5 Commonly Asked Questions about Solar Energy

A lot of people have been moving towards considering solar energy as a reliable substitute for their electricity for multiple reasons lately. However, the big question remains – where do we start? If you are one of these people, then you have landed at the right place. In this article, we try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about solar energy, from the hows to why and pricing. Dive in to find out!

Q1: What is solar energy and how does it work?

Solar energy is the energy extracted from the sun by using solar panels and plants. The energy is then used to create solar power by converting it into electricity. This electricity can be used to power appliances in your home in place of your regular electricity source. 

The solar panels can be installed on the roofs of independent houses or farms where they are exposed to the sun. They capture current from the sun and flow it through the panels to an inverter, which is then converted from DC power to AC power to be used in your home. 

Q2: Can solar energy help in saving money?

Solar power helps you save on the cost of electricity that you would pay otherwise and also saves you on the rising cost of electricity in the future. Buying a solar power system is like having your own mini power station that would save you a large amount of money every month. 

Q3: How does solar energy help the environment?

Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable form of energy, thereby making it environment-friendly. This is because it turns the sun’s rays into electricity and helps you power your home. The simple fact is that sunlight is not going anywhere, unlike water and fossil fuels, which means that we are not exhausting any nonrenewable sources of energy when we are using it.

Using sunlight for electricity also reduces our reliance on the traditional methods of burning fossil fuels that release nitrogen oxide in the air, contributing to the formation of smog and acid rain. It also reduces the risk of oil spills, damage to landscapes, and depleting water supply. 

Q4: What happens to solar energy on cloudy or snowy days?

Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to harness the sun’s energy, and so they can easily work even on cloudy days. However, they do need light, so they only work through the day and do not capture energy during the night. 

On the other hand, if there is snow settled on your solar panels, chances are they won’t work to generate energy as they cannot absorb the sunlight. Having said that, the good thing is that on days like these, you still do not have to experience a power outage, as your solar panel inverter stores energy for later use, which comes in handy whenever there is bad weather or snow conditions.

Q5: How affordable is it to get solar energy panels

Solar power is as affordable as your electricity bill, which is to say if you can afford to pay your electricity bill, then getting a solar panel shouldn’t be a problem. Lately, the government has also been launching various new subsidy schemes for homes that are looking to move towards solar, which makes it even easier to get solar panels. 

The reason why solar power is considered the best power is that it is clean, renewable, and emissions-free, unlike the fossil fuels that are used for generating electricity. It does not emit any greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and does not weigh too heavy on the pocket either. If you want to know more about solar power, panels, and how they work, you can head on to Sterling and Wilson Solar which has been bringing sustainable change across the globe since 2011. 

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 17, 2021.

What is the real impact of solar panels on the environment?

 

The constantly evolving solar power industry is changing the way we produce electricity, for the better. As an efficient option for consumers to make the switch to renewable sources, it has gained an appreciation and has been accepted into communities all over the globe. However, with this popularity, there is also speculation about just how sustainably efficient solar power systems really are. There are positive as well as negative arguments about this ‘green’ source of electricity and both perspectives do have validity. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons when it comes to the environmental impact of solar panels.

Let’s begin with the little-known negative impacts that the use of solar panels and the construction of solar power systems can have on the environment. Like every other type of infrastructure, solar panels do have their downside. A majority of it comes down to the materials and the manufacturing process of creating solar panels. This negative impact can be tracked to 3 major areas.

1. Energy consumption

While solar panels are a renewable source of energy, they are not completely free of any negative impact. The manufacturing of solar panels involves the use of a significant amount of energy. This is majorly evident in the mining aspect for materials used including quartz (processed into silicon), aluminum, and copper or silver, etc. A variety of not very environmentally friendly materials and processes are required to create the components of a single solar module. Quartz also needs to be processed under very high heat which further consumes energy.

2. Disposal of chemicals

This process of heating the quartz in a high-temperature furnace also includes reacting it with various chemicals. Similarly, other processes for solar modules tend to make use of or develop hazardous chemicals. The negative environmental impact, in this case, takes place if these chemicals are not disposed of properly. Like any other industry, this lies in the hands of the manufacturers where certain companies are not concerned about the impact on the environment while others are leading the path towards sustainability.

3. Recycling old panels

At this stage of the evolution of solar panels, there are still modules that might need replacement at later stages. Since a majority of all solar panels are new, the problem of how to recycle old modules will emerge in the coming decades. These discarded solar modules come in the category of e-waste. This means that countries and communities that are able to provide a robust system to recycle e-waste are better off while other ones are at high risk of negatively impacting the environment.

All of these problems can be tackled with the innovation of alternative manufacturing and the standardization of robust, sustainable processing systems.

Meanwhile, the benefits of switching to solar power systems are unmistakable in the current environment. Unlike any other form of power generation, solar power contributes to no air or carbon pollution, emits no ash or other waste products, and requires only sunlight as a source. In fact, the switch to solar panels for electricity is capable of improving the environmental impacts of the businesses, communities, and homeowners that utilize it while also being a cost-effective solution for these users.

There is also constant progress in the solar industry with innovative and technological advancements, making this electrical source more broadly available and more affordable to diverse economic backgrounds.

Rooftop solar EPC has seen a reduction in different aspects of pricing because of the growing networks of solar installers and financial partners interested in embracing this effective resource. Organizations have utilized rooftop solar systems to reduce their operating costs while homeowners embrace reducing their carbon footprint at minimal costs. There are also third-party ownership options where customers pay little to nothing upfront under solar leases or power purchase agreements to get electricity over a long period at attractive fixed rates.

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 15, 2021.

5 Amazing Places to Visit on Pune Solapur Highway

The Pune Solapur Highway starts at Pune and runs along till Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a lot of tourist attractions all along the route. If you are planning to take the highway any time soon, then we have created a list of perfect places that you should visit.

Let’s take a look at top attractions on Pune Solapur Highway

There are various tourist attractions near the Pune Solapur Highway, below we take a peek at them. 

1. Dive Ghat Valley

Image Source – Tripadvisor

Dive Ghat Valley offers you scenic views and long beautiful winding roads. In the monsoon season, the clouds blow so low that you can almost touch them and the greenery that surrounds them is one for the books. Take a drive along the Pune Solapur Highway on a rainy day to absorb the natural beauty of this valley.

2. Temples

Temples on Pune Solapur Highway

The highway houses a lot of temples along its route, from the famous Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, which is situated 45 kilometers from Pune, on a hill near Yavat. Along the way on the highway, there are other temples, like Baneshwar Shiva Temple, located in Nasrapur, Lord Balaji Temple, and Lord Ek Mukhi Datta temple in Narayanpur, and Shrinath Mhaskoba Temple in Purandar Tehsil that is located close to Saswad.

3. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

Image Source – Wikipedia

Spot various migratory birds from North India and other countries, including Flamingos, Grey Heron, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Egrets Gulls, and more. You can also take a boat ride in the lake and have your lunch in the boat itself while bird watching. The best time to visit this place would be between January and February as most of the birds arrive in the sanctuary around this time. 

4. Purandar Fort

Image Source – Wikipedia

Visit beautiful temples and the twin forts of Purandar and Vajragad in the Western Ghats, which are currently occupied by the National Cadet Corps academy. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and is located 4,472 feet above sea level, making it a scenic beauty.

5. Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary

Image Source – thrillophilia.com

Located around 50 kilometers from Bhigwan, in the outskirts of Karjat city, Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is popular around the world for Black Bucks and Indian Antelopes. 

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If you are looking to find a house along the highway that places you close to all these amazing places mentioned above, then Joyville Hadapsar comes as the perfect opportunity to invest in, with its 60+ amenities, huge clubhouse, and 1, 2, and 3 BHK flats on Pune Solapur Highway. You don’t have to look any further before buying a house!

Joyville Hadapsar Annexe Property on Pune Solapur Highway

Relax close to home at the best beaches in Virar West near Mumbai

 

Image Source – wikimedia

Enjoying a relaxing getaway doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to travel far from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. As a coastal city, Mumbai can offer its residents the best of both worlds – active city life and picturesque getaway locations. Located in Virar, the city’s northern suburbs, there are plenty of beach destinations for explorers to choose from. 

1. Rajodi Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

This is one of the most well-known beaches in the Vasai-Virar area. It is surrounded by lush greenery that acts as a refreshing welcome as you approach the beach. There are small cafes and snack stalls in the area to enjoy a quick bite. Travel here from Virar with a 15-20 minute bike ride.

2. Arnala Beach

Image Source – Youtube

One of the most popular beaches in the Virar area, Arnala has plenty to offer its visitors. From snacks at small hawker stalls to horse rides, you can enjoy much more than the view. There are also a few resorts around the corner for a comfortable stay and some pool time. The Arnala Fort is also a ferry ride away.

3. Navapur Beach

Image Source – WhatShot.in

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and beautiful beach views, this location has a unique sight to offer – naturally occurring black sand. This clean and empty black sand beach is ideal for some quiet time since too many people do not know it. Though the beach is quite empty, you will find some stalls offering snacks like chai and Poha not too far from here.

4. Suruchi Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

Located very close to the Vasai area, the tall trees surrounding this beach are extremely popular as a great photoshoot opportunity. In fact, Suruchi beach gets its name from the tall Suru trees. It also offers excellent sunrise and sunset views and is always buzzing with visitors.

5. Bhuigaon Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

Another beach located close to Virar in Vasai, Bhuigaon is a clean and serene option for a relaxing day trip ending with the view of the sunset in the evening. It is easily accessible within a mere 10 km from Vasai railway station.

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Joyville Virar by Shapoorji Pallonji offering 1, 2 & 3 BHK flats for sale in Virar West near Arnala, Rajodi & Navapur & other popular beaches approximately 6 to 10 kilometers.

Explore Here – https://www.joyvillehomes.com/joyville-virar/

Joyville Virar by Shapoorji Pallonji

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 8, 2021.

Top 5 Metals to Avoid in Jewelry

Toxic metals can be found all around us and while some are common, others can be quite hard to find. However, not many people know that there also exists something called toxic metals and these can be found in our day-to-day jewelry too. In this article, we try to shed some light on these toxic metals and how they can affect us. Ready to find out?

Toxic Metals to Avoid in Jewellery

There are various metals that should be avoided in jewelry, let’s take a look at some of them below. 

Nickel

Many people don’t realize that nickel is a toxic metal, given its wide usage everywhere, However, as it turns out, nickel can be quite dangerous for many people, especially those who have a nickel allergy – it can cause itchiness, redness, and blistering. Other than allergies, it can also be dangerous when you are overexposed to it. This happens when we keep nickel against our skin for long periods of time, such as a whole day or more. 

Nickel is found in almost everything, from batteries to coins and various appliances. It is also present in stainless steel, as it prevents the steel from rusting. This makes it essential to not have it in your jewelry as you are already exposed to nickel throughout the day via other things. Having it in your jewelry might just be the overexposure that you would want to avoid.

Lead

It is a widely known fact that if lead enters your body, it can cause severe damage. Even mild exposure to lead can cause stomach pain, fatigue, tingling hands and feet, and more. When exposed to lead for a longer period of time, it can cause lead poisoning which can have serious behavioral implications such as depression, irritability, and forgetfulness. 

While lead has been illegal for a few decades now, you may still have traces of it in older products in your house. It can also be found in jewelry pieces made by unethical manufacturers or in antiques. 

Cadmium

With the ban on lead, cadmium has come to the rise. It is a known carcinogen and can cause severe kidney and bone damage. It can also replace the healthy zinc found in your body as well as cause iron deficiency. 

We can find it in cigarette smoke, including e-cigarettes. It is also used in rechargeable batteries and trace amounts can be found in fruits, vegetables, and meat. It is also widely used in making jewelry and as filler metal in low-quality consumer products. 

Copper

Copper is a common metal used in everyday life. While it is necessary to have trace amounts of copper in your body, any more than that and copper becomes toxic. Symptoms of copper poisoning include cramps, fever, headaches, yellowing skin and eyes, and more. Overexposure to copper, in the long run, can also cause damage to your heart, brain, and liver.

Copper is found in pots, pans, coins, wires, and jewelry. If you find yourself at risk for copper toxicity, it may be a good idea to avoid wearing it on your skin. 

Aluminum 

Most widely available in the earth’s crust, aluminum, when absorbed by the body can actually be very toxic. It can cause ulcers, rashes, and arthritic pain among other things. 

Exposure to aluminum can also lead to brain damage, resulting in loss of memory, coordination, and balance.

A limited amount of aluminum can be found all around us – in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe – it does not cause any harm. However, aluminum can be dangerous for those who already have a pre-existing kidney problem, thereby making it a metal that should be avoided in jewelry.

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Ace that office-look or bring grace to weddings, make your travel look chic and girl’s night out more glam. From handcrafted artisanal Jewellery like Earrings, Rings, Maang Tikkas, Bangles, and necklaces to flamboyant, bold pieces, we have carefully curated something for every mood and occasion.

Green Homes in Kenya: A Surging Trend

 

With the climate crisis inching closer to us every day, everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious, including homeowners. This gives birth to the term ‘green homes’, for those who are looking to reduce their exposure to pollutants, decrease their environmental footprint and switch to sustainable and eco-friendly housing. 

Sustainable or green homes can also increase the durability of your house by protecting it from water and air intrusion. They offer an energy-efficient and non-toxic way of construction and living, by using reclaimed materials, solar panels, airtight insulation to reduce any leakage of energy, and more. All in all, they make for a good and sustainable investment opportunity. 

Why are Green Homes trending in Kenya?

The move towards Green Homes in Kenya is mainly driven by the decline in natural resources such as water and fossil fuels, which were once considered inexhaustible. With the adoption of Green Homes, Kenya is looking to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals and joining the Paris Climate Agreement that recognizes the importance of the construction sector and its role in the current climate change crisis. 

Kenyan Government’s Role in Green Homes

The Kenyan government has issued a decree that all housing development projects under the ‘Big 4’ agenda should meet the EDGE green building standards. They have promised to provide developers with free land to construct affordable houses that adhere to the government’s green housing initiative. The bill was enacted by Kenya’s State Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) connects the developers to certifiers so that they can utilize the benefits of EDGE certification for marketing purposes.

The Kenyan State Department of Housing is also working with county governments for affordable housing projects. They have created a Memoranda of Understanding wherein the developers who win the bid get free land to build affordable housing projects on it, as per the EDGE standards.

Mi Vida Green Homes

Mi Vida, a joint venture between Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), is one of the best choices for a green home in Nairobi, Kenya. Officially launched in 2019 to address the shortage of affordable housing, Mi Vida comes with an innovative design, modern engineering, and trusted construction. 

Mi Vida houses hold an EDGE certification in green building standards. Their projects adhere to the EDGE standard of 20%less energy usage, 20% less water usage, and 20% less embodied energy in materials, making it an ideal green home to live in.