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It has been revealed that Florida’s largest utility conspired to stop Florida’s solar power. Tampa Bay Times reports Florida Power & Light, the nation’s largest utility company, has been working with state legislators to stop the growth of the solar industry.

What Is the Bill?

Net metering allows Florida solar users to return excess solar energy to the utility at full retail electricity rates. This has been possible since 2008.

This bill aims to change that. Net metering is no longer possible. It would severely penalize solar users. This would limit the growth of Florida’s solar industry, which is one of our shining stars.

Why Are Utilities So Scared?

• Clean and solar energy is the future. Utility companies are quickly learning this fact.
• Utilities make their money by building things, such as large power plants or power lines. Solar power from homeowners’ roofs is not a source of income for utilities, and that’s a problem.
• They are also learning quickly that they must adapt to cleaner energy sources.
• Florida’s net metering program allows properties producing less than 2 megawatts of solar power to sell their excess energy back to the utility, for a credit of 11 cents per kWh.
• According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, Florida’s solar sector grew by 57 percent in 2020.
• Florida is home to the 2nd largest solar workforce in America, with more than 11,000 direct jobs and 31,000 indirect jobs.

Expert Solar Installations in Florida

Contact us today if you are interested in solar investment, upgrading an existing system, or have any other questions about solar power in FL! ESD Solar is Sunshine State’s leading solar power company and would love to save you thousands of dollars in 2022 through solar tax credits and financing.

This post was written by Daniel Massaad, owner and expert solar technician at Energy Solutions Direct! ESD is one of the top solar panel companies in Florida! Our licensed and certified contractors are masters of their craft; with years of experience servicing the great Tampa Bay area and beyond, the choice is simple. ESD excels at offering you the best in solar value!

There’s a pump for any job and the best way to get water where you need it, in an outdoor area, is to use lawn & irrigation pumps that you can use quickly and easily without a large monetary investment. These pumps are made to move the water over large distances and irrigate any type of terrain that you happen to have in front of you.

These pumps are typically smaller than other pumps and easier to both install and use when you have to hydrate a large area of land. They’re engineered to work simply and that’s going to increase their life expectancy so they last as long as you need to use them. It’s the best decision that you can make for a lawn or irrigation job.

Types of Irrigation Pumps

There are a few different types of irrigation pumps that you can check out to make sure that you’re getting the best one to suit your specific needs and environment. The most common type is an above-ground centrifugal pump that you can set up anywhere. There are also deep-well turbines when your water is coming from a below-ground source that you have to bring to the surface.

Another great option is to use a submersible pump that will move water, no matter how deep it happens to be or where it is. Simply submerse your water pump in the water source you have and it will move the water to the areas where you want it to go. It doesn’t get any easier than that and you never have to worry about the pump failing because it’s too deep in the source.

Irrigation is Always Necessary

Irrigation has been a constant human need since the species learned to cultivate crops and it’s never going to disappear from the planet. The best thing that you can do is find an easy way to make it happen that doesn’t break the bank for you. You can move any amount of water without investing in a massive water pump that gives you the power you simply don’t need.

Whether it’s commercial irrigation or simple lawn care, a lawn & irrigation pump is the way for you to go. They’re simple to use and are engineered to keep the water flowing. Don’t get taken in by the salesmen who try to sell you on a piece of equipment that you’ll never have to use to its fullest potential.

Magnesium sulphate is a by product of magnesium and sulphur. Commonly found in most farming households with the name of Epsom salts, this nutrient is extremely beneficial for the health of plants. Being rich in magnesium, it not only helps in accelerating plants’ growth but also keeping a check on pest infection.

Magnesium sulphate is also important for keeping the soil in good fertile conditions and for the successful cultivation of plants. It also helps inthe growth of plants andtheir cell wall construction. A strong cell wall of plants helps to repel the pests and nematode worms from the plants. Apart from this, magnesium sulphate also takes charge of curing the yellowing of leaves of plants, helping the plant to bear fruits and flowers well.

Why Do We Require Magnesium Sulphate?

A lack of nutrients in soil results in plants getting infected with various diseases. This lack of nutrients in the soil can be fulfilled with the enrichment of primary elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and secondary elements like magnesium sulphate. The primary element, nitrogen, helps in accelerating plant growth, phosphorus helps in the growth of roots of plants and potassium helps in the flowering of plants. The secondary element magnesium helps in photosynthesis while sulphur activates plants’ enzymes.

Being rich in magnesium, magnesium sulphate helps to protect the plants from slug and snails’ damage. Also, adding a teaspoon of magnesium sulphate to the roots of plants will help the plant to produce more flowers and fruits. Yellowing and curling of the leaves of plants can also be cured by this salt, by spraying a mixture of water and magnesium sulphate on the leaves. In order to resist the leaves from turning yellow, it’s important to use magnesium sulphate on plants once a month. For agricultural farming, it’s important to test the magnesium levels of soil beforehand.

How to Observe Magnesium Deficiency in Plants?

Magnesium deficiency is common in high tunnel crops like tomatoes and fruit-bearing plants. It can also be seen in sandy soils which are easily leached. Unrestrained levels of potassium in soil and fertigation with excessive ammonium nitrate levels can also induce magnesium deficiency.

Being a highly mobile element of plants, a deficiency of magnesium first appears in the lower leaves of plants. The symptoms are more visible in lower leaves because highly mobile magnesium moves to a new growth area of plants. The insufficiency of magnesium may result in interveinal chlorosis in which the veins of the leaf stay green while the other region between turns yellow. Interveinal chlorosis can lead to the death of the tissue of the affected area. However, the dearth of magnesium in plants doesn’t affect the fruits but in cases of severe shortage, it can cause stress on plants leading to reduce the yield of plants.

How to Observe Sulphur Deficiency in Plants?

Sulphur is one of the molecular building blocks for plants and may appear in plant tissues. It helps in maintaining the water equilibrium in plants as well as soil. A shortage of sulphur in plants may result in pale green chlorosis in which veins won’t retain a green colour or may even get paler than the interveinal tissue. A severe deficiency of sulphur in a plant may also result in stunted growth and weak stems accompanied by reduced leaf size and less branching.

Benefits of Magnesium Sulphate for Plants

1. Natural Pest Deterrent

Magnesium sulphate is a very effective pest deterrent for plants that farmers can vouch for. It is effective in restraining snails and slugs which affect the plants. For general pest control, you just need to mix some magnesium sulphate with water and add it to the foliage. For restraining slugs and snails, you can just add some of the salt to the base of the plant.

2. Prevent Root Shock

In the case of transplanting seedling and full-grown plants (which needs tender care), roots can become easily stressed, resulting in growth termination. This is known as root shock and may end up wilting or yellowing leaves of the plant. Adding magnesium sulphate in plants may prevent root shock in plants by accelerating the production of chlorophyll and making the plants absorb more nutrients.

3. Boosts Plant Vibrancy

A mineral deficiency can affect various processes of plants including photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. In cases of mature foliage of plants, a mineral deficiency can result in the curling and yellowing of leaves. Adding a magnesium-rich nutrient to plants in such cases will help in proper nutrient absorption, resulting in the healthy growth of the plants.

4. Flavour booster of Fruits

The amount of chlorophyll a plant produces is directly linked to the amount of sugar produced by the plant. A plant producing more sugar will naturally bear more flavoured and sweeter fruits. Adding magnesium sulphate to the soil helps the plant to produce more chlorophyll, resulting in a rich yield and more flavorful fruits of plants.

So, these are some of the reasons that make magnesium sulphate important for plants.

If you’re unsure of which garage door to buy, you can begin by learning more about the different materials. Listed below are the pros and cons of different types of garage doors. You can use this information to help you choose the best one for your home. In addition to learning about different materials, you can also learn about the advantages of steel doors, aluminum garage doors, faux wood doors, and more. Choosing the right one is crucial to enhancing the look and function of your home.

Wood

There are many styles of garage doors, but one of the most common is the raised panel door. This classic style is easy to customize, with many choices in paint color, decorative accents, and windows. These doors are perfect for homes that reflect the contemporary, clean lines and glass expanses of many modern homes. Wayne Dalton offers designer fiberglass doors, which conceal durable steel construction. For the ultimate curb appeal and style, consider a full-view door.

Steel

The materials that are used for residential garage doors vary. Generally, homeowners opt for steel because of its durability and strength. However, many prefer the natural wood option because it provides a unique look to the home. These types of doors may require some maintenance, but they can greatly improve curb appeal. Here are some tips to choose the right material for your new garage door Dallas. Steel garage doors are more durable than wooden ones. You should also check the prices before you make a decision.

Aluminum

Unlike steel garage doors, aluminum garage doors require little maintenance. They are resistant to corrosion, and they can be installed in coastal areas. While aluminum does have some drawbacks, these doors are still relatively low-priced compared to steel ones. However, premium aluminum doors will be more expensive than standard models. You should consider the type of climate your garage experiences before you make your final decision. You can also find aluminum doors that blend in with the surrounding decor.

Faux wood

If you want to add instant warmth to your home, natural wood garage doors are an excellent choice. However, they require yearly upkeep, including regular refinishing and protection from termites and weather damage. Fortunately, faux wood garage doors offer the same look with lower maintenance requirements. Clopay makes a variety of faux wood doors. Read on to learn how to choose one for your home. Listed below are some of the benefits of faux wood garage doors.

Slab

The bottom portion of the garage door is made of concrete, but if there are gaps or unevenness, it is important to find the cause. Garage door gaps are common, but there are some reasons why they may occur. Poor drainage near the home’s foundation or slab is a common culprit. Poor drainage could cause your garage door slab to move or crack. Here are some tips to avoid such problems. Make sure the foundation and floor of your home are level, or they could be the cause of your garage door gaps.

Windowed

Windowed garage doors are the perfect choice for a number of reasons. First of all, they can provide illumination and warmth to your garage. Moreover, these types of doors can help you cut down on energy bills. Plus, they are easy to install, and you can choose the style that best suits your garage. To know more about this type of garage door, continue reading. We hope this article has been helpful.

Craftsman style

For an elegant yet classic garage door design, choose a Craftsman style garage door. These classic styles have defined lines and equal dimensions and can increase the curb appeal of any home. Craftsman doors are available in different materials, insulation levels, and panel styles to suit any home. They also complement minimalistic and traditional styles perfectly.

What is e-waste?

E-waste is a term used to describe the waste stream generated by electronic products. It includes old televisions, computers, microwaves, and anything else you might have in your office that plugs into an electrical outlet.

This could include items such as printers or even rechargeable batteries for electronics. What are some reasons why I should care about e-waste? You may ask yourself what type of impact this has on the environment, but you also need to think about how it impacts business productivity. The more time employees are spending looking through rubbish bins for paper-clips or dealing with broken copiers, means less work getting done. This puts companies at risk when trying to keep up with their competitors.

How can companies address e-waste?

The first step is to set up recycling stations around your office with bins for paper, batteries, and other standard waste products. Having these recyclable items placed in an open area where they can be easily accessed will encourage employees to use them instead of throwing everything away at the same time.

Incentivise recycling through a reward system where you give back points, money, or other perks when an item has been recycled and responsibly disposed of. Reward systems are a powerful way to encourage behaviour that aligns with company values – in this case, responsible waste disposal practices. Once again, donating the funds collected from these rewards would be another good option here too! You could also offer incentives such as discounts on products or services if they bring in certain items (e-waste).

What options are available for e-waste?

There are many options for what you can do with e-waste once it is collected. Electronics contain valuable materials such as gold, copper, and silver, recovered through proper recycling methods. For example, some of these metals could go towards producing new products like mobile phones or laptops! This means less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from mining activities to create a brand new product, so this is another way that small business owners can protect the environment while remaining sustainable at their own company. For most businesses office waste can be collected by a commercial waste disposal company that offer wheelie bins to dispose of  both paper and electronic waste.

Impact of e-waste on the environment

As the amount of e-waste increases, so makes the threat it poses to human health and the environment. Toxins in electronics can leak into soil and groundwater, affecting food sources and ecosystems worldwide. The UNEP states: “…e-Wastes contain a large number of hazardous substances which may pose potential risks to human beings and wildlife if inappropriately handled…the recycling process itself also generates waste streams [and] greenhouse gases”. Inappropriate handling practices result in toxic by-products when these products are broken down during recycling.

E-waste is one example of waste that can end up being harmful to humans. To learn more on the dangers of radiation in waste and recycling, please see the resource below.

One of the noticeable benefits of incorporating solar panels is it can drastically lower energy bills. After its installation with large walk through general access doors for the safety of electrical controls and connections, you will pay much less to nothing for the electric power generated from the sun. Moreover, most of the solar panels available on the market nowadays have a 25 years warranty.

For those property owners planning to have solar panels in their buildings, it is essential to know and prioritize the efficiency of specific solar panels from different manufacturers. Its efficiency is a valuable metric used to determine its percentage range to convert sunlight irradiation on its surface into electricity. 

Solar Panel Efficiency

The efficiency of the solar panel is a measurement of a panel’s ability to convert solar energy into electricity. For instance, if the sun shines on a solar panel with a 20 percent efficiency rating, it will convert 20 percent of the energy into usable electricity. Suppose two different efficiency panels have the same amount of sunlight with the same duration of time. In that case, the higher efficiency panel will produce more electricity than the solar panels with less efficiency. The solar cells’ electricity production ratings determine the efficiency of the solar panel, which influences the cell’s composition, surrounding components, electrical configuration, and more.

How Efficient are Solar Panels?

With the new innovative technologies, most solar panels have an efficiency between 15 percent up to 20 percent efficiency, having outliers on either side of the range. Some high efficiency can even exceed up to 22 percent, but the most photovoltaic panels available in the market do not exceed 20 percent efficiency. Solar panels with higher efficiency are a bit expensive than lower efficiency panels; however, it helps meet your energy needs in your commercial spaces. Today the most efficient solar panels on the market have a high-efficiency rating of 22.8 percent. In contrast, most solar panels have a range from 16 up to 18 percent efficiency ratings.

What are Solar Cells?

Solar cells are also known as photovoltaic cells or PV; they are the ones that generate electricity from sunlight. It is connected and neatly organized into a solar panel frame. Typically, solar cells come from silicon semiconductors that absorb sunlight from sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. 

Factors that Affect the Efficiency of the Solar Panels

• Solar Cell Material

Thin-film, cadmium, telluride, polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, etc., affect the solar panel efficiency. 

• Busing and Wiring

The organization of busbars and wires can impact solar panels efficiency.

• Angle and Positioning

To capture sufficient sunlight, a proper installation and optimizing the angle can also affect its efficiency. 

• Climate 

Location and the type of weather can significantly affect the efficiency of the solar panel. 

Most Efficient Solar Panel for Commercial Buildings

Solar panels that use monocrystalline solar cells are the most efficient choice you can get from the market. This type of solar cell comes from a pure form of silicon that converts more sunlight into electricity. It is also known as single-crystalline cells. It is also easy to identify by their cutting edge and their black cell color. 

Monocrystalline solar cells offer the best deal when using the specific space efficiently and saving space. This type of solar access panel takes up less space than their solar panels’ counterparts available in the market, which is an excellent choice if you want to incorporate more solar panels in your roofing.

It offers an incredibly long lifespan advantage, longer than any other solar cell technology available on the market. And this type of solar panel is estimated to have a lifespan of 50 years; as a result, most of the manufacturers of these solar panels offer 25 years warranties which is quite phenomenal as this covers half of its expected lifespan. 

This monocrystalline solar panel is relatively more expensive than any other counterparts. It is known for the most costly option of solar panels available in the market as they are the most efficient solar panel cells. 

As solar panels become popular nowadays, more property owners often choose which is the most efficient. Solar energy is a much greener energy source than fossil fuels to power up the building structures. It also helps in other forms of energy production without having emissions and reduces the carbon footprint.

Commercial buildings consume a lot of energy to operate. As the number of consumers increases, so are the needs for various goods and services. This situation only aggravates the demand for more energy consumption, driving its price higher and companies looking for alternative energy sources.

The rooftops of commercial buildings are the ones that frequently receive sunlight. Installing solar panels on roofs and other open spots like parking areas may be a cost-effective solution to capture natural energy while also repurposing otherwise underutilized space. However, recognizing what to check and what to avoid in the rapidly increasing solar panel market may be a tricky procedure to traverse.

The Advantage of Using Solar Panels

Solar power from rooftop panels can fulfill some part of an office building’s electrical needs, making it a logical alternative for commercial structures. Another issue to consider if you own a business facility is the building’s worth. A system with a built-in renewable energy source will become more valuable. 

Solar energy for business buildings may become an income-generating enterprise since some areas allow you to sell your excess power back to the grid, providing excellent returns on investment.

Installation: What You May Need to Know

The installation process of solar panels on your commercial roof is a combination of electrical and roofing work. You need to consider your roof’s warranty and if it may suffer damage during the installation. Therefore, finding an experienced and reputable licensed professional is a must. 

You must first conduct a site inspection, preferably through a roof hatch with service stairs for roof hatches, and ensure no vulnerabilities in your electrical, roofing, and structural areas.

The structural supports that hold the panels in place in typical solar panel installations are stainless steel or anodized aluminum material that provides a robust connection and extended product life. Depending on various parameters, these systems can then be ballasted, pierced, or a mix of both. 

A qualified solar specialist will keep walkways and entrances to rooftop equipment clear for maintenance personnel’s long-term safety. When it comes to the installation procedure, it’s also a good idea to follow these guidelines:

• When contemplating a solar panel system, always visit a professional installer. These skilled installers offer comprehensive analysis and turnkey designs and installs, including fabrication, permits, construction, and engineering.

• Solar panels come with a 25-year guarantee. Owners and building managers should think about how old their roof is before adding one. When it’s time to replace a roof, it’s the most excellent time to think about installing them because the roofing and solar panels will both have warranties out around the same time.

• Anyone ready to put solar on an aged or aging roof that will soon need replacement in the next few years is someone you need to avoid.

More people will see solar panels integrated into the building’s design with the continued advancement of other technologies and the growing interest in sustainable measures. Some examples of such development include solar-covered walkways, canopies, window shades, and even solar parking lots that give shade and electric car charging to clients or employees.

Other Challenges

Although there are advantages connected with solar panel installation, there are some obstacles, such as the high prices of the equipment and the need for a wide surface area to place the panels. Other factors may hamper the correct working of solar panels, such as pollution, weather phenomena like foggy and rainy days that block the sun’s rays, necessitating the usage of battery charges to keep energy for emergencies and other events. 

These issues are minor compared to the numerous benefits of using solar technology in commercial buildings and a slew of different advantages that a company may get by associating itself with sustainability and being environmentally friendly.

Combining Spray Foam Roofing and Solar Panel

Integrating solar panels and spray foam will result in further energy efficiency because the foam will increase the building’s insulating factor, resulting in decreased costs due to heating and cooling. By combining these two sustainable elements, your building will indeed become more energy-efficient, and you’ll also have a sustainable roof, which means you’ll be contributing less to pollution.

Building owners who wish to improve their facilities, decrease energy expenditures and insulate for better comfort can combine the two technologies on rooftops. Spray foam roofing with photovoltaics is ideal for achieving net-zero energy in various commercial projects in many locations.

More and more buildings will soon adapt to the different challenges brought by climate change, and utilizing solar technology is just one of the many currently undergoing development. If you need updates or any interests or planning to install a system in your building, ensure to get your necessary advice from a licensed and credible professional.

The precast installation consists of connecting separate components of the building construction in one region. These precast panels enable quick and easy construction of building structures as beams and walls usually remain the same. Sewage, cemetery walls, drainage sewage pipes make use of such units. 

The types of moldings for precast include plastic, steel, timber, fiberglass, or rubber. Installation of precast in construction has some advantages as they are durable, efficient, and ready-made, making them economical and easy to install or use. It is also suitable for any structure construction project and sustainable over a long period. 

Construction Industry

As the construction industry consistently proliferates across the globe and since most construction projects demand a shorter duration period, most builders prefer the installation of precast. Most of these panels have undergone testing, and some are immune to hazardous materials and natural disasters. They are being transported, lifted, and connected, like building blocks. 

There are various factors to consider when using precast panels in the construction project, such as ease of handling, smooth erection, safe design, and a trouble-free demolition if a situation arises. The precast material should meet the safety and quality standards specified by local government building codes.

The engineer and architects would have to look at the erection and structure-related aspects. Other factors that need to consider on precast installation are efficient erection, stability, strength capacity, and more. During the installation, it should ensure the safety of the personnel involved. Meanwhile, the worker should have proper training and experience in precast installation. 

Precast Automation

Some companies offer fully automated concrete precast panel production, providing top-rate precast quality and capacity. It reduces operating costs through optimized production, careful design process, individually tailored solutions, and automation technologies. 

These fully automated precast panels optimize precast production from the building plan design up to the construction site. It also features advanced software, state-of-the-art production machinery, modern table circulation, and automatic cover planning, controlling, and monitoring, making the building construction process more quick and easy. 

These automated precast processes offer straightforward material management and optimization and directly synchronize with information product design, and the production execution shows the number of products all the time. The line operations are controlled and monitored from one central location with real-time data production for any required adjustments, such as incorporating valuable building components like heavy-duty access doors that need some measurement adjustment. The system shows the finished product location and no time for unnecessary tracking. 

These are several advantages in using automated concrete precast building construction:

• The precast elements concurrently help to commence early site work.
• Minimize scaffolding and propping costs
• Help to expedite construction projects.
• Significantly reduce time on site.
• The uninterrupted and continuous erection of precast in the project helps to fast-track schedules in construction.
• During precast installation, the off-site manufacturing and onsite construction can overlap and help to reduce site construction time.
• Reduce tools and materials stored on site.
• Minimizes site defects
• Its concrete curing time will not affect the project’s time frame as most precast panels products are trafficable after the installation.
• Help to lower labor costs in the site 
• Help to reduce project cost from reduced build time.
• Shorter project times and early revenue receipts 
• The uninterrupted and continuous erection of precast in the project helps to fast-track schedules in construction.
• The precast installation uses advanced connection technology and can proceed safely and swiftly with expert erectors in almost any weather condition.
• Significant cost savings 

Durability

Concrete precast allows increased consistency and accuracy of building reinforcement than traditional construction. Its accuracy of placement reinforcement provides the same durability level in the structure. 

It offers an advantage in pacing mature concrete to its loading and service environment. The concrete precast ensures its best when exposed to aggressive loads. Traditional concrete construction cannot carry load immediately and requires scaffolds, propping, and time to age. It prevents creep under design load at an early age of the concrete that will cause deflection in the structure permanently.  

Precast concrete is very famous in low and mid-rise buildings as it offers superior sound control and fire resistance. With various aggregates finishes and shapes, precast panels provide multiple options, reduce onsite installation costs, staging, and time, and significantly help with a shorter construction project duration.