave lights burning much brighter, then much dimmer rapidly, causing a sort of flicker back and forth. In machinery, this can also come as drastic changes in pace as well; such as a fan running faster and then slower for no obvious reason.

There are actually numerous causes for generator surging, including:

Bottom line; if your generator is experiencing surging there is definitely something wrong. The causes are myriad, but the solution stays the same. Seek professional assistance for your generator repair to ensure it’s ready and available when you need it most!

At Kolb Electric, we’ve been handling generator installation, repair and replacement for years, and we always bring our very best to any project. if you’re experiencing generator surges, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!