These systems are still expensive compared to the conventional electric generating plants such as hydro. And since they only generate power during the day, batteries or other storage systems are required to ensure power availability during the night or times when the conversion is low. This means spending more on batteries, which are currently the most popular storage devices.

Another limitation is the intermittent nature of light, making the energy unsuitable for some applications.

Space limitations may influence the maximum power that a consumer can generate. The cheaper panels have a lower conversion rate and require larger areas. However, customers may overcome this by using the more expensive but higher efficiency panels which require less space.

Improved photovoltaic technology, mass production and lower installation costs have seen the cost of photovoltaic systems and components such as batteries fall rapidly. Incentives such as financing, rebates, and wide acceptance by homeowners have influenced the use of the photovoltaic cells.

Show off your style and freedom of choice with superb outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures from “All American” home lighting and furnishing vendors.

Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern feature outstanding designs manufactured exclusively in the USA and infused with American pride.

HANOVER LANTERN

Hanover Lantern with roots near historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania brings in the endearing elements of small town USA.  Trusted Old World values live on in their custom made-to-order outdoor lighting compositions.

Hanover Lantern’s commitment to creating an American-made, quality product is highlighted in their cast aluminum outdoor lighting products and accompanied by superb accessories, including mailboxes and address signs. Featured on the finest homes, businesses and resorts throughout the United States and Canada, Hanover Lantern is now a Philips Company.

Philips Company, the largest lighting manufacturer in the world, has put their name behind Hanover Lantern and lives up to their slogan: “Tailor Made to Fit Your Style.”

HUBBARDTON FORGE

Hubbardton Forge Lighting fosters an environment infused with collaborative energy as designers, engineers and craftspeople work side by side free to connect, explore and create.

Housing “The Modern American Blacksmiths,” Hubbardton Forge is the oldest and largest commercial forge in the country with a team of over 200 people creating hand-forged compositions infused with timeless beauty and artistry.

A company that is accessible and always responsive to special design requests and individual decorating requirements, Hubbardton’s strong commitment to outstanding design and the development of energy-efficient lighting solutions is showcased in every piece.

Structural integrity in heavy gauge steel, durable finishes, hand-welded arms and shafts, and premium grade internal components ensure products last for generations.

Pioneers of environmental cleanliness and innovative manufacturing processes, Hubbardton light fixtures are composed of raw steel from a high percentage of recycled materials and a state-of-the-art powder coating finish free of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals associated with liquid finishes.

Resistant to rust and corrosive elements, creative works from Hubbardton Forge Lighting lend splendid illumination to your indoor and outdoor lighting design.

In addition to awe-inspiring outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixture designs, skilled artisans at Hubbardton Forge also create unique home décor items, including mirrors and bathroom accessories.

When you own a Hubbardton Forge pendant, lamp, chandelier or outdoor hanging lantern, you own a piece of Vermont-made art of enduring value.

NORTHEAST LANTERN

Handcrafted light fixture compositions from Northeast Lantern come to light right in the state of New Hampshire.  Light fixture designers and craftsmen are trained by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to present a finished product in a clean and green manner.

From the classic “Colonial” collection to the modernistic “Midtown” collection, light fixture designs from Northeast Lantern represent the enduring spirit of American life.

Enjoy reasonably priced outdoor lighting fixtures made of solid brass and copper from Northeast Lantern.  Northeast Lantern products are custom designed with unique variations in hand-applied natural finishes.  Outdoor hanging lanterns and light fixtures will darken and weather over time; retaining their beauty, they will never rust, peel or chip.

With the exception of glass, Northeast Lantern guarantees all products for life.

Enjoy the best of America; check out new “Boston” and “Concord” collections from Northeast Lantern.

From Generation to Generation, Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern Continue to Provide the Best

Keep your stars and stripes shining true with top quality outdoor hanging lanterns and outdoor light fixture designs.

Celebrate July Fourth Weekend with these American Beauties…

New from Northeast Lantern

The “Independence” outdoor lighting collection.

New from Hubbardton Forge

The “Modern Prairie” collection 36-5710

New from Hanover Lantern

B9976 “Four Sided Series” outdoor hanging lanterns

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop 1800lighting.com to view the finest in home lighting and accessories.  Celebrate your American pride and enjoy spirited new designs from Hanover Lantern, Hubbardton Forge and Northeast Lantern!

With all of the Read more on retrofitting vs replacing here.

Undeniably the best technology for any business is a LED retrofit. Why is this? For many reasons:

What is LED Retrofit and it’s Benefits?

LED Retrofitting is one of the biggest lighting upgrades building are doing these days. Companies want to get rid of technology like LED with retrofit kits can bring along many is an organization that tests lights and either deems them of being quality and efficient or not. If your industrial lights you are inquiring about are not on the DLC or EnergyStar, you should avoid these at all costs.

It is that time again—electric bills are on the rise. You can chalk this up to a number of different causes, but the fact is, electricity is getting more expensive. You can’t do much about controlling the rates, but you can do your part to reduce how much electricity you use and ultimately reduce your monthly electric bill. A Pasadena electrician wants to help you do just that and has some tips for you to implement in your home so you can save a few extra dollars. The team at The Electric Connection can answer any questions you may have about electric savings.

1-It is important you make a real effort to turn off lights and electronics whenever they are not in use. Turning off the appliances is not always enough. You need to unplug your electronics as well to reduce phantom power.

2-Take the time to replace any of your old incandescent light bulbs with the newer, much more energy-efficient CFLs. This can ultimately save you a quick $20 or thereabouts on your monthly electric bill. Don’t put off replacing those old bulbs.

3-Switch your dishwasher setting to air dry. Only wash full loads to conserve energy.

4-Air dry your clothes whenever possible to cut down on your electric bill. Only wash full loads of clothes and if you must use your dryer, only dry full loads.

5-Consider having a ceiling fan installed by an electrician. Pasadena homeowners can take advantage of the cost savings ceiling fans provide on both the heating and cooling bills of a home. Fans can be placed throughout the home to circulate air while keeping the home at a comfortable temperature.

This is just a very small sampling of the energy savings tips you can put to use for you. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your ceiling fan installation.

Holidays are a known time for seeing friends and family, some of whom you may not be able to see often throughout the rest of the year. A hobby some people love during the holidays is to add decorative lighting to add a warm welcoming appeal to their homes. Whether your lighting is serious and somber to show your religious beliefs or fun and playful to reflect your personality, there are a few things to be aware of with the extra power draw your decorations put on your house.

Tech Specs and Electrical Engineering

When the public electric line reaches your house, it runs to a circuit breaker (or fuse box in older homes) to prevent dangerous levels of overload which could cause a shock, and the breaker is designed to automatically shut off if a dangerous level of electricity is reached with a surge or if too many appliances are run. There are exceptions, but most circuit breakers are designed to handle 15 amps, or a little over 1600 watts of power which is plenty for modern appliances.

The Simple Terms: When You Run Too Much Power

When you overload a circuit breaker, it becomes a nuisance as everything running on that line shuts down. It's not normally a daily occurrence, but usually only happens when something exceptional occurs. Running too many kitchen appliances at once, for example, can overload a circuit breaker, as can running a space heater or power tool on a line already being used. A common cause of circuit failure is when you've never had a problem running a hairdryer and curling iron until a guest in the guest bath turns on a second hairdryer. Holiday lighting usually runs on a low power supply but adds up when layered and can cause problems with a line which is already near its maximum usage levels.

The Layman's and the Professional's Solutions