FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM JULY 16, 2020 • AT HOME • THE QUEENS COURIER 41
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Five things to know about solar panels
As people have been spending more
time at home and watching their utility
bills increase, solar energy is becoming a
topic of interest. In fact, even with more
constrained purchasing practices in many
households in the current environment, a
recent Harris Poll research study revealed
a 13 percent increase in consumer interest
in solar energy since mid-March.
Th at’s not surprising, given that the
installation of solar panels can save homeowners
hundreds of dollars in monthly
utility bills, boost the value of their homes
and provide peace of mind about helping
the environment. Th ankfully, making
solar energy part of your daily life has
never been easier.
If you are among the millions of
American homeowners considering making
the logical step to solar energy, here are
some facts from renewable energy experts.
Solar works all day, yearround,
in any weather
Your solar energy system gathers the
most energy from full sun, but it can still
work at 10 to 25 percent capacity on overcast
days. What about snowy days? Your
system will still gather some energy even
if it’s partially covered, and high-quality
solar panels are designed both to withstand
signifi cant amounts of accumulated
snow and to help melt it away.
It’s easier than ever to go solar
Th ere are new tools to walk you through
the technology and fi nancing you would
need to get started with a solar installation
or conversion. One such personal
solar advisor is called “Solar Concierge.”
Th is program from LG Solar takes a consultative
approach, without high-pressure
sales tactics, helping you determine
whether solar meets your objectives and
sets you up with an installer if you’re
interested.
Solar panels pay for themselves
By off setting what you pay for electricity,
solar panels can pay for themselves.
Th e payoff date depends on the size and
cost of your system, the amount of energy
you use and the rebates and incentives
you employ. Generally, for the fi rst eight
years or so, your annual investment in
solar power will likely equal the amount
you would otherwise pay to power your
home in other ways. Aft er that time, your
solar power will essentially be free and
should continue to work effi ciently for
many more years.
Not all panels are created equal
Because solar panels can vary so much,
you’ll want to conduct research before
fi nalizing your purchase. Check reputable
buyer’s guides and seek a company
that has a long history of high-quality
design innovation, testing and manufacturing,
looking for evidence of both cutting
edge solar technologies and global
sustainability. Find a brand you can trust
with a 25-year warranty. When choosing
products, note that some of today’s
high-effi ciency panels generate nearly 20
percent more energy than conventional
panels of the same size. With higher-effi
ciency panels, you may even have surplus
green energy to sell back to your local
utility provider.
Solar systems can be designed
to work with most roofs
Th ese days, a number of options are
available for securely connecting your
panels regardless of the limited space your
roof might have or what it’s made of. A
solar installer can assess your roof ’s maximum
weight load and your city’s building
code before designing a solar system that
works for your home. Homeowners can
choose from a range of designs, including
sleek and premium panels that deliver a
modern aesthetic.
To fi nd more information about the
solar system that’s ideal for your home,
please visit lg.com.
— BPT
Simple solutions to create a modern home oasis
When people think of modern homes,
many picture classic fl oor-to-ceiling glass
windows, white rooms and contemporary
furniture. Th e reality is, adding modern
touches to your home does not require
a rebuild, a huge investment or a blank
space. A few design tips and simple swaps
can transform your existing space into an
updated, modern oasis.
Embrace clutter-free living areas
According to the minimalist mantra,
less is truly more. Bring this mantra to
life by decluttering countertops, mantels,
walls and other visible areas in the home.
Renowned designer and Delta Design
Trust Member Justina Blakeney advises,
“Have a designated spot where items go.
If you are a collector like I am, it’s important
to have a fl ow of ‘stuff ’ so as you invite
more objects into your home, make sure
you usher other pieces out.”
One way to achieve minimalism is to
opt for space-saving furniture. Add nesting
tables or benches that double as stylish seating
and storage. Use baskets and bins to hide
inevitable items like shoes, blankets and
board games when not in use. Implement
hidden fi ling systems and pledge to digitize
documents moving forward, freeing up the
offi ce while practicing sustainability.
Swap old fi xtures and
statement pieces
Substituting fi xtures and statement
pieces can bring dramatic change to your
home. To create clean, intentional design,
incorporate objects with sleek bold lines.
In the bathroom, opt for the Delta Trillian
Bath Collection, which commands attention
and provides a striking prismatic
design fi t for the modern bathroom. Th is
fi xture choice represents a bold evolution
of modern style, making a substantial
impact while not requiring a full-fl edged
remodel. In the bath space or elsewhere,
the addition of a head-turning mirror
will emphasize focal points of a space and
open up the room to create the illusion
of larger fl oor plans. For a larger investment,
consider a fl oor upgrade. Th e addition
of a large, geometric rug, fresh tile
or restored hardwood fl oors can make a
space feel entirely new.
Embrace greenery
and natural light
Invite the outside in by embracing
foliage and natural sunlight, no matter
the season. Consciously incorporate
fl orals to add depth and life to your living
space. Consider an oversized planter
to serve as a main feature of the room,
hanging fl orals as artwork or succulents
as tabletop decor. Do you lack a green
thumb? Not to worry; textured faux
plants can do the trick, with little maintenance
beyond a light dusting. When it
comes to natural light, play up your windows
with simple drapes that emphasize
the outdoors. When additional light
is needed, exposed bulbs and bold pendants
are easy, modern swaps to illuminate
the home and its decor without feeling
jarring.
With these simple design tricks, your
current space will be transformed into a
modern haven in no time.
— BPT
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