Technology giant Google made its start as a search engine, subsequently branching into email, cloud storage, advertising and so much more. Now the company from Mountain View is surging forward with a new application, promising to tell consumers if their roofs are suitable for installing solar panels. The program, called Project Sunroof, works in conjunction with Google Maps to analyze your roof's size, orientation and shade levels to tell you at a glance how much solar energy you could get from it. Read on to learn more about how this convenient software works and how it can help you.

A Mix Between a Solar Electrician and a Search Engine

The program is simple to use – all you have to do is enter your address, and Google does the rest. According to the company, the program analyzes all of the following to determine how much sunlight you can soak up:

The program also provides information about what tax credits are available in your area as well as the local rules regarding selling solar energy back to the utility company when your panels are producing more than you need. It then spits out a recommended installation size, which you can modify based on how much electricity you actually consume according to your average electricity bill.

Pay Nothing and Start Saving Today

Google's entry into the solar market comes at a time when the options for solar are expanding, including the ability to lease panels from solar companies and enjoy savings on your utility bills while paying nothing for the installation and setup. A good setup can last for 30 years or more, with little to no maintenance from an electrician once the installation is completed.

Of course, solar isn't for everybody, since many roofs might be too shaded or otherwise not suitable, and some states still don't have good solar policies. Therefore, Project Sunroof can be a good place to get started to see if your house is a prospect before you even call a solar electrician. Currently, the program is working on a trial basis in Boston, San Francisco and Fresno, with more cities sure to be on the way.

Don't Forget About Human Experts Just Yet

Of course, even a technology company as powerful and ubiquitous as Google can't fully substitute for an experienced solar technician when it comes to analyzing how you can benefit from panels. If a Google query indicates that your home is a good candidate, have a qualified electrician or solar expert make the final determination and help you decide if solar panels are right for you.

Spending time outdoors with friends and family is special. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows around a campfire or grilling hamburgers for a party, fun and laughter are sure to ensue. If you’re the kind of person who loves to spend time outdoors at night, make sure you have adequate outdoor lighting.

There are numerous benefits to outdoor lighting, apart from just brightening your space. You’ll add value to your home and be able to enjoy peace of mind. When you put all that work into making your home look like an architectural masterpiece, don’t let it disappear when nightfall comes.

With outdoor lighting, the possibilities are virtually endless. You can light walkways and driveways; you can implement zone lighting to highlight specific areas of your home; you can light up your deck, patio or pool; and you can install motion detector lights. No matter the location you choose to illuminate, rest assured it will add safety and security to your home. A well-lit landscape will help you feel safer at night and deter trespassers.

Whether you’re entertaining guests on your deck or patio or hanging out by the pool or hot tub, it’s important to have the right lighting to ensure the safety of you and your guests. The last thing you want is for someone to slip or trip and hurt themselves.

Even if having guests over isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll want to make sure you and your family are safe at night. Forgot something in your car? Waited until 10 p.m. to think about checking the mail? Ensure your pathway is properly lighted so that you don’t step on or near a critter or trip over a skateboard.

If you’re looking to enhance your curb appeal, outdoor lighting is the way to go. An illuminated home communicates to passersby that you care for your home, not to mention it’s warm and inviting. If positioned properly, you can highlight the best features of your home, such as your landscaping. When you put time and great effort into turning your landscaping into art, you want it seen at all hours, not just during the day!

No matter your reasoning for wanting to add outdoor lighting, rest assured a licensed electrician can help you choose the best lights for your needs and budget.

Does your home suffer from stuffy, stale air? Does it feel like you’re walking through a swamp despite the cool air coming out of your AC? Are you looking for an alternative to portable dehumidifiers? There are numerous benefits to considering a whole house dehumidifier for your Boston, MA home. These systems integrate directly within your ductwork so only those who use a furnace, heat pump or central air unit are eligible. These devices work especially well during the summer, and we advise our customers to consider them whenever applicable. While portable units have their place, they can’t compare.

A whole house dehumidifier allows you to control the humidity levels in your home. Why is this important? Let’s have a look at some of the benefits.

It can be extremely frustrating to rearrange your home based on where your outlets are. Trying to strategically place furniture so you don’t block outlets is futile. This applies to your kitchen as well. Maybe you have to unplug the toaster to plug in the coffee maker. There never seems to be enough outlets. It isn’t safe to run electrical cords all over your home and it is certainly not attractive. So what can you do?

Well, you can move, which is probably not really feasible nor is it a very good idea to put your home on the market because you don’t have anywhere to plug in your coffeemaker. Before you make any rash decisions, call an electrician. Glendale homeowners do not despair! Call The Electric Connection to help solve your outlet shortage.

You will likely need an electrical inspection to determine whether your home can support more outlets or if you will need a panel upgrade. Don’t worry about trying to determine this yourself. This is what your electrician is there for. If an upgrade is needed, this is a task a qualified professional can handle for you.

In some cases, you may want to upgrade your outlets. This is a really good option for people who own older homes and the wiring may be fraying or outdated. You can have an inspection to determine whether or not you need a whole-home upgrade completed by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will want to ensure their home is safe and this is one way to do that. During the assessment, you can talk with the electrician about adding outlets.

We all rely on power, and we want it where we can get to it safely and easily. Because of the safety hazards associated with electricity, you will want to leave this job to the professionals at The Electric Connection. We’re ready to serve you!