Hey there, WordPress fans! I am checking in today to let you know that WordCamp US 2024 is about to kick off!
Best Cheap WordPress Hosting: 7 Options That Are Both Cheap and Efficient
I’ve been working with WordPress hosting for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about “cheap” WordPress hosting plans, it’s that they’re only cheap for the first year. After that, the renewal rates kick in, and suddenly…well, tough luck, pay up!
10 Best WordPress Hosting Providers of 2024 Compared and Tested
Ever since we started this site, we’ve been deeply involved in the topic of hosting a WordPress website. Personally, it wasn’t something I deliberately set out to learn that much about; rather, the topic found me. If you’re using WordPress, hosting is just essential, and there’s no way to ignore it. You just can’t run a site without it. So naturally, you’d want the best hosting available and steer clear of the sub-par options.
Automattic Wants to Migrate 500+ Million Tumblr Blogs to WordPress
If you like ambitious projects, I think this news tidbit will be right up your alley. In late August, Matt Mullenweg and Automattic announced plans to migrate all of the existing Tumblr websites to WordPress. Given that Tumblr hosts more than half a billion blogs (yes – that’s a “B”), I think this might just be one of the largest migration projects ever undertaken.
WordCamp US 2024 Schedule Released: Get Ready for the Event!
If you’re attending WordCamp US 2024 in person or online, I have great news! In late August, we got our first look at the full lineup and schedule for this year’s event, which will be held in Portland, Oregon from September 17-20.
8 Mistakes I Made When Building My First WordPress Plugin Using AI (With No Prior Development Experience)
As the title of this article says, I have no formal development experience. Prior to taking this plunge into building my first plugin, the most coding I was capable of, was fumbling my way through some HTML and CSS. But! I was damn enthusiastic about building a WordPress plugin, so I decided to see if all the fear mongering about AI replacing junior developers had any merit.
Everything You Need to Know About Solar Panel Installation
A guide to solar panels: The benefits of going solar
As the world continues to become more aware of the impact of climate change, the importance of renewable energy sources such as solar energy cannot be overstated. Solar panels have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprints while also saving money on their electricity bills.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of going solar and what you need to know before our team installs a solar panel PV system on your roof.
Why you should switch to renewable energy today
The most compelling reason to switch to renewable energy sources like solar power is to reduce your carbon footprint and help slow down the effects of climate change. Solar power systems generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy, so no fossil fuels are being burned and no greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere.
In addition to these environmental benefits, solar energy can also save you money on your electricity bills. While the initial cost of installing solar PV panels can be high, the long-term savings are substantial. Depending on the size of your solar panel system and your energy usage, you could save hundreds of pounds each year on your electricity bills.
Are there any disadvantages to solar energy?
While there are many benefits to using solar energy, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks of going solar is the initial cost of installing a solar panel system. The cost can vary widely depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation, but most start at around £5,942 for a 4kW system and rise to £8,899 for a 7kW system. However, there are financing options available that can help to make the upfront cost more manageable.
Another potential disadvantage of going solar is that solar panels can be less efficient in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight. In particular, panels on north-facing roofs, or those that experience a lot of shade, may not generate as much electricity. Ideally, roofs need to be 30 to 40 degrees in pitch, meaning homeowners looking to install panels on flat roofs will also require roof mounting systems.
If you are installing monocrystalline solar panels, like those available at Absolute Solar, you’ll also need to think about the weather. While monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency rates, usually in the 15-20% range, they tend to be most efficient in warm weather, so they may not be as effective in cooler climates.
What are the advantages of solar energy?
Of course, the advantages of going solar far outweigh the negatives. Here are just some of the benefits of using solar energy include:
Lower electricity bills
One of the most significant benefits of using solar energy is that it can help you save money on your electricity bills. Based on estimates from the Energy Saving Trust, a household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system could shave between £195 and £480 per year off their bills at the current Energy Price Guarantee rates.
What’s more, once you’ve paid off the initial cost of installing the solar panel system, the energy it generates is essentially free.
Reduced carbon footprint
By using solar energy to power your home, you’re reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a standard home solar PV system could save around one tonne of carbon per year (note: this depends on where you live in the UK).
Increased property value
Installing a solar panel system can also increase the value of your home, with some suggestions ranging from 4% to 14% on average. Many homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that have already gone solar, as it means they’ll be able to save money on their electricity bills in the long run.
Low maintenance costs
Because they have no moving parts that will wear out over time, solar panels are simple to maintain. On average, you’re looking at around £100 per year for a service, and while this may seem like a lot, it will help to prevent more expensive damage and repairs.
Perhaps the biggest expense once the system is up and running is the inverter, which will need replacing approximately every 10 years at a cost of around £500 – £1,500.
Suitable for all climates
While they produce the most amount of electricity when it’s sunny, solar panels do still work in cloudy conditions. What’s more, cold weather doesn’t affect their productivity as snow and rain can actually help to clean the panels and increase the amount of light that reaches them.
What you need to know before installing solar panels at your home
Before you speak to our team about getting a solar panel system installed, there are a few things you need to consider.
Compatibility
First, you’ll need to determine whether your home is a good candidate for solar panels. This will depend on factors such as the amount of sunlight your roof receives, the orientation of your roof and the amount of shading your home gets from trees or nearby buildings. We’re happy to discuss this with you.
Cost
You’ll also need to consider the cost of installing the solar panel system. While there are many financing options available, it’s important to make sure that you can afford the upfront payment before you commit to the installation.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that current research suggests it can take anywhere between 9 and 19 years to recoup the costs of installing a photovoltaic (PV) system. However, this rate is falling fast, with some estimating that payback is now just 7 years. The exact time will depend on how much electricity you use and when you use it.
Installation
Solar panels are complex systems, so it’s important to choose a reputable solar panel installer like our team at Absolute Solar. In the UK, installers must be MCS registered, so make sure you confirm this before you select a company to work with.
Solar panel installations usually take around two days to complete, but the good news is that they don’t normally require permission, so you won’t have to wait for a planning application to be passed.
Speak to our team at Absolute Solar
As you can see from above, installing a solar panel system on your roof can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also saving money on your electricity bills. While there are some potential drawbacks to consider, the benefits of going solar far outweigh the downsides.
So to learn more, speak to our team at Absolute Solar today. We’re more than happy to talk to you about the different solar photovoltaic systems we have available.
AforeUK Inverter & Battery Trade Supplier
Absolute Solar are a UK wholesaler of AforeUK battery and inverters. AforeUK inverters and batteries provide solar panel installers with reliable and highly efficient renewable technology solutions. AforeUK’s range of string and hybrid inverters provide robust, simple and cost effective inverters to meet the needs of UK solar panel installers. These batteries provide scalable energy storage solution for solar panel installers looking for. AforeUK provides the complete range of inverters and battery storage solutions for domestic installations. Absolute Solar are a well known stock holder of AforeUK Inverter & Battery Trade Supplier.
Afore String Inverters (HNS range) 1kW to 3kW
AforeUK string inverters are designed to increase energy independence for homeowners. The power range starts at 1kW up to 3kW and compatible with low voltage AforeUK battery packs. This makes them ideal for small residential installations.
HNS single phase inverters are ideal for smaller residential PV systems. Its unibody housing with anodised aluminium structure provides increased durability and efficiency in preventing corrosion.
Afore Inverters
Performance
The performance of AforeUK HNS inverters is outstanding and as a cost-effective solution makes sense for installers to recommend them to their customers. With high maximum efficiency ratings of 97%, remote monitoring and easy installation, the performance of AforeUK string inverters is exceptional.
AforeUK String Inverters (HNS range) 3.6kW to 10kW
AforeUk 3.6kW to 10kW
AforeUK single-phase MPPT 2-string inverters provide excellent performance for larger residential properties. As per the smaller inverters they come with a unibody housing with anodised aluminium for increased durability and effective corrosion prevention. They are also equipped with external inductors for efficient heat dissipation with improves reliability and extends the life of the inverter.
The inverter menu is activated by señor touch buttons. The communications implementation is via the included Wi-Fi dongle which enables remote system status checking via internet connection of the online monitoring platform. Simple to set up, and easy to use AforeUK 2-string inverters provide a cost-efective solution to solar panel installers looking for effective solutions in providing solar panels to large properties.
AforeUK String 3-Phase Commercial Inverters
AforeUK 3 phase string inverters are designed for residential and small commercial PV systems. Absolute Solar provides AforeUK 3 phase commercial inverters to cover battery storage from 10kW to 20kW. This provides an excellent solution for smaller commercial needs.
All models come with unibody housing with anodised aluminium for durability which effectively prevents corrosion. The AforeUK 3 string inverters are equipped with external inductors to ensure efficient heat dissipation, which improves reliability and extends life of the inverters.
AforeUK Low Voltage Hybrid Inverters AF, K-SL range
AforeUK Hybrid Inverter
The AforeUK hybrid inverters are a series of low voltage storage inverters are designed to increase energy independence for homeowners. The power range is from 3.6kW to 6kW, comparable with low voltage (40-60V) batteries. Energy management is based upon time-of-use and demand change rate structures, reducing the amount of energy purchased from a national energy grid.
With a UPS function (switch time <10ms) enables crucial loads power on during outages. In addition under the backup operation mode the inverter provides up to 150% peak output overloading. The AF low voltage series storage inverters are integrated with ARC Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) and rapid shutdown. AforeUK low voltage hybrid inverters provide excellent performance for solar panel system installers.
AforeUK Battery
Battery storage is now the most popular add-on to domestic solar panel array installation. AforeUK batteries are cost effect reliable and robust batteries for the UK market. Specifically designed to work with AforeUK inverters the AforeUK battery provides solar panel installers with a reliable cost effective wall fitted battery.
Absolute Solar Inverter and Battery Supplier
As one of the leading solar panel installers in the UK, Absolute Solar have been using AforeUK batteries and inverters for many years and have found AforeUK to be highly effective for solar panel and battery installers. As a cost-effective inverter and battery supplier Absolute Solar are a stockholder of the AforeUK range. Get in touch with Absolute Solar here to learn about our prices and delivery options:-
Contact us below for details.
Absolute Solar expands its business with new logistics vehicles
Absolute Solar is a family-run business based in Leicester. We are an award-winning installer of tried and tested domestic renewable technology and energy saving solutions, from solar panels to cavity wall and loft insulation. Absolute Solar provides advanced renewable technology for homeowners and new builds throughout the Midlands and beyond. Absolute Solar’s mission is to save energy, save their clients’ money, and ultimately, save the planet. Find out more about Absolute Solar on their website: www.absolutesolar.co.uk Absolute Solar selected Alltruck to replace their fleet of older 3.5 tonne vans. We the growth in demand for energy saving and renewable technologies from the Governments new green grant starting in September 2020 it was time improve the logistics of installation poly bead insulation to new build homes. With the help of Alltruck’s experts, who came up with the solution of the above modified 10 tonne DAF LF 180 which provides almost four times as much storage space for their poly bead insulation, making Absolute Solar’s cavity wall insulation operation much more efficient. |
Absolute Solar upgraded the fleet inline with their values of “save energy, save money, and save the planet”, with the way they carried out their work. To achieve this, Absolute Solar wanted an improved and efficient transportation solution. We anticipate that the new truck system will be safe, comfy and fuel efficient.
The Absolute Solar brief to Alltruck was to make their poly bead insulation process more streamlined and efficient. Together, this is the solution Alltruck came to Absolute Solar with:
- One 10 tonne DAF LF 180 with a 30ft long box body and excellent fuel efficiency.
- A custom-made box body designed and produced at our Loughborough Bodyshop.
- A false wall inside the box body with a space of 62 cubic metres behind it for the poly beads to be stored in.
- A special ladder storage compartment to keep it neat inside the box.
- Attractive livery, designed by Absolute Solar and our livery partner, AR Signs.
- Spacious day cab with an air suspended driver’s seat, arm rest, soft-grip steering wheel, automatic gearbox, air-con and Adaptive Cruise Control – all with driver comfort in mind. For safety, the truck has Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and an Advanced Electronic Braking System.
- Maintenance and servicing of Absolute Solar’s new truck will be carried out by Alltruck plc.
The new solution brings Absolute Solar’s vision to life.
By opting for a 10 tonne vehicle allows Absolute Solar to have a greater payload to play around with and, most importantly, an increased cubic capacity in the box. Instead of a 22ft body that would have been fitted on the 7.5 tonne chassis, they now have a 30ft body.
This means that Absolute Solar can now carry 62 cubic metres of poly bead insulation in their new truck – almost four times as much as they could carry in their vans!
Oliver Martin, Absolute Solar’s Operations Director, gave an example of how having this truck would improve their day-to-day work. He said that if Absolute Solar were providing a poly bead insulation solution to new houses on a large building site in Birmingham, they would usually allocate around 10 days to work there and expect to be driving to-and-fro a couple of times a day. However, with this new truck, that very same job would be completed in just 3 days, with one run to the site each day. Much more efficient!
Even though this new vehicle is slightly bigger and heavier than their current vans, the DAF LF has optimised powertrains, which means it provides industry-leading fuel economy. This will mean that Absolute Solar will not only minimise their carbon footprint, but they will also be keeping their fuel costs low.
Because Alltruck plc are here to offer guidance, and deal with all the truck’s maintenance (including MOT’s, inspections and servicing), Absolute Solar can focus on what they do best – providing fantastic renewable technology solutions to homes across the nation.
Like to learn more about Absolute Solar and the new Government Grants of up to £5,000 per house (£10,000 for low income homes), for improving your energy efficiency or installing new renewable technologies, then contact us now.
Solar panels and battery storage save you money
The next generation of renewable energy technology for the home combines the efficient energy conversion of free solar energy (the solar effect was first discovered by Edmund Bequerel in 1839). Solar panels save home owners money by generating renewable energy for your home. Solar panels only generate electricity during the daylight hours. So by storing spare electricity using battery smart storage to use in the evenings and early morning when most people use most electricity save you money.
Solar Panel Technology
Modern Solar PV panel system consists of a series panels each of which consists of photovoltaic material sandwiched between two semi-conductive materials. When sunlight hits the panels, the semi-conductive materials energise, producing a direct current. This direct current is then passed through an inverter, where it is converted to alternating current, providing the same power as you draw from the national grid. This renewable / green electricity can then be used to power your domestic appliances. panels today can be up to 20% efficient in converting sunlight into electricity.
The latest advancement to this model is the introduction of domestic storage of solar electricity in a battery for later use within the home.
Smart Battery Technology
A battery works by storing electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, which can then be converted back into electricity. A battery consists of two terminals, (anode and cathode, separated by an electrolyte). Whilst the battery is charging, the electrons flow from the cathode to the anode, and whilst discharging they flow in the opposite direction. This causes a current, allowing you to use your solar energy when you need it, instead of when it’s generated.
This shift enables all the solar power a home generates to be stored and used (and any excess to be exported back to the grid), saving money on grid power particularly at peak energy times such as early morning and early evening, which have higher charges.
Battery storage is not just a chemical cell charging and discharging, but many such as Prime Hybrid Energy battery storage systems are smart battery systems. That means that the battery is part of a system monitoring your energy needs. It does this using historical usage and forecasting how much energy you need now, and in the near future to work out how much energy to store away.
The results for customers are significant in reducing a home’s dependency upon the national grid. Current smart solar and storage systems can result in a home being grid neutral for up to 8 months a year.
Like to learn how the system works then click the link to see how the smart system call myenergycloud actually works https://myenergycloud.com/home/inverter/SD1729P019/overview
Learn how to get your solar and battery storage system from Absolute Solar by contacting us now.
Electric Vehicles #EV on the rise – Get yours Now
#Electric #Vehicle #Charge #Points
Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are on the rise: says Absolute solar switch to electric vehicles, save money by recharging at home with Absolute Solar EV recharger. Research suggests that 71% of #consumers are considering buying an electric vehicle #EVs according to Auto Trader up from just 25% two years ago. But with the growth rate of licensed plug in vehicles is almost six times as fast than that of public charging point locations in the UK, over the last five years this has led to ‘highly dangerous alternatives at home’, with 75% using a domestic extension lead even admit to “daisy-chaining” – the risky practice of using …See more
Going Green at Home Starts with Solar Panels
National Homebuilding & Renovation Show #NBSNEC19 28th to 31st March
Homebuilding & Renovation Show NEC 28th to 31st March 2019
Electronic Charge Point OLEV Grant, all you need to know.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING AN OLEV GRANT
WHAT IS OLEV?
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) is connected to both the UK Department of Transport and the UK Department of Trade, Energy, and Industrial Strategy. It exists to promote the adoption of low emission vehicles.
You can find out more about OLEV on the UK government’s website, click the link below..
OLEV WEBSITE
WHAT IS THE OLEV GRANT?
The OLEV Grant is to encourage car buyers to opt for an electric vehicle, OLEV offer a cash payment to help with startup costs. If you own or rent an electric vehicle, you could receive up to £500 towards the cost of buying and installing an electric charge point.
HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE?
The manufacturer, as well as the installer of your charge point, need to be authorized by OLEV for a successful application. Both Rolec and Absolute Solar are OLEV certified suppliers and installers of EV Charge points..
To qualify for the OLEV Grant you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have off-street parking.
- Your property is within the UK.
- Your vehicle is eligible for the grant.
- You are the registered keeper or primary user of the vehicle after 1 April 2015.
- You can provide evidence that you own or lease an electric vehicle (even if you haven’t received the vehicle).
ELIGIBLE VEHICLES
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR THE £500 GRANT?
The OLEV Grant is actually applied for on your behalf, Absolute Solar will handle the application for you.
To learn more about the application process, OLEV has created a guide at the link below.
Like to know more then give us a call on 0116 231 3980