One of the limitations of some grid-tied photovoltaic systems is that the owner will only benefit as long as there is sunlight while the grid is functioning. Otherwise, if there is an outage, they may not even use the energy they are generating from the rooftop. During such times when the grid is disconnected, the owner can neither use the rooftop solar nor export the energy to the grid.

Owners of PV systems without backup functionalities can upgrade by adding AC coupling. This enables them to store energy and use it anytime, including during emergencies and grid outages. The AC coupling converts a simple grid-tied system into a Grid/hybrid or grid interactive system. This provides grid-ties savings whenever the grid is up and running, and off-grid independence, as well as security when there is a utility outage.

The main components of AC coupling include an energy storage system, a grid-interactive inverter/charger, a coupling device and the second panel with additional wiring for the critical loads to supply during outages.

Battery storage enables better power management by providing a number of benefits which include:

Happy Halloween to all of our customers!

Programmable thermostats have become hugely popular this Fall and Winter and the reason is that they provide some very substantial energy saving benefits, improved comfort, convenience and cost – $$$ effective savings. These thermostats save energy and money on utility bills by allowing residents to set home temperatures according to various different factors.

Programmable thermostats supply personal comfort through pre-set temperature levels and are generally more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats.

Here is the best part: If you’re looking to cut back expenses, you will usually see the return on your programmable thermostat investment within one year. When used properly, this device can save residents about $150 annually. Programmable thermostats are also a plus for the environmentally conscious because they contain no mercury and are eco-friendly. Using less energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

If you are a homeowner who work s outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits.

Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature of a home according to a your schedule. Here is the best part about this: the temperature on programmable thermostats can be set to change based on whether or not the home is occupied or whether residents are asleep or awake. For example, in the morning before you wake up, the thermostat can be preset for a slightly warmer temperature. As well, the thermostat can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons.

Programmable thermostats can automatically store settings and repeat those settings each day. However, they can still be manually set, overriding the programming when desired. A programmable thermostat generally allows more precise temperature management and a wider range of selections, offering a number of programming choices.

Most conveniently, it provides daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day. Additionally, you can program your thermostat with different settings for the weekend. In fact, most programmable thermostats have a full seven-day programming ability, allowing for a different temperature schedule for every day of the week.

Call Expert Electric and we will be happy to install a programmable thermostat for you!

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Piano Lamps Sing and Make Sweet Music at Capitol Lighting!

Ambient lighting in a piano room or formal living space is the key note needed and piano lamps can make this room sing and make sweet music!  Capitol Lighting offers a beautiful selection of piano lamps and picture lighting for any room in your home. Make a grand statement with modern piano lamps on your baby grand piano! House of Troy lighting makes any piano sing and they offer picture lighting in a wide selection of finishes to choose from such as polished brass-gold, black and even satin nickel brushed steel.

Create the perfect ambient lighting in your formal living room or piano room with House of Troy lighting.  Piano lamps and picture lighting is the key note needed to create a soft and inviting glow in a formal space.  Shop Capitol Lighting online for all of your formal lighting needs and start creating sweet music with House of Troy lighting.

Whether you are wiring for a new home, remodeling, or simply trying to consolidate the wires of your high-end electronics, it can be a daunting and frustrating task. It is important to prepare for the future during this process.

If you are building or remodeling your home, it is as important to consider future technologies, because you may still have a regular TV today, but tomorrow you’ll want the latest smart TV. There’s so much new technology on the horizon; simply look around to see which products might be future purchases, and then wire with that in mind. This is a great time to consider an integrated home network. This cuts down on the separate wires running through your walls to give you a centralized hub. The hub is then wired to each room where a modular outlet allows access to services. If you are not up for the task of wiring all of the rooms in your house, you can choose to simply set up an impressive family room for the time being.

While you can do these types of installations yourself with the help of the Internet and many hours of deciphering which cord goes where, it can be a difficult process that leaves you frustrated and your electronic devices not working. The trial and error aspect of this can end up costing you more time and money than you initially intended. If you are not among the electrically savvy, the best alternative is to hire a professional to do it. This can be costly upfront, but in the long run it will be a better and more efficient way to go. Hiring a qualified electrician like those at Hoffman Electrical can make a difficult job much easier, allowing you to use your electronics rather than twisting your wires.

Love is in the air, which has gotten me to thinking about lighting. (Come to think of it, what time of year doesn’t do that?) If Valentine’s Day always gives you a hankering to pop Gone With the Wind or your favorite rom-com into the DVD player, have you ever thought about what goes into making those romantic films?

Color temperature is one of the first things to note when studying the lighting in a romantic scene. Is it orange? Bluish? White? Most often, warm colors add to an inviting, romantic atmosphere. For example, the warm light in this sunset scene in Titanic draws the audience in, unlike the cold, blue lighting later in  the movie, after things get dire.

2. Brightness (and Shadow)

You can judge the quality of light in a film scene through the hardness or softness of its shadows. Hard quality light has dark shadows with sharp edges, and often feels more raw than soft quality light. Soft lighting, often used in older films, has lighter, diffused shadows and tends to feel more sentimental. If you’ve seen Casablanca, you know what I mean.

Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules.

Cool lighting can still be quite romantic in the right setting. Like in this still from The Notebook:

And with advances in film technology, sharp shadows can also be quite romantic. Case in point, this still from the end of the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice: