Tech

Understanding How the Best Solar Panels Actually Work in Practice

Published

2 years ago

November 17, 2021

Michael Caine

The US is now home to over three million solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations. Together, all those PV panels boast a capacity of 108.7 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity. That’s enough to deliver clean, green, and renewable power to 18.9 million homes in the nation.

So, if you haven’t gone solar yet, now’s the best time to do so. For one, the 26% federal tax incentive is still up for grabs until 2022. Thanks to that credit, you can invest in the best solar panels without worrying too much about their cost.

Before shelling out money for your solar PV system, though, it’s best to have an idea of how they work first. That way, you’ll also understand what makes PV panels most suitable for your needs.

We’ll discuss the basics you need to know about residential solar panels in this guide, so be sure to read on.

How Do Solar Photovoltaic Panels Work?

A single solar PV panel consists of numerous, smaller units known as solar cells. The kind of solar cells used in each panel, in turn, determines the type of the PV panel.

There are three basic cell types: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

Regardless of the cell type, though, all solar panels work by absorbing photons. Photons are radiant solar energy particles containing varying amounts of energy.

The photon energy makes electrons within a solar cell detach from their atoms. Those dislodged electrons then travel to the front-most surface of the cell. Meanwhile, the cells’ backside or bottom layer features a positive charge.

Those negative and positive sides then create a voltage potential. That makes them much like the negative and positive terminals of a battery.

Metal conductive plates and wires then harness the voltage from the interconnected cells. At that point, the electrons can flow like any other form of electricity. However, the cells generate only direct current (DC) electricity, which you can’t use yet.

That’s why you need to connect your entire solar PV system to an inverter. It’s a device that converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. AC electricity is the form of energy used by electrical grids and the one you use at home.

What Are the Best Solar Panels Then?

One way to determine the best solar panels to get for your home is to factor in their performance rating. Performance refers to the amount of sunlight a panel can convert into electricity. That amount then dictates how efficient the panel is.

The higher the performance, the more sunlight the panel captures. The more captured sunshine, the more energy it can then convert into electricity. You, in turn, will have more “free” energy to use to power your home and electronic devices.

With that said, monocrystalline panels are the highest performance solar panels available today. That’s because they have the highest efficiency rating of all panel types, ranging from 15% to 20%. By contrast, polycrystalline panel efficiency ranges from 13% to 16%.

Thanks to their impressive efficiency, you’d need fewer monocrystalline panels. That makes them even more appealing to homes with limited space, be it on the roof or the ground. For the same reasons, though, they’re currently the most expensive PV panels in the market.

As such, some homeowners on a budget often gravitate toward the polycrystalline type. Although their efficiency rating is lower than monocrystalline, they do cost less. However, they’re still more efficient than thin-film panels.

On the other hand, thin-film panels may be your best choice if you have a very tight budget. They’re the least-efficient panels, which is also why they’re the least expensive. You’d need more of these panels, though, so you must also have lots of sunny spots on your property.

Application and Location Matter, Too

Producing electricity for indoor usage is the top reason homeowners install PV panels. However, it’s not the only way to utilize solar; you can also use it for outdoor lighting or a backup energy source. In such cases, though, you need to consider factors other than the type of solar cell or panel.

Ingress Protection for Outdoor Lighting

Let’s say you want to get a solar light for flagpole illumination or exterior lighting. Since the solar device will sit outside, it must have adequate ingress protection (IP). An IP rating of 65 to 67 is ideal, as this means the light can resist high winds, rain, sleet, and snow.

Solar Battery or Generator for Energy Storage

In 2020, utility customers in the US experienced a whopping 1.33 billion outage hours. That’s up 73% from the outage hours they dealt with during the previous year.

For that reason, it’s wise to consider using PV panels to store solar energy into a battery for later use. In this case, the best solar panels are those compatible or integrated with a solar generator. That way, the energy produced by the panels gets stored in the generator’s battery.

You can then use the stored energy in the battery to power your home during an outage.

Portability for Solar On-The-Go

If you like outdoor activities such as camping or hiking, you’d love portable solar kits. Like standard PV panels, the ones solar kits use also generate energy from the sun.

A key difference is that solar kits come with thinner, smaller, and foldable panels. You then connect the panels with USB ports to a battery pack and set them up anywhere with lots of sunlight. From there, you can plug in a portable LED lamp for lighting or recharge your electronics.

Invest in Quality Solar Panels for Long-Term Renewability

As you’ve learned, the best solar panels are often those with high-efficiency ratings. However, don’t forget other factors, such as where and how you’ll use them and your budget, too.

As a final tip, make sure your local solar installer gives you a system warranty of at least 25 years. That way, you can rest assured it will provide you with clean and green power for the next two and a half decades.

Ready for more informative home improvement guides like this? Feel free to browse and read our other articles then!

Tech

10 of the most popular female actresses on Instagram

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2023

Mat Smith

10 of the most popular female actresses on Instagram

These days, Instagram has become a vital social media platform for celebrities to connect with their fans. From posting personal images and videos to sharing behind-the-scenes content from their day-to-day lives, these influencers have millions of followers. And who better to follow than the most popular female actresses on Instagram? These ladies have mastered the art of social media and are constantly turning heads with their posts!

1. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a singer and actress who has more than 100 million followers on Instagram.

In total, she has over 18 million followers on Twitter, 45 million followers on Facebook and 10 million subscribers to her YouTube channel.

2. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez is an American actress and singer who has a net worth of $75 million. She first became famous for her role on the Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place. In 2010, she starred in the film Ramona and Beezus with Joey King and John Corbett. The following year she starred in Monte Carlo alongside Selena Gomez as well as Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy.

In 2013, Selena began dating Justin Bieber after they met at Coachella Festival that year but their relationship ended later that same year after he was arrested for driving under influence while intoxicated while behind the wheel with her inside his car (it should be noted that both parties were underage). Their break-up caused some controversy among fans when some people believed Selena had cheated on him while others thought she was just trying to save face by ending things before they got too serious between them so they could move on without having any regrets later down their relationship’s path! Either way you look at it though these two seem like good friends now even though neither party has publicly spoken about what happened between them during those few months together.”

3. Kylie Jenner

If you’re going to be a successful celebrity, you need to have an enormous social media following. Kylie Jenner is one of the most popular Instagram stars in the world with over 100 million followers on her account. She’s also famous for being part of one of Hollywood’s biggest families: The Kardashian-Jenners.

Kylie launched her own cosmetics line in 2015 and made history by becoming the youngest self-made billionaire ever at age 21 (her sister Kim Kardashian West was previously held that title).

4. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is a singer-songwriter who has over 130 million followers on Instagram. She’s one of the most popular celebrities in the world and has won several awards including Grammys, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.

She is also known for her romantic relationships with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Joe Jonas (2008-2010), John Mayer (2010), Harry Styles (2012-2014) and Calvin Harris (2015).

5. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a singer, songwriter and actress. She has more than 100 million followers on Instagram, making her the fifth most followed person on the platform.

Grande also has a younger brother named Frankie Grande who is an actor and producer as well as a dancer, choreographer and vocal coach for shows like “So You Think You Can Dance?” He currently hosts his own show called “The Marriage Ref” which airs on NBC.

Ariana Grande was born in Boca Raton, Florida on June 26th 1993 to Joan Grande (née Joan Beck) and Edward Butera who were both singers themselves before they got married! She attended North Shore High School where she was an honor student while singing in school choirs along with acting in musicals such as “Annie Get Your Gun” where she played Annie Oakley herself!

6. Rihanna

Rihanna has over 100 million followers on Instagram. She has posted over 1,100 times and her most popular post is a picture of her and Beyonce. She also holds the title of being the most followed female celebrity on Instagram, with over 104 million people following her every day.

7. Beyonce Knowles

Beyonce Knowles is a singer, songwriter and actress. She has been in a number of movies and TV shows. Beyonce is married to Jay-Z, who is also a rapper and music producer. She has won many Grammy awards for her music over the years.

8. Emma Stone

Emma Stone was born in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is an actress, singer and producer with a net worth of $50 million. She has 2.3 million followers on Instagram.

9. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an Indian actress and singer who was born in Jamshedpur, India. She is married to Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, making her one of the most popular female actresses on Instagram with over 27 million followers.

These are some of the most popular female actresses on Instagram

There are many female actors that have a huge following on social media. Some of them are:

Jennifer Lopez
Selena Gomez
Kylie Jenner
Taylor Swift
Ariana Grande
Rihanna and Beyonce Knowles

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the most popular female actresses on Instagram. Some of them have millions of followers and many fans who love them. They’re all beautiful women with amazing careers who have something special about them that makes people want to follow their lives online.

Tech

How To Solve [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] Error Code?

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2023

Leonardo

Are you encountering the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code while using Microsoft Outlook? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to solve this error and get your Outlook application back up and running smoothly.

We understand the frustration that comes with encountering technical issues, but fear not, as we have the solutions you need to overcome this particular error.

Understanding the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] Error Code

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand what the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code represents. This error typically occurs when there is a conflict between the Outlook application and the email server. It can manifest in various ways, such as preventing you from sending or receiving emails, or causing the application to freeze or crash unexpectedly.

Solutions to Fix the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] Error Code

Solution 1: Clear Cache and Cookies

The first step in resolving the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code is to clear the cache and cookies in your browser. This helps remove any temporary data that might be causing conflicts with the Outlook application. Here’s how you can do it:

Open your browser settings.
Locate the “Clear browsing data” or “Clear cache” option.
Select the appropriate time range (e.g., last hour, last 24 hours, or all time).
Check the boxes for “Cookies” and “Cached images and files.”
Click on the “Clear data” or “Clear browsing data” button.

Solution 2: Update Outlook to the Latest Version

Outdated software can often lead to compatibility issues and errors. To ensure a smooth experience with Outlook, it’s crucial to keep your application up to date. Follow these steps to update your Outlook to the latest version:

Open Microsoft Outlook.
Go to the “File” tab and select “Office Account” or “Account” (depending on the Outlook version).
Click on “Update Options” and choose “Update Now.”
Wait for the update process to complete.

Solution 3: Check Email Server Settings

Incorrect email server settings can also trigger the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code. Verify that your email server settings match the recommended configuration provided by your email service provider. Here’s how you can do it:

Open Microsoft Outlook.
Go to the “File” tab and select “Account Settings.”
Select your email account from the list and click on “Change.”
Verify the incoming and outgoing server settings (e.g., server name, port numbers, encryption type).
Make any necessary changes and click on “Next” or “OK” to save the settings.

Solution 4: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with the proper functioning of Microsoft Outlook and trigger the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and check if the error persists. Here’s a general guide on how to disable these security programs:

Locate the antivirus or firewall icon in your system tray (usually in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
Right-click on the icon and select “Disable” or “Turn off” temporarily.

Confirm your selection when prompted.
Launch Microsoft Outlook and check if the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code is resolved.
Remember to re-enable your antivirus or firewall after testing.

Solution 5: Reinstall Microsoft Outlook

If the previous solutions didn’t solve the issue, you may need to reinstall Microsoft Outlook. This ensures that any corrupted files or settings are replaced with fresh ones. Follow these steps to reinstall Outlook:

Open the Control Panel on your computer.
Select “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
Locate Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook from the list of installed programs.
Right-click on the program and select “Uninstall” or “Change.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
After uninstalling, restart your computer.
Visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of Microsoft Office or Outlook.
Run the installation file and follow the prompts to reinstall Outlook.
Launch the newly installed Outlook and check if the error is resolved.

Solution 6: Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above solutions work for you, it’s advisable to reach out to Microsoft Support for further assistance. They have dedicated professionals who can provide specialized guidance and troubleshoot the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code specifically for your system and setup.

Conclusion

Encountering the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve it and restore the functionality of Microsoft Outlook. In this guide, we have provided you with comprehensive solutions to tackle this error. Remember to clear cache and cookies, update Outlook to the latest version, check email server settings, disable antivirus or firewall temporarily, reinstall Outlook if necessary, and seek assistance from Microsoft Support if needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to overcome the [pii_email_2d113871790217b2253f] error code and enjoy a seamless experience with your Outlook application. Stay proactive in keeping your software up to date and maintaining the recommended settings for optimal performance.

Tech

https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked

Published

1 month ago

April 30, 2023

Leonardo

https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked

In the world of digital advertising, Google Ads plays a pivotal role in driving targeted traffic and conversions for businesses. Effective conversion tracking is essential to measure the success of advertising campaigns. However, sometimes certain scripts or resources can be blocked, leading to potential issues with conversion tracking. One such script that may encounter blocking is “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked.” In this article, we will delve into the details of this script, understand its purpose, reasons for being blocked, its impact on conversion tracking, and explore troubleshooting and alternative solutions.

Understanding Google Ads and Conversion Tracking

Before we dive into the specifics of “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked,” let’s establish a foundation by understanding Google Ads and conversion tracking. Google Ads is an online advertising platform that enables businesses to display ads on Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs), websites, YouTube, and other partner platforms. Conversion tracking allows advertisers to track and measure the actions users take on their websites after engaging with their Google Ads campaigns. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of advertising efforts and optimize campaigns for better results.

The Purpose of “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” Script

The “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script is an essential component of Google Ads conversion tracking. It facilitates the tracking of user actions such as purchases, form submissions, or sign-ups on an advertiser’s website and sends the relevant data back to the Google Ads platform. This data is crucial for advertisers to measure the success of their campaigns, calculate return on investment (ROI), and make informed decisions for future advertising strategies.

Reasons for the Script Being Blocked

There can be several reasons why the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script is being blocked. One common reason is ad-blocking browser extensions or plugins. These tools are designed to block certain scripts or resources that are deemed intrusive or unwanted. In some cases, network firewalls or security settings at the organizational level can also block external scripts, including the Google Ads conversion tracking script. Additionally, conflicts with other scripts or coding errors on the website can lead to the blocking of the script.

Impact of Blocking “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” Script

When the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script is blocked, it hampers the accurate tracking of conversions. Advertisers may lose visibility into critical data points, such as the number of conversions, conversion rates, and the attribution of conversions to specific campaigns or keywords. This lack of data can make it challenging to assess the performance of campaigns accurately and optimize them effectively. Without proper conversion tracking, advertisers may struggle to allocate their advertising budgets efficiently and miss out on valuable insights for campaign improvement.

Troubleshooting the Blocking Issue

If you encounter issues with the blocking of the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Firstly, check if you have any ad-blocking browser extensions installed and disable them temporarily to see if the script starts working. It’s also essential to review your network firewall or security settings to ensure they are not blocking the script. Consult with your IT team or website administrator if necessary.

Another troubleshooting step is to inspect your website’s code and look for any conflicts or errors that might be preventing the script from running correctly. Ensure that the script is placed in the appropriate location on your website, typically within the head or body section, as specified by Google Ads documentation. If you’re using a content management system (CMS), make sure you have implemented the script correctly according to the CMS’s guidelines.

Additionally, ensure that you have properly configured the conversion tracking code within your Google Ads account. Double-check that you have selected the correct conversion actions and that the script is associated with the relevant campaigns. It’s recommended to follow Google’s official troubleshooting guide for further assistance in resolving the blocking issue.

Alternative Solutions for Conversion Tracking

In cases where the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script continues to encounter issues, there are alternative solutions available for conversion tracking. One option is to utilize server-side tracking. Instead of relying solely on client-side scripts, this approach involves sending conversion data directly to Google’s servers from your backend systems. Server-side tracking can offer increased flexibility and control over the tracking process, mitigating potential blocking issues.

Another alternative is to leverage tag management systems (TMS). TMS platforms enable you to manage and deploy multiple scripts and tags on your website through a centralized interface. By utilizing a TMS, you can streamline the implementation of various tracking codes, including Google Ads conversion tracking, and have more control over script deployment and troubleshooting.

Best Practices for Implementing Conversion Tracking

To ensure smooth implementation and effective conversion tracking, it’s important to follow best practices. Firstly, regularly monitor your conversion tracking to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Set up test conversions to verify that the tracking is capturing the desired actions accurately. Additionally, keep an eye on any notifications or alerts from Google Ads regarding changes or updates to conversion tracking scripts.

It’s also crucial to align your conversion actions with your business goals. Identify the key actions that align with your objectives, such as purchases, leads, or newsletter sign-ups, and set them up as conversion actions within Google Ads. This enables you to measure and optimize campaigns based on the actions that matter most to your business.

Furthermore, regularly analyze your conversion data to gain insights into campaign performance. Monitor conversion rates, cost per conversion, and other relevant metrics to identify areas for improvement. Use this data to refine your targeting, ad messaging, and bidding strategies for better campaign results.

Conclusion

The “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script is an integral part of Google Ads conversion tracking. When this script is blocked, it can hinder the accurate measurement of conversions and impact campaign optimization. By troubleshooting the blocking issue, exploring alternative solutions, and implementing best practices, advertisers can overcome these challenges and ensure effective conversion tracking for their Google Ads campaigns.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I still track conversions if the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script is blocked?
A: Unfortunately, if the script is blocked, it may prevent the accurate tracking of conversions. It’s recommended to troubleshoot the blocking issue and explore alternative solutions.
Q: Are there any specific browser settings that can cause the blocking of the script?
A: While browser settings can potentially contribute to the blocking of scripts, it’s more common for ad-blocking browser extensions or plugins to cause this issue. Review your installed extensions and consider temporarily disabling them to check if the script works.
Q: How can server-side tracking help overcome blocking issues?
A: Server-side tracking allows you to send conversion data directly to Google’s servers from your backend systems, bypassing potential blocking issues on the client side. This alternative approach can provide more flexibility and control over conversion tracking.
Q: Should I consider using a tag management system for conversion tracking?
A: Tag management systems (TMS) can simplify the implementation and management of multiple tracking codes, including Google Ads conversion tracking. They offer a centralized interface for deploying and troubleshooting scripts, which can be beneficial in overcoming blocking issues.
Q: What steps can I take to ensure accurate conversion tracking?
A: To ensure accurate conversion tracking, regularly monitor your tracking implementation, set up test conversions, and review your conversion actions. Analyze your conversion data to gain insights and optimize your campaigns based on the actions that align with your business goals.

In conclusion, understanding the “https //www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion_async.js blocked” script and its impact on conversion tracking is crucial for successful Google Ads campaigns. By troubleshooting blocking issues, exploring alternative solutions, and implementing best practices, advertisers can ensure accurate measurement of conversions and make informed decisions to optimize their advertising efforts.