Design

Energy consumption particularly electricity makes up one of the biggest expenses at home, school, or in the office, do you agree?  Well, of course, our appliances, light sources, computer and mobile gadgets, equipment, tools, and other machines require the use of electricity to function accordingly.  That is why solar panels have found their way into our daily lives.  What are solar panels?

Solar panels are cost-saving devices that convert sunlight into electricity.  They are multiple silicon solar cells that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight through the photovoltaic (PV) effect.  There are also thin-film panels made from various materials like cadmium telluride which are flexible and lightweight but are less efficient and require more space.  But before you resort to solar panels, here are the top questions to ask before installing one.

How Much Will Solar Panels Save Me on My Energy Bills?

The amount you save from your electric bill when you use solar panels depends on your location, energy use, and the size of the system, so at least you know what to expect.  Check for the time it takes for the system to pay for itself to get a better sense of your return on investment.

What Incentives Are Available?

Government incentives like federal tax credits, state rebates, and other local programs may reduce the cost of your solar panel installation.  There are also regions that offer net metering where you can earn credits for sending excess power back to the grid.

Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panel?

Consider the size, condition, and orientation of your roof for these will affect the efficiency of the panels. Roofs with southern or western exposure ideally get the most sunlight.  Also, aside from a durable roof, no shade from trees or nearby buildings is better.  However, if your roof doesn’t satisfy these conditions, you may opt for a ground-mounted panel or initiate roof repairs.

What Type of Solar Panels Should I Use?

You may choose from the three main types namely monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film which have different efficiency levels, durability, and cost.  Monocrystalline are the most efficient, but also the most costly.  You can depend on a qualified installer to help you determine the best type for your specific needs and of course budget.

Should I Buy or Lease?

Leasing may offer a lower upfront cost but may not be as financially beneficial in the long run.

How Long Will the Installation Take?

The installation may take a few weeks to a few months depending on creating the design, securing permits, utility approval, and the actual installation.

What are the Maintenance and Upkeep Requirements?

If you’re living in a dusty or snowy area, cleaning the solar panels is necessary.  An annual inspection is also advisable to ensure optimal performance.  Systems with warranties up to 25 years may cover both equipment and power output.

How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?

Most of them are designed to last 25-30 years though their efficiency may slightly decrease.  Knowing their life expectancy will keep you ready for future replacement or upgrade costs.

What Financing Options are Available?

Since this is a significant investment, explore financing options offered by the installers, or by the government.  

Which Company Should I Choose for Installation?

Of course, choose a reputable installer, check the reviews, ask for referrals then compare multiple quotes.

Actually, solar panels have been contributing greatly to sustainable energy solutions around the globe.  So, installing one at your place may be the ultimate solution to your excessive electric bill that has been haunting you for years!

Every structure from long ago has parts that stemmed from need, such as cornices. Did you know? This architectural element was originally added to keep rainwater away from the structure, but nowadays, they serve more as ornaments and accents. In today’s article, we’ll be listing down the top ornamental cornice designs that you can adopt, whether you’re going for a classical or modern design in your space.

What cornice designs are popular for classical interiors?

The prevalent cornice designs in the classical style are ornate and detailed, adding a touch of elegance and grandeur to any room. The three below are the prime examples of such:

Ogee cornice. An ogee cornice is notable for its double curve on the edges, which makes it look like the letter “S.” Otherwise called Cyma recta, ogee cornices actually fit both modern and classical interiors.

Dentil cornice. This design is the poster boy of classics since it’s derived from Greek Ionic architectural styles that are often used in temples and other places of worship. Later designs of dentils include the addition of scrolls carved in the cornice, which are referred to as Modillions.

Coffered cornice. Finally, we have the coffered cornice, which has recessed panels that add more depth and dimension. From the name itself, this type of cornice is inspired by coffers, which are polygonal ornamental recessed panels used as a design in ceilings or vaults.

What cornice designs are popular for modern interiors?

Compared to the classics, modern cornices are known for their minimalist take that adds a subtle elegance to any room.

Geometric cornice. This type of modern cornice features geometric shapes like squares, triangles, or rectangles carved into them, which also doubles as a point of interest in the room.

Minimalist cornice. From the name itself, minimalist cornice uses simple and clean lines that can be adopted into either contemporary or modern interiors.

Floating cornice. The design of this cornice gives the illusion that it is floating, giving off a sleek and luxurious addition to any modern or contemporary room.

How do I choose the right cornice design?

Selecting the right cornice design is dependent on the overall style of your home or project. There are also two factors you should consider, namely the height of your ceiling and the size of the room. Any cornice design usually works for a room with high ceilings, but it’s important to remember that a large cornice may seem much bigger if used in a small room and vice versa.

Additionally, be also mindful of these other elements.

Consider the color of your walls. If you’re going for a look that exudes harmony, choose a color that complements your wall. Choosing contrasting colors is also a good alternative since it makes a bold statement, adding highlight to your ceiling.

Be mindful of the lighting. Daylight and nightlight have different intensities, so choosing a cornice that directs the light to the ceiling is ideal if you’re going for a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Keep in mind that these are just the general rules of design, so you’re free to experiment and do as you please. At the end of the day, you can always mix and match until you find the best design that fits your preferences.

After long days of work, when you finally lay on your bed, how it makes you feel is important. Unlike other conventional bedroom settings, which may seem hotel-like most of the time, a boho-style bedroom just feels ethnic and peaceful to be in. Unlike normal bedrooms, retreat bedrooms are kind of special and secluded.

Continue Reading →

Whether you are remodeling your powder room, or revamping the entire master bathroom, these five-bathroom décor tips will make your bathroom look exclusively elegant. However, the point to keep in consideration here for a successful décor transformation is cohesiveness of a unified theme.

Continue Reading →

You might be spending thousands of dollars on designing your bathroom, but if it’s slippery and a safety hazard, then there’s no point of investing so much money on a bathroom that only looks beautiful, but is very dangerous. If you have kids at your place or elderly people, then you clearly can’t take any risk and you have to make sure that your bathroom is safe for them.

Continue Reading →

You are about to build a new home and you have already spent so much money on buying the land for it. Now, in this situation, you cannot clearly take any risks with hiring the wrong builder because this isn’t something you can do every day. You will get your home built once in a lifetime or at least for the next 10 to 20 years you won’t think about building or buying a new house. In a nutshell, the builder you hire can literally make or break your house which is why you need to make sure that you are hiring an experienced and responsible builder/construction company.

Continue Reading →

When embarking on a home renovation, every serious homeowner will ask him/herself questions relating to what she can do on herself. If you are ready to get your hands dirty, the work might involve more than you expect. Depending on your budget, you might need to leave some things to professionals. Moreover, to renovate a home, you do not have to purchase everything. You should buy some things and hire others.

Continue Reading →

If you are sick and tired of having to go out and buy a new set of table and chairs for your yard or deck every year specially during in December during Christmas then you should not worry. The only sensible thing to do is to change something about the collections of furniture that you are purchasing, and consider teak outdoor furniture for the long haul!. There are so many outdoor furniture that you can buy this holiday so that it becomes enjoyable, some of them are:

Continue Reading →