Author: Marian Vasilescu

Lets talk about Green energy for a better world. Harnessing solar energy does generally not cause pollution. However, there are emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems – almost nothing compared to most conventional energy sources. It is clear that solar energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This is an important step in fighting the climate crisis.

Is solar power really expensive? This is probably the most debatable aspect on the entire solar energy pros and cons list. The driving forces behind the development of solar energy are rooted in politics. Solar power is incentivized to compete against other energy sources on the market. On the other hand, the U.S. government, similarly to the rest of the world, provides incentives to every major energy production market – not just solar.

The level of solar irradiation that falls upon the earth varies with the geography of the planet. Generally, the closer to the equator the more solar energy but what most don’t realize is that solar energy can be used anywhere. For example, in the sunniest parts of America a solar system will produce on average 4.7 kWh of power per 1 kilowatt of solar panels but in the least sunny areas, such as the mountains and north east, it wills till produce 2.9 kilowatt hours per kilowatt, per day. So although some areas are better than others for solar power it is still viable in almost all locations.

Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic panels) are installed on your home. The solar panels convert light (photons) into electricity (voltage). Each panel is connected to a microinverter that changes the electric current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). Each microinverter operates independently of the others so that if one stops working your system is still generating maximum power. An alternative to being tied to the utility company is an off-grid solar panel system. An off-grid system is similar to a grid-tied system with the exception that all the solar energy that is generated is stored in solar energy battery banks in your home. A charge controller sits between the batteries and the solar cells to ensure that the batteries do not overcharge. With an off-grid system you are 100% electricity independent.

During the solar installation process, your conduit and inverter will be set in place prior to mounting the solar panels. We will then fit the roof anchors and attach the frame to securely hold the solar panels in place. After wiring the panels, the inverter, and finally your home, final inspection will be performed. After the inspection, you’ll have solar energy powering your home with a simple flip of a switch.

If you’re ready to invest in your future with an environmentally-friendly solution, the question on everyone’s mind is how much do solar panels cost? In Denver, Colorado many believe solar power comes with a hefty price tag. However, solar panels are actually more affordable than many realize. In fact, the cost to install solar power has dropped more than 70% in the last 10 years, allowing the industry to deploy thousands of systems nationwide. In 2015 alone, solar prices dropped by 3% in just one year. Plus, there are now many government incentives and rebates that make residential solar panels more affordable than ever before. See extra info on How solar works.

Do you want to keep your trees in good shape? First we will suggest some advices on tree care and after that we will introduce Tree Artisans, a tree services company in Colorado Springs.

To direct the growth by slowing the branches you don’t want, or to “dwarf” the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily. For trees that bloom in spring, prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring. Because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall and wounds seem to heal more slowly on fall on cuts, this is a good time to leave your pruning tools in storage.

Trees don’t need humans to grow. Most trees thrive where they are planted, but humans sometimes inadvertently damage the trees they’re hoping to showcase. Just parking a car underneath a tree regularly can damage the tree by tamping down the ground too hard, making it difficult for the roots to grow and shift in the soil. Many times, homeowners want to build a structure near or around a beautiful tree to have the tree enhance the final construction project. Don’t do it! When construction is too close to trees it can damage their roots and growth space. Roots need two to three times the length of branches to grow enough to support a tree. Be sure to discuss what your trees need with a contractor, and mark off places where you don’t want construction vehicles to drive or park.

Lower branches may need to be pruned for similar reasons. Known as raising, this process can be used to increase the amount of light for turfgrass and groundcover beneath the tree’s crown. Our arborists are trained to evaluate the condition of your trees and determine the type(s) of pruning required to balance your goals and those of managing plant health and safety.

Mulching is the most beneficial thing a home owner can do for the health of a young tree. Mulches are materials placed on the soil surface to improve soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature and moisture availability. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Ideally, growing trees should be fertilized throughout the year. The greatest amounts should be applied during the early spring and summer months. Several light applications a year are preferred as the tree gets older. Read extra info on Tree artisans.

Tree care advice : This is a very valuable Tree care tip to improve you tree health. Some plants effects your tree’s health so please, keep English ivy and some other invasive plants away from trees, which will get weaken or die as ivy spreads around the crowns. Even if you will keep invasive vines off the trunk, presence of invasive vines above the roots can damage your tree, so you need to remove invasive plants to improve your tree growth and health.

Tree advice : In addition to water, appropriate mulch and soil use are essential to healthy tree development. Mulching facilitates moisture absorption and good soil helps maintain airflow to the tree’s root system. We recommend that you use no more than four inches of mulch around your tree. Additionally, keep the area near the base clear so that your tree can breathe properly.