Concrete is a popular choice for flooring, foundations, and a host of other applications. It’s not a new product; the Romans used a lot of concrete in their many construction projects. In most cases, concrete offers a non-slip finish which is both practical and durable.

However, if you want the smoothest possible finish then the best option is polished concrete. Unfortunately, while this is a practical and good-looking choice, it is also a slippery one when wet. That means it poses an accident risk. You need to take steps to reduce this slipperiness and protect those walking on the floor.

Fortunately, there are several options worth considering.

Add An Epoxy Coating

Potentially the best option is to get a specialist in epoxy floor coatings to administer a layer of epoxy on top of the concrete flooring. This is a good way of laying epoxy and you get the benefit of a very durable floor. Epoxy is waterproof, stain-resistant, and durable. You can drop heavy items onto it without damaging this type of flooring.

It can be added to existing concrete and is available in a wide range of colours, allowing you to create your preferred look almost effortlessly.

Best of all, epoxy flooring has a non-slip component, making it one of the safest options currently on the market.

Add Rock Salt

Rock salt is only an option if you’re about to lay the concrete, it doesn’t help much if you put it on concrete that has already set. But, if you sprinkle the rock salty over a freshly poured concrete surface and smooth it out, the finish will have considerably more grip. Interestingly, the salt actually washes away once the concrete has finished setting.

This gives minuscule dips in the concrete which aid grip without detracting from the overall look of the concrete.

Textured Surface

Another, perhaps obvious, way of creating grip on a concrete floor is to texture the surface. This is only possible when you are laying the floor. The best way to do this is to lay the concrete floor as you usually would and then ‘broom’ the surface.

Brooming is the process of running a broom across the floor before it sets. You can purchase dedicated concrete brooms or use a standard broom as long as it has hard bristles.

It’s worth noting that brooming should be done in the same direction as any slope the concrete has. This will help to ensure it drains properly. It can also give it a nice-looking finish.

Anti-Slip Coating

Once your concrete is laid the best option is an epoxy coating. But, if this isn’t the route you want to take it is possible to add a non-slip sealer.

This is painted onto the concrete floor and seals it, helping it to be waterproof and stain-resistant. At the same time, the sealant makes the concrete floor anti-slip.

However, it should be noted that some anti-slip coatings change the look and feel of the concrete, while others don’t. Choose wisely.

If you don’t want to change the appearance of your concrete floor you may be best choosing a water repellent sealer. This helps to keep the water out and dramatically reduces the slipperiness of the surface, while protecting it from a variety of weather conditions, including snow and frost.

Sand

Adding sand to the top layer of the concrete or between two layers of a sealant can help to ensure your concrete floor isn’t slippery in the wet. The best product to use is silica sand.

It’s worth noting that this will change the look and feel of your concrete floor. It will feel slightly grittier and you may notice a slight cloudiness on the finish.

Acid

You can add muriatic acid to concrete after it has set and it will effectively eat the top layer. This exposes the roughness of the aggregates underneath, improving grip without damaging strength. But, it will make the surface feel rougher.

Adding Grip Stickers

Regardless of whether the concrete is inside or outside you can purchase grip stickers and position them on your floor. The idea is to position the grip stickers where you normally walk. Putting part of your shoe on the grip sticker will help to prevent your foot from slipping when walking across your concrete.

The technique you choose to stop your concrete floor from being slippery will depend on your budget and the finish you have versus the one you would like. All the above options will work and reduce the likelihood of you having an accident. You simply need to choose the one that suits your concrete floor best.

Thanks to all the companies linked above.

Your sewer line runs from all your appliances across your property and into the main sewer. From here, waste is carried away to the treatment plant where it is processed, cleaned, and sent back to your homes. What most people don’t appreciate is that the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the sewer line is yours.

The sewer pipe that runs under your yard is your responsibility, the water board only take over when the pipe connects to the main sewer pipe under the road. 

That’s why you need to know about sewer line repair and replacement.

Invest In A Camera

The first thing you should do is invest in a good quality pipe inspection camera. These are small cameras attached to a cable and usually on wheels. They can be slid inside a waste pipe and will send live feedback to you, allowing you to watch the camera’s progress. The aim is to locate any issues in the pipes, such as damage or blockages.

By investing in a camera today you can pre-empt issues in your sewer pipes. Simply inspect them regularly for signs of clogs starting or any damage. Of course, if you experience an issue with the pipes then you can use the camera to locate the issue.

It should be noted the camera is not a tool for clearing a blockage, it simply helps you locate the issue and verify it has gone.

Repairing A Sewer Line

A repair is the cheapest and simplest way of dealing with sewer line issues. There are actually two options available o you, depending on the level of damage to your sewer pipes.

1. Add A Lining

Once you’ve run your camera through and found out the pipe has minor damage, such as cracking, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s possible to repair it without digging it up.

This is usually a job done by the professionals. An inflatable liner is fed into the sewer pipe and pushed along until it reaches the designated area. The liner is then inflated. This pushes the epoxy backing against the walls of your sewer pipe.

The epoxy bonds and effectively replaces the inside of your pipe for you. This type of repair can last for years.

2. Specialist Bursting Technique

If the sewer pipe damage is more serious then you may need to have bursting done. This is where a special machine is used. It is put inside your pipes and drills its way through the damaged section. This destroys the existing pipe. The tool pulls a new pipe behind it, allowing the destroyed pipe to be replaced almost effortlessly.

This is something that needs to be done by the professionals and it is the most expensive option. But, it is also relatively quick and causes very little inconvenience.

Standard Replacement

In the past, this was the only option and it is still a valid option today. The standard approach was to simply dig the pipe up and replace it. Thanks to the camera you’ll know exactly where to dig and how much pipe to replace.

You should already know where your sewer pipe runs. If not, the detail should be on your house plans. Digging is best done with a mini-digger, allowing you to gently work your way down to pipe level. Of course, you’ll have to clear space around the pipe, this will allow you to cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new one.

It’s time-consuming, messy, but potentially the cheapest option and certainly the easiest if you are doing the work yourself.

Trees

It is worth spending a few moments assessing how the damage to your sewer pipe has occurred. In some cases it is simply old age, other times it is a particular object that has damaged the pipe.

If it’s old age then you may need to consider replacing all the sewer pipes as it will only be a matter of time before you have another, similar, issue.

However, one of the most common reasons for pipe damage is actually tree roots. These spread out from the tree in search of nutrition and water, your sewer pipe offers both.

If this is the cause then replacing or repairing the pipe will only be a temporary fix as the tree roots will break it again. You’ll need to deal with the tree. This could mean chopping it down or getting a specialist tree surgeon to trim the branches and the roots. Either option works, it costs more but it will protect your pipes in the future.

Thanks to all the companies linked above.

If you live in a place where it gets warm during the year, you are probably familiar with air conditioning.  This is especially true in Texas, including the Fort Worth area. I can hardly imagine getting through a summer without having air conditioning to protect me from the blazing heat.

Now, with these systems comes the need to install and maintain them. One of the key components of them is the air duct. We might not think about them much, but they are in fact what helps to keep everything working well! That means keeping them clean and performing any repairs necessary is quite critical.

Different Types

Due to their nature, there are a lot of different kinds of air ducts. They have to be able to adapt to each place they are installed, after all. Each is specialized for certain places or environments, so it is good to learn about all of them!

Fiberglass Lined

Fiberglass is just about what it sounds like – a fiber infused plastic that has glass in it to reinforce it. It is a very common material because it is more affordable and more flexible than carbon fibers. It is great for this purpose because it does not conduct heat or electricity, and it is almost always inert (chemically speaking).

For this type of duct, the fiberglass can line the exterior, interior, or both. It is best used with firm ducts. However, this type has fallen out of fashion because they are destroyed quite easily over time. They tend to fall apart and release particles of the fiberglass into the air (which can be quite dangerous to inhale).

Flexible

This is the easiest type to install, but there are a few caveats. It is highly flexible, as the name implies, and good for hard-to-reach spots in an installation. However, it should not be left at a ninety-degree angle.

It also tends to need support if it is in long stretches. This kind is usually made of metal coils and a layer of plastic that is flexible. The insulation can be made of glass wool but may also contain polyethylene.  

Usually it will be cube-like in nature and will not have any elbows or off-sets. They are a good option if you are low on space, but most of the time they are used in conjunction with another type.

Rigid

Now, when we hear this word, we might think of bamboo or wood. However, it can be used in this context as well! Rigid ductwork is reliable and lasts a long time, as the name implies.

There are a few subcategories here.  The first, and most common, is sheet metal. It is usually made out of aluminum or galvanized steel. Notably, it is lightweight and repels mold – however, it can leak if it is used in long stretches.

Next, there are rigid ducts that are line with fiberglass. However, like I noted above, these can be hard to clean and spread allergens in the air. It can even spread mold if you aren’t careful about maintaining them, but it is unfortunately quite difficult. There are options out there such as an Air Duct Cleaning Ft Worth website if you have this type.

Finally, there are fiberboard ones. Usually, their exteriors are coated in some sort of foil, and they use compressed fiberglass (that is pressed into a board form). It is fairly inexpensive to install but can experience some of the same issues as the kind above – mostly involving mold and mildew. It can also cause friction that can impact the overall effectiveness of an HVAC system.

Do We Need to Keep Them Clean?

Interestingly, this is a debated topic. However, I would say it is generally a good idea to have them routinely cleaned and maintained at least once a year – probably twice for the best results.

Think about it. The air conditioning we receive is stuff that we breathe in on the regular in our homes, while we are out running errands, and usually at work as well (unless you work outside). The particles in this air matter.

Dust particles are never fun to breathe in. A lot of us are actually allergic to dust mites, as well – I know I am. There are some conditions in which you should absolutely get yours cleaned.

First of all, if they are visibly moldy, you should seek professional cleaning. This can be extremely hazardous for your health to be around and breathe in. Some kinds of mold are highly toxic, and most will cause breathing problems and can aggravate asthma.

If you would like more information on this, you can check out this page – after all, it is a good idea to try to figure out why the mold is growing so that you can correct that condition. If you don’t, it will probably just grow back again even after having a cleaning.

If you notice that dust or other debris is being discharged from the vents or registers in your home, that’s another sign you should probably get them cleaned. There should never be that much build up inside a duct – it can hamper its effectiveness, on top of being a health risk.

Finally, if you notice vermin or rodents running around in the ducts, you should have them inspected and taken care of. You should probably invest in an exterminator first but removing any of the detritus left behind is also critical.

While it may not seem important at first glance, it is always best to try to keep your air ducts clean to increase overall effectiveness and reduce any potential health risks. While there is not a lot of proof that it is beneficial just yet (there simply have not been enough studies about it), it certainly does not cause harm.

For that reason, I would recommend at least checking out your options. That is the best way to prevent issues in the future that could be costly, after all!

Thanks to airductcleaningftworth.com for consulting.

For some reason, art is often an afterthought when it comes to interior design. But with just a few canvases, an entire room can be lit up with personality and colour, creating plenty of conversation starters for any guests you invite over. In actuality, art plays a crucial part in interior design.

But choosing the right pieces can be a little difficult. How do you start? Do you go for something that is right for the space or something that speaks to you personally?  Most of the time, getting something that is a representation of you and your personality is the best way to go.

If you are Jewish and are looking to incorporate your faith into your home, you will find that artwork can fit naturally inside the space. Mostly because it is something that speaks to you, and anything that speaks to you should be encouraged within your home décor.

What Jewish Artwork Is Out There?

There are plenty of Jewish paintings out there which are beautiful and moving. Choosing art based on your religion is a great way to represent your values and faith inside the walls of your own home. The right one will be sure to light up any space and speak to you personally, giving you small details to notice and smile at every time you take a look at it. 

What Kind Of Jewish Art Is Right For Me?

Whether it’s 3D paintings or traditional abstract pieces, you will find that there are many choices to go for when looking for Jewish art. Work featuring oil or acrylics can do well to give your room a warm and welcoming tone, or you can even get oil paintings which have been painted onto olive wood and Jerusalem stone. This will be sure to play a central role in the room you choose to place it into.

Can Any Room Have Jewish Art?

Of course, you should still pay attention to your interior design as a whole when installing Jewish art pieces. Artwork won’t necessarily work in every space. If you already have rooms with beautiful paintwork and furnishings, then you should allow them to steal the show and take centre stage. On the other hand, there are plenty of rooms which will really pop with a few art pieces. You will know just by looking.

Which Rooms Are Best For Art?

As stated before, it really depends on the rooms themselves. Ordinarily, however, a lounge will certainly benefit from having a few art pieces on the wall, especially if you are choosing art which radiates a warm and cosy vibe. Bedrooms should also work. If you are part of a family, then invite your children to help you decide. Ask them to explore the web for something they would like in their bedroom. This will also be a great way to get them more involved in the Jewish faith.

Is There Any Other Way To Incorporate My Faith Into My Home?

Of course. There are countless ways to welcome the Jewish faith into your home. Whether it’s through artwork, dinner sets or living room ornaments, you will find that your faith can take complete control of your home décor theme. Go out there, keep an open mind and explore. Your home is a blank canvas just waiting to be filled.

Thanks to israelicenterofjudaica.com for consulting.

Kitchens can be an easy place to trip up when it comes to interior design, especially if you have taken the effort to make a stylish and luxurious feeling home. You can take a long time planning through a full-scale renovation, with a sleek and smooth finish to the kitchen floor, cabinets and tables, but often we forget about one of the most important items there is to go with it.

Cutlery Is Integral To A Well-Designed Kitchen

Beautiful and intricately designed cutlery is the perfect finishing touch to any stylish kitchen. Precious metals such as gold and silver can give your kitchen a professional and sleek touch, which can be integral in creating a well-rounded balance with your intended kitchen design. Say, for instance, your kitchen has a modernist and minimalist look.

This can often involve materials such as copper taps or steel islands, giving the space an air of coldness and clinicism. With the cutlery, however, you can integrate a bit of traditionalism into that design, turning the kitchen from a clinical space into a room with heart.

So what kind of cutlery will work best for your kitchen? Here are a few notes to help you work it out.

Silver Cutlery For A Soft And Lustrous Kitchen

Looking at silver, specifically, this is the most commonly used cutlery to give your kitchen both a sleek and soft appearance, no matter whether your kitchen is modernist or traditionalist. Due to its symbol of purity and perfection, it is typically the opportune metal for religious households, with many using holiday influenced dining sets, from a silver honey dish to an intricately designed spice box, all to represent their faith and create a warm and welcoming tabletop.

Gold Cutlery For Prestige And Beauty

Gold, on the other hand, can bring a slightly more prestigious and luxurious quality to your kitchen. This is perfect when paralleled with a more traditional, wooden kitchen, as the gold colours can radiate warmly amongst the wood.

Whilst not as durable as silver, gold has always been used to portray wealth and richness, so if you are trying to create a high-end and prestigious home, then gold cutlery can be a perfect means to incorporate this style into your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Cutlery For A Modernist Design

If, however, you would like to match your modern kitchen design with the cutlery, then there is nothing wrong with going for stainless steel. This is a simple and bold option which would undoubtedly phase smoothly into the kitchen as a whole. Some people like a more clean and minimalist look, and there are a number of other benefits to stainless steel cutlery too.

Your Kitchen Is Important

Remember, your kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the house. Many people no longer have dining rooms, which means that any meal prepared in the kitchen will also be eaten in the kitchen too. In this way, the kitchen has become the beating hub of the home.

If you want your cutlery to reflect this fact, then there is no doubt that it should remain at the forefront of your attention.

Thanks to nadavart.com for consulting.

The sunroom is a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun’s warmth without ever leaving your home. But while a sunroom may be the perfect temperature during the spring and fall, it can become excessively hot during the summer.

In some areas of the country such as the Pacific, Southwest, or South Atlantic, the hot summer sun may make a sunroom more of a sauna than a place to relax. Keeping your sunroom cool during hot summer months can be difficult, but it is not impossible. There are several easy additions that you can make to your sunroom that will greatly reduce the temperature of the room.

Add Air Flow

A room that receives hours of sunlight needs to have proper ventilation and constant airflow to keep the room from getting too hot. Additional airflow will also reduce the odds of mold and mildew from becoming a problem in your sunroom. The task to keep air moving in your sunroom should have begun when the room was built by adding air vents or an exhaust fan to the ceiling.

The vents will allow naturally rising hot air to escape through the ceiling while an exhaust fan will work to pull the hot air upward and out of the room. Both are essential for removing hot air so that it does not become trapped along with the ceiling of the sunroom. In addition to ceiling ventilation, you can add airflow with small fans placed in the corners of the sunroom that will force hot air upward while forcing constant airflow.

Install Blinds or Curtains

You have a sunroom so that sunlight can stream through and fill the room with bright warm sunlight. But too much sunlight means excess heat. To combat this you can limit the amount of sunlight that can come through the windows by installing blinds or curtains. Blinds can be partially or fully pulled during the afternoon when the sun’s rays are at their peak. Curtains that are installed around windows can be used in the same way to reduce heat due to excess sunlight.

Tint the Windows

Tinted windows can make a huge difference with the amount of heat that permeates your sunroom windows. You may think that window tinting will block too much sun, but that is not the case. In fact, window tinting will block much more heat than sunlight.

Install a Ductless Mini-Split

If the temperature of your sunroom is not coming down with the small changes listed above you can add cool air to the room by having a ductless mini-split unit installed. These types of units do not require changes to your original HVAC ductwork but will require a professional to install.

A ductless mini-split system consists of an outdoor condenser and an indoor fan unit. The indoor unit mounts to the wall and is connected to the condenser through a conduit. Because the compressor is outside of the home, the unit is noiseless but extremely efficient in providing quite a bit of cool air to a room. A ductless mini-split is a more permanent cooling system but it is a great addition to your home’s value.

Add a Window Air Conditioner

Much the same as a ductless mini-split will add cool air to your sunroom, a window air unit will provide a stream of cold air to counteract the heat from the sun. While a window unit may provide immediate cool air, it is not as energy efficient as a ductless mini-split. It is also noisier and may not fit correctly into your windows depending upon their size.

You can keep your sunroom at a comfortable temperature by reducing the amount of heat that the sunlight brings in or by cooling the room through added units and increased airflow. A combination of these two methods will yield the best results, not to mention increase your home’s value with livable square footage and higher energy efficiency. Use several of the above recommendations and your sunroom will be the perfect area to relax during even the sunniest of summer days.

Thanks to homelight.com for consulting.

In recent years, millions of households are energy prices have been feeling the effects of rising energy costs. In fact, these energy costs have been at an all-time high with a dramatic rise in energy prices in the US is causing utility bills to soar. Fuel or electricity are increasing in price every year due to the fact that it is more difficult to find energy sources. As a result, we have had to adapt to this either by paying the extra costs or attempting to respond to this crisis in a practical manner.

Although it can be incredibly stressful to be confronted with these rising energy costs, there are a plethora of different ways that we can try to reduce these. For example, building an eco-friendly home is a great way to minimize your costs as this type of building consumes much less energy or electricity than your typical home.

You can easily find reliable sources for sustainable energy like solar energy by installing solar panels which will minimize your costs and help the environment at the same time. It is not just by paying attention to the exterior of your eco-friendly home that you will reduce your energy bill but also when you choose efficient appliances, install LED lights, and use programmable thermostats which can give you the cooling and heating you wish only someone’s home. 

Not only is an eco-friendly home cost effective but it also does not require a high level of effort when constructing or maintaining it. Building an eco-friendly home entails using materials that will last a long time but also reduce the negative effects that a normal home would have. These types of materials should be safe but also not entail you to keep fixing or repairing the house. 

Furthermore, building an eco-friendly house costs around a tenth of the price of a normal house. This can be incredibly useful when you are grappling with rising energy costs as you can simply use the money you have saved to put towards your energy bills. Another advantage of living in this type of home is that you will be able to reduce your carbon footprint. This is essentially the amount of carbon dioxide which is released into the atmosphere. If you decide to opt for an eco-friendly house, you will be helping the environment by reducing the greenhouse effect. 

There are also other ways you can cope with the rising energy costs in general including turning the heating off when you leave the house or even turn the radiators off in rooms where no one is in. If you need money to pay your energy bills and your current income does not cover this, remember that you can make money by selling old items or you can also cut down on your excess spending. This means cutting back on spending money on entertainment and unnecessary items that you could do without. You can then take this money you have saved and put it towards your energy bill.

In summary, eco-friendly houses are providing people with a sustainable way of living as well as being an excellent way to tackle the rising energy prices. With more and more people beginning to see the effects and value of eco-friendly homes, they are set to become even more popular in the future. This is also because energy costs are set to rise even further so many people are looking for a way to minimize these costs. These types of homes are also gaining popularity due to how they promote a healthy indoor environment and also help you to lower your carbon footprint. In fact, it is increasingly hard to find much wrong with these types of homes especially if you want to create a better life for yourself. 

A leach field, or drainage field, is the place that most of your septic tank’s wastewater drains to.
While you might not need to think about it most of the time, it can still be a valuable part of your
system – meaning that you need to keep it in good shape.

If your septic tank’s leach field is clogged, then you will need some expert help to unclog it. But how
do you actually go about doing it?

Clearing or Replacements?

Depending on the level of clogging in the system, there can be points where it becomes very hard to
clear the system. While it might be tempting to replace some of the pipes, this is only really a
variable option if the system is damaged since it can be hard to replace blocked pipes quickly.

Always put clearing and unclogging before any of the other methods since it will often be the
quickest and most affordable option. This can make everything much faster, and even the simple act
of unblocking the tank can fix a massive amount of potential problems with the system.

Call a Specialist

First things first, always call in an expert. The more time you waste, the more damage your clogged
septic tank can cause, and in extreme cases, it might even end up broken. If nothing else, you can
rely on a specialist to inspect the site and make sure that the damage is not anything too extreme.

If you are not sure where your pipes actually are in your yard, then it is a good idea to contact a
specialist so that they can locate your system easily. This is also important if you do not know which
pipe has the clog, so you will need to get their help to figure this out.

When you do not call a specialist, things get much more complex since you need to expose and clear
each individual pipe so that they are all available to check. This can take a long time and can often
lead to further issues if handled poorly, so be sure you know what you are doing.

Take Preventative Measures

As soon as you get your system unblocked, you will want to look into other ways of keeping your
septic field free from future harm. Even basic things, like reducing water usage and trying to avoid
pouring harsh chemicals down the sink or shower, can make a huge impact on how long your system
lasts.

Simple wear and tear can eventually break any septic tank system or water system as a whole, so it
is important to try and minimize other forms of damage as much as possible. If you are not sure
what you can do, then contacting a professional is the best way to find reliable options.

Whatever you do, remember to treat your septic tank system with the proper care it deserves. It
may not be the most glamorous part of your property, but it is a necessary one and making sure that
it does not break down before you are able to get it repaired is the best option.

The first proper use of solar power was in the 17th century, when scientists and natural philosophers used the basic concepts of solar energy. However, in more recent times, the science behind solar power was fully grasped, and methods of harvesting light were understood.

The sun is the source of energy for our planet, and it has been for millions of years. We’ve known about solar energy for a long time, but we didn’t know how much of a part in our daily lives it would play in the future.

As the world’s population grows and the demand for energy increases, solar energy will become an increasingly important resource.

To learn more, we’ll take a look at when was solar energy first used and what we can expect from it in the future.

When Was Solar Energy First Used?

Solar technology has come a long way over the last few centuries. From the time of Ancient Greece to the early 20th century, scientists were trying to harness the power of the sun. But it wasn’t until the late 19th century that they succeeded.

The 20TH century

The first large scale use of solar energy occurred in the 20th century. This was when the scientific study of solar power began in earnest.

1961 – US Air Force Developed a Solar Panel

In the early 1960s, the US Air Force developed a prototype solar cell and was the first to harness solar power for a specific application. The US Air Force used the cell to power a portable radio.

1970 – NASA Used Solar Energy for Propulsion

In 1969, NASA began developing an energy source to replace fossil fuels. They called it a “solar electric propulsion system.”

And in the early 1970s, NASA tested a solar-powered aircraft that flew for eight hours.

1977 – Apollo Spacecraft Used Solar Panels for Communication

In the 1970s, NASA made extensive use of solar panels. Onboard the Apollo spacecraft was a large panel array of photovoltaic cells. The panels were able to generate enough electricity for all of the systems on the spacecraft.

The cells were mounted in a specially designed box to avoid damage by cosmic radiation.

The solar panels were also used to communicate, allowing the crew to send and receive radio signals, and also used to recharge the batteries on the craft.

1987 – Solar Energy Became Mainstream as Photovoltaics (PV) Devices Were First Commercialized

In the 20th century, advances in materials science and semiconductor technology led to the creation of photovoltaic devices capable of producing large amounts of electricity.

In 1987, scientists and entrepreneurs first developed and demonstrated commercially viable photovoltaic systems that converted sunlight directly into electricity.

When Was the First Commercial Solar Power Plant Opened?

Solar energy has been around for millennia, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that the industry really took off.

That’s when the first major commercial solar company, Solar Electric Light Fund, was founded. The company manufactured a series of solar panels and sold them to schools, businesses and other organizations.

Solar Electric Light Fund’s success was so great that a number of other companies started up. They were called the “early adopters,” as they were among the first to start commercializing solar energy.

One of the earliest companies to do so was a German company called Sonnenlicht. In 1978, they were the first to produce a commercially viable solar panel.

By the early 1980s, most of the leading manufacturers of solar panels had been founded.

Solar Energy Research Institute

The Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) was established in 2011, and the National Science Foundation funds it. In essence, it’s a national laboratory dedicated to carrying out research on solar energy.

Solar Photovoltaics

Solar photovoltaics (or PV) is the most common form of solar energy. This technology takes advantage of the fact that light (sunlight) is made up of electromagnetic energy, which can be converted into electrical energy.

Converting sunlight to electricity is done by means of photovoltaic cells, which are cells that use solar photons to create electricity. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, but they cannot store this electricity. The generated electricity must be converted into usable energy, and this is done by using an electronic device.

Photovoltaic cells are the most popular type of solar cell, but they are also the most expensive. Photovoltaic cells are expensive because they require a large amount of clean solar energy to create a usable amount of electricity.

How Does It Work?

Converting sunlight to electricity is not a complicated process. In essence, it is just a matter of taking the sun’s energy and transferring it to a device that can use it. In the case of photovoltaic cells, this means using photons to generate electricity.

The first step in photovoltaic cells is the conversion of sunlight into photons. These photons then pass through a diode and get pushed onto a semiconductor, such as silicon. The semiconductor then absorbs the photons, and transforms them into electricity.

This process is called absorption. Solar photons are absorbed by semiconductors, and this process creates a quantum of electrons and holes. The quantum of electrons and holes then flow through a circuit to create current.

In most photovoltaic cells, the electricity created by this process is then used to charge a battery or power something else.

The Future of Solar Power

The future of solar power is bright. Over the past few decades, the cost of solar energy has dropped by more than 90%. While this may seem like a small figure, the cumulative drop of $100 billion means that the cost of electricity from solar photovoltaic panels is now about 5% of the average price of electricity on the global market.

According to the International Energy Agency, by 2050, solar energy is expected to make up 10% of the world’s total electricity consumption, or roughly the same amount as today’s production from all sources of fossil fuels.

For more information, head over to https://blueravensolar.com/blog/whats-up-with-solar-in-2022/

The Bottom Line

We put together a detailed guide on when was solar energy first used and what can you expect from the future.

We’re starting to see a rise in the use of solar power for residential purposes. With prices dropping and solar technology improving, we’re now able to use solar power in a way that we never thought possible.

Thanks for reading! Please browse through the rest of our blog today for more informative articles.

Thanks to blueravensolar.com for consulting.