How You Can Save Money by Switching to Solar Electricity

Most people are already aware that using solar power to power their homes is an eco-friendly way to get energy. However, not nearly, as many are aware that solar helps you save money. You need to know about the benefits you gain from using solar to understand how it saves you money.

How Solar Energy Functions

Solar cells found with solar panels absorb the energy produced by the sun. Through a complex process, they are able to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. Consequently, this electricity is harvested through special circuitry for use within the home. There are different solar cells, which have different amounts of efficiency.

  • The most efficient solar cells have an efficiency of 50%. They are used on satellites.
  • Standard cells have an efficiency of 23%.
  • Those used in homes typically have an efficiency of 18 or 15%.

Solar energy can only be utilized if the panels are exposed to sunlight. That means the roof should not be close to any shade when the solar panel is installed. The solar panels will store unused power in batteries for when there is not sunlight like at night or at dawn. The system can be connected to the grid for when there is shortage in solar energy.

Solar panels have come a long way since they first hit the market, and there are some great options for home, even solar panels for RVs, on talcoelectronics.com.

Tax Incentives

The federal and state governments both offer various incentives to solar power users. The state incentives vary from state to state. In some states, solar power devices pay 0% tax. In some states, people can get up to 25% tax credit with a limit of $1,000. The federal tax credit is 30% without any limits. However, rentals do not qualify for this program. The tax credit will expire at the end of 2016.

Incremental Electricity Costs

The cost of electricity varies by state. In some states, the cost is as high as 13.6 cents. Users should expect an average annual increase of 4.3%. Solar energy frees you from having to worry about the rise in costs.

More Value for Your Home

In California, you will sell your home twice as fast if it has solar power installed. In addition, countrywide studies reveal that people will pay more if the home has solar power. Most people are incentive by the long term savings of buying a solar powered home.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

Solar panels come with a warranty of 25 or 30 years. However, most calculations assume it will last for 25 years. With proper care, it can go for up to 40 years. The only maintenance needed is to clean it with a bucket of soap and water every now and then.

Calculate Savings

You need information such as:

  • Cost of the solar power system
  • Federal and state tax savings
  • The previous year’s power bills

You should then divide the tax incentives for a period of 25 years. In addition, make a comparison of the annual cost of power before and after the installation. If used properly, the system can save you a lot of money. Do the calculations to see how large the savings you make are.

Saving Money on Entertainment with Free TV Apps

Using a satellite dish or cable can be quite expensive. If you’re planning to get rid of either of these due to the expenses, there are a number of great options available. One of the most affordable options is the free TV apps. Most TV networks now offer many of their popular shows on the android platforms and Apple devices. The only cost that you may incur using these apps is the advertising. This is because the companies still need to make a profit in order to generate new content.

Showbox

This is undoubtedly the leading application for entertainment. Many people use it due to the amount of content available through this app. The company that owns Showbox has some of the most efficient servers to cope with the huge amount of traffic. As a result, this app rarely experiences any downtime, which is an issue of concern with TV apps. Currently, the application is not available on Google play store. The apk file for the app can be downloaded directly from the company’s website. Best of all, there is a PC version of this app available.

Hulu

Hulu is another great alternative for getting content directly to the android or apple device. The content available through this application is of high quality. The app is available on the Google play store free of charge. With this application, you’ll never runs out of content to watch.

Crackle

This is a great application for watching content in both US and Canada. Sony currently owns the app. As a result, you should expect high-quality content from this application. The content available through Crackle is updated on a monthly basis. The content is generally good and the app rarely experiences any breakdowns. Users of the app have to contend with the regular advertisements aired through the app. This is a small trade-off for getting content so easily through one’s device.

HBO NOW

This app, which is standalone, is related to one of the greatest TV networks on earth. HBO has created this app to allow users access some of the highest quality content available through entertainment apps. The application had a shaky start but has since corrected the initial hiccups. The shows available are suited to a wide variety of audience. Almost anyone will find content that suits him or her through HBO NOW.

Hubi Streaming

This application is a great way to stream content directly to one’s device. The Hubi application also supports download capabilities. Furthermore, it supports link sharing. As a result, if one finds good content, they can inform their friends about it. The application does not come with any content of its own. The content available for streaming on this application is sourced from outside links.

Wrapping it up!

These are just a few of the many content streaming applications currently on offer. The best part about them is that they are extremely cheap when compared to cable or satellite dishes. Viewers seeking to cut down entertainment costs should definitely consider these applications.

How to Know When You Are Financially Ready for a Baby

The decision to have a child is complicated by all kinds of things, from family matters to work, but few things affect how people feel about having children more than their finances. You’ll hear things like,

“We don’t have the money to have a kid!”

“Babies are so expensive! Who can afford one?”

“Have you SEEN how much diapers cost?”

While money is certainly not the most important thing in the world, couples are right to think about how they will provide for their new baby. Financial matters can put extra strain on a relationship, and can make it harder to give a baby the life it deserves. However, too many couples worry about money long after they need to, and it can keep them from starting their family.

We’ve compiled some tips on how to know if you’re financially ready for a baby, so you and your loved one can stop worrying so much and start thinking about baby names (Although we all know you probably have a few picked out already, even if it is secretly!):

1. You’ve set aside an emergency fund.

Most people know that you’re supposed to have an emergency fund, but they haven’t quite put this plan into action. Most experts suggest putting at least 3 months of your total expenses, although others suggest being truly well-prepared requires at least six. When you think about your total expenses, think about everything. That includes rent (or mortgage), food, all utilities, gas, personal items like soap and shampoo, and anything else you spend money on in the average month.

If you’re not sure how much you spend, total up everything, from checks written to credit card swipes, in a month. Then, multiply that number by whatever you want to set aside. This fund will help in case you or your partner lose a job, or if you have unexpected medical insurance.

2. You’re working your way out of debt, if you have any.

This one is not easy, and if you wait to have a child until you’re debt-free, you probably won’t ever have one! Instead, start increasing your monthly payments a little bit at a time on credit card debt, student loan debt, or a car payment. If you have a clear plan to pay the debt off and stick with it, and you know you can still provide for your child, you will be okay. However, if you have thousands of dollars hanging over your head, and no way to pay it off, it is probably not the right time for a child.

3. You’ve planned for mom and baby.

Everyone talks about buying things for baby, but nobody talks about buying things for mom. The truth is, maternity clothes from reputable retailers like snugglenado.com are as much of a need as diapers, and as you prepare financially, you should budget for them. Skinny jeans rarely fit after the first couple of months.

You should also make sure you’re discussing what you do and don’t need for your child. If there’s a gadget you really want but can’t afford, consider asking for it as a shower gift. Remember, parenting is less about spending money on the baby and more about spending time with them, and they don’t need every new toy on the market to think you’re amazing.

4. You have a little money left over every month.

By the time you decide to have a child, you should have your budget down to a science, and know what money is coming in and out of the house. You should also, ideally, have money left over each month that could go to the baby, for diapers and formula and other day to day needs. If not, look at your other expenses and decide if there are things you can cut. You might consider pricey cable packages or a few nights out a month.

Remember, nobody ever has the perfect financial situation to have a baby, but if you plan it right, you can buy diapers, set money aside, and still pay all your household bills. Ultimately, the only one who can tell you when you’re ready for your new bundle of joy is you, but hopefully thinking about these financial tips will prepare you to make that day a reality sooner than you think!