Blog
Do Solar Panels Make Financial Sense? Top 3 Factors
A solar panel is a type of device that is designed to absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into energy that is typically used for heating and electricity.
They are typically installed on the rooftops of houses, with the panels and cells coming in different shapes and sizes.
With saving the environment and “going green” becoming the new lifestyle for many homes, many people have converted to using solar panels to power their homes.
However, change does not come easily for others and there are some who are skeptical of the benefits of solar energy that ask: do solar panels make financial sense?
The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of things that a person needs to consider before deciding that solar panels will be financially better for him.
The top 3 factors that he needs to consider could be the following:
#1 The Type of Home He Lives In
More specifically, this refers to whether he owns his house or not.
If he does own his house, then it’s easier to have solar panels installed. If he doesn’t, the only way he will be able to use solar energy is if he can convince his landlord to make the change.
#2 How High the Electric Bill Is Each Month
The payback period after installing the solar panels may take longer if the house does not have a large electric bill.
The key to knowing if solar panels are appropriate for a person’s house and if his electric bills will not suffer is if he takes time to study and understand his bills each month.
In connection to this, a person needs to consider his budget before installing solar panels, as, once again, the payback period may be devastating on his wallet.
#3 The State of the Home’s Roof
The roof is the most common place that solar panels can be installed, so it only makes sense to check the structural integrity of the roof first.
The material of the roof is also a factor that should be considered before mounting the panels, as roofs made of tile and steel tend to be more difficult to install them on and could add on costs.
Additionally, the pitch of the roof might also be a problem. Many roofs are built without thinking of solar panels so they could be oriented to the south or west, which is not optimal for solar panels. This also holds true for flat roofs.
5 Ways to Save Money at Theme Parks This Summer
Visiting theme parks this summer should not be too much of a drain on your pocket.
You can have fun on a limited budget.
Wise up and consider the following ways to enjoy theme parks without breaking the bank.
#1 Get Your Admission Tickets at a Discount
When you buy your tickets directly at the theme park’s gate, you have to pay top price. Get your admission tickets somewhere else.
Amusement parks usually team up with fast food chains, restaurants, or supermarkets. You can get your tickets from these outlets at lower rates. You can also check for deals online.
#2 Avoid Going to the Park on Prime Time
Most theme parks charge a steep price for entrance during peak times.
Avoid weekends and holidays. “Starlight” tickets are cheap if you do not mind going to the park at 3 in the afternoon onwards.
#3 Take Food and Water with You
Bring a water bottle with you. Canned soda and bottled juices are very expensive if you buy them inside the park.
However, you can find water fountains in most parks. Fill your water bottle for free at these fountains. If the water becomes tepid during your long walk, just empty your bottle and refill it at the next fountain.
As with the drinks, food is also incredibly costly inside the park. Pack a sandwich or put some dried fruit-and-nut mix in a plastic bag for a quick and handy snack.
Some theme parks do not allow guests to bring in food. Work around this restriction.
If you are taking your car to the park, take a food cooler with you. When the family gets hungry, you can just go back to your car, eat, and then return to the park.
#4 Watch out for Pricey Merchandise
You can be tempted by the countless souvenir items that theme parks sell. You can find collectible mugs, pins, hats, T-shirts, and other souvenir items being sold at amazingly steep prices. If you really want a souvenir of your trip, you can buy it online at a lower price.
Use your own camera to snap souvenir pictures, as theme park photographers sell pictures at unreasonable prices.
#5 Share a Ride
You pay a high price to park your car inside the theme park. Avoid the expense by opting to take the bus or train to the stop nearest the park. Go home the same way.
As an alternative, you can arrange with family members or friends to go to the park on the same day. Carpooling by taking one van is less expensive than having to park two or three cars.