We’ve begun installing chargers for electric cars in Los Angeles – thus my new interest in electric cars. Interest in electric cars (electric vehicles or EVs) is picking up because the Nissan Leaf just began deliveries in L.A. in December and the Chevy Volt is supposed to start deliveries early this year. Los Angeles buyers are starting to install electric chargers for these vehicles, and I’m starting to learn a lot more about EVs.

Of course, as someone who installs chargers for electric cars, I’m interested in how many will be sold in Los Angeles. Sorry folks, no one really knows. Forecasts are all over the board. Pike Research, a transportation analysis firm, just projected in early 2011 that in the next six years, between 2011 and 2017, over 96,000 electric vehicles will be sold in Los Angeles. It projects that Los Angeles purchases will be second highest in the country, trailing only New York City. Its overall projection is 366,000 EVs  sold nationwide by 2017.

Another study in 2009 by the University of California, Berkeley (Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology) projected that the U.S. will hit 1,000,000 EVs sold by 2017. This is still far lower than President Obama’s call for 1,000,000 by 2015, which many analysts consider realistic.

Why are the projections so different? The U.C. study explains. It mostly depends on the price of gasoline. For example, if gas prices continue at about $3.50 a gallon, U.C. forecasts only 18% of new car sales will be electric in 2020. But if gas prices rise to about $5.50 a gallon, the forecast rises to 45% of new car sales in 2020. Of course, experience tells us that gas prices move up and down very quickly and unexpectedly, often depending on events in the volatile Middle East.

The safest statement one can make about electric cars sales in Los Angeles is that they’re starting in a big way now and will continue to increase over the coming years. Another safe statement – buying an electric car and installing a charger is going to protect you from the wild ups and downs of gas prices, something no one can predict.

If you have bought or are thinking of buying a new electric car,  click her for more about what’s involved in installation of a charger for your EV.

Anyone who has a security system installed on their premises knows exactly how much of research they have conducted before deciding which one to opt for. If you check what’s available in the market, you will find there really is an expansive range of security solutions to choose from, in varying price ranges. In many ways, this wide choice makes the decision more difficult. It’s probably why many people settle for devices that have the most advanced technology.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the end of the story! It doesn’t take too long for security technology to become outdated and get nudged out of the picture by newer, state-of-the-art, security systems. But you can’t really switch to the new technology that easily, even if you want to. After all, the security system you get installed represents a significant investment and you want to be able to use it for as long as you are able to.

If you are considering getting a security system for the first time, or are upgrading to a new one, there are certain things you should keep in view:

While all these factors are important, it’s also extremely important to ensure that the wiring in your home is completely synched to your security needs in the future. Technologies are always in evolve-mode. It’s difficult enough to accommodate the varied equipment that is an integral part of most households. But when you throw in security system-related wiring requirements, you might just be in for some unpleasant surprises, if you don’t keep your future needs in view.

When you are adding a new security system and upgrading your wiring, think about all the places you would want Ethernet, cable, Internet or any other wiring installations and how those needs may change in the future. The wiring you get done now, should keep these things in view. This will help make your security system more future proof than it already is.

For more security system wiring ideas and the best electrical solutions, call Allround Electrical at 1300 169 263. You can also drop us a line via email.

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If you are in the market for a new solar panel, you’re probably already sold on the incredible energy and long-term monetary savings that come from a home solar system. And even if you understand the process of installing the solar system, does that necessarily mean that your home is ready for the installation? In this post, we take a quick look at the process of preparing your home for solar panel installation.

One of the first things to consider is the structural stability of the roof. Is it strong enough to support your new solar panels? Consider getting a building inspection to make sure the roof is equal to the task.

In addition to the structure, you’ll want to take a good look at the surrounding area. Are there tree branches overhanging the future solar array? The debris from trees and the possible trauma from branches can inhibit and even damage solar panels. Such trees are best trimmed for near-term and future growth.

Any structures or devices in the area of the solar array need to be removed or relocated. Antennas and ceiling vents are particularly crucial pieces to work around. If your roof prevents easy access to the solar panels, think about finding a way around that. Some roofs don’t encourage access and need hatches built in so you can easily reach panels for repair.

Of course, we have plenty of experience devising and consulting on such solar projects. We’ll help you decide on the most appropriate changes to make in your home and yard to make the perfect solar installation work for you. Don’t hesitate to call us so we can start the process right away. We get the ball rolling with a free consultation over the phone. We’ll check out your home with satellite data before we even visit. By the time we’re done with our first site visit, you’ll have a good idea of what our installation and the necessary preparation mean for you.