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The Lyons Den
August 2010 |
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El Sol is Hot!
We've Come a Long Way Baby!
For those of us that have lived in Arizona long enough, solar power may bring images of a remote site where some old hippies lived off the land. And those of us older than that talking solar may only conjur up an 'eclipse'!
Well, we are a long way from there, and it really is only the beginning. Solar today is gaining popularity, availability and necessity as did computers in the 1980's. (Doesn't that seem like a month ago for some of us?)
We have much to learn already, and like any technology, much to look forward to. Even through a major recession, the U.S. solar market posted its third consecutive year of record growth (NRCA Professional Roofing, Nov. 2009).
PV, (Photovoltaic) has evolved into BIPV, (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), and RIPV, (Roof Integrated Photovoltaic) in a relatively short time. The technology is simple. PV is the technology that harnesses the suns energy through solar panels that produce 'free electrons' when exposed to light, then converts that energy into DC power. An 'inverter' then converts DC to AC and voila, you have electricity!
Face it, energy costs continue to rise while our resources continue to be depleted. The attraction, and buzz about solar is that the government is looking at the future to reduce energy production and consumption. They, along with our utility companies are providing subsidies, and incentives to 'go solar'.
Some important facts to keep in mind;
- There are a number of technologies out there. The most popular and readily available are solar panels mounted on your existing roof, of which there are a few technologies.
- The newest kids on the block are the BIPV and coming around the finish line are an entire new generation of RIPV where your solar acts with and is combined with your roof.
- Assure your roof is in very good condition and has enough life to last so you won't need to remove your solar in order to replace your roof too soon.
- How much energy do you consume, and what are your expectations on how much of that you want your solar to produce?
- How long a payback period are you willing to wait before you have pure profit from your system?
- What are the rebates offered, when will you get them and from who, must you connect to the grid for eligibility and what happens if they change? (APS rebate in fall of 2009 was $3 per watt vs. today at approx. $1.95).
- Who is the provider, are you leasing or buying, and what kind of guarantee on energy production will you get.
- What is your warranty on the equipment?
Solar City Resources. |
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Now you can prevent roof problems before they happen.
Did you know your roof needs maintenance? Did you also know your roof manufacturer's warranty can be void due to lack of or improper maintenance? Lyons Roofing offers a Roof Tune-Up which includes cleaning your roof and inspecting 14 items such as;
- General Roof Condition
- Condition of Materials
- Drainage
- Check of AC/Cooler/Solar/Fireplace and skylights.
- Sealing pipes and penetrations.
Your roof tune-up is based on the size and type of roof, and starts at just $250.
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Protecting Pets from El Sol!
Protecting our pets in the heat is no different than protecting children. Pets are prone to the same heat afflictions as people and they need to be watched and cared for.
Generally speaking dark colored coats get hotter than light colored coats. However certain breeds, or breed mixes (Boxers, Dalmations, Weineramer, Greyhound, Pitbulls, and others) are also more susceptible to developing dog sunburn and skin damage, including skin cancer. Short haired, light colored cats are also prone but more able to find shade and water than dogs confined to a yard.
Heat stroke is also a very serious danger for pets. Unlike humans who sweat, pets cool off by panting, which is less effective. Considering they wear full fur coats they get hotter, faster. As their body heats more than they can dissipate that heat they become dehydrated and theiir blood thickens, causing organ failure. If your pet has rapid breathing, and and wide eyes he is experiencing heat stroke. For immediate first aid visit About.com:Dogs.
TIPS
Provide plenty of shade for your pets
Use plenty of sun block. Topicals do wear off so make sure you apply often
Make sure there is fresh water available at all times
Keep your pets inside where it's cool if possible
Exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler outside
Share your Pet Stories with us, E-mail the Den Pet Stories. |
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Why Choose Lyons Roofing? | |
Because YOU want a roofing company who is recognized by Preferred Vendors. Both Rosie On The House and The ToFixIt! stand behind Lyons Roofing.
Because YOU want a roofing company who is recognized as a leader in the industry by the BBB, as an Ethics Award Winner, the Arizona Small Business Association as a Top 50 Company to Watch, and by Angies List as Super Service Award Winner.
Because YOU want a company who is engaged in the industry on multiple levels. |
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Take our Poll on
Solar
and see how many Arizonans are considering Solar. |
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Fun, Silly Facts and Trivia
Solar
*It would only require 0.3 per cent of the world's land to supply all of our electricity needs via solar power.
*The area of roof space available in Australia is enough to provide all of the nation's electricity using solar power.
*Germany was the fastest growing major PV market in the world in 2003.
*Over 80% of grid connected installations in 2003 took place in California.
*The largest purchaser of Green Power, which includes solar, is the US Air Force.
*Canadian Steve Lapp added solar panels to his Prius. he gets about an extra 8 MPG!
the Month
"The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.."
~Ralph Nader~
żNew Riddle?
What did the solar cells say to their cloudy boss?
Look in next month's
E-Den for the answer.
Last Month's Riddle
How do you find out the weather when you're on vacation?
Answer
Go outside and look up!
(hee hee hee) |
Weather in Review July 2010
Valley Precipitation 1.97"
(Normal .99")
(13th Wettest)
Average High 106.6(Normal 106.6)
(21st Warmest)
Average Low 86.9
(Normal 82.9)
(2nd Warmest)
RECORDS
July 2010 set 6 Record high lows meaning the highest temps were low. All were in the 90's.
Also set was the wettest July 31st with 1.33" of rain.
From NOAA |
Thank You Arizona!
Continue your voting for next year. 
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"Overall, from start to finish, every phase was performed with professionalism and in a timely manner. The daily clean up was excellent and upon completion I had not experienced any "bad" surprises or damage to property."
"Was very pleasantly surprised when I received a call back offering to come out and replace some rotted wood at no charge, wow! Great customer service."
~ Jeff from Anthem
"Kept us informed constantly."
~Church of the Advent Episcopal in Sun City
Thank you for the confidence you placed in us and your time to let us know. |
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