The Benefits of using Solar Energy for Your Home

Solar panels are an excellent way to offset energy costs. And they're good for the environment! By using solar panels, you reduce the environmental impact of your home, among many other benefits. But how do solar panels work?

-When photons hit the solar panels, a direct current electrical field is created.
-The alternating current is used through your home's switchboard to supply electricity.
-While sunny days will produce more solar energy, solar panels can continue to draw energy even on cloudy days.
-Excess energy produces by the solar panels can be exported to the electrical grid. Or, you can store it in the system's batteries for future use.
-If there isn't enough solar energy produced by the home, electricity is imported from the electrical grid. You can also use the system's batteries to power your home.
-Direct Current will be converted to alternating current so that the power produced can be used by home systems and appliances.

Looking to install panels in your home? Here are some of the top benefits of using solar energy.

-Saving thousands of dollars
Adding solar panels to your home can bring in savings of well over $100 a month in many states. If you extend this to two decades, it translates to over $30,000!

-Guaranteed performance
Most solar panel manufacturers offer a 20 or 25-year warranty, also known as a performance guarantee. The industry standard typically guarantees 80% performance after 25 years. However, the real lifespan of solar panels is much longer. Your solar panels can still generate a good amount of electricity 30 to 40 years down the road.

-Reduce environmental impact
On average, each American household generates 7.4 tons of carbon dioxide each year through electrical use. Carbon dioxide is known to cause global warming, which wreaks havoc on our planet. Global warming causes animals to become endangered, our shorelines to erode, and glaciers to melt. Using solar panels in your home can conserve more than 16,000 gallons of water per year, and reduces our reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.

-Increase your home's value
Studies have shown that by adding a solar system to your home, value increases by an average of $5.50 per watt. Depending on your location, the value can increase by $6.40/watt.

*Homes with solar systems sell 15% faster than homes without solar.
*Studies have also shown that a 3.1kW system can add $17,000 to your home's value.

In conclusion, solar panels are a great method of producing cost-efficient and environmentally friendly energy.

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are an instant energy booster, and commonly available all over the world. It is a common feature in breakfast foods, and definitely for good reason. The fruit provides you instant energy to start your day, and it is said to be very good for your stomach. A single piece of banana is said to have 90 calories, which makes it a great and healthy food to snack on instead of deep fried goodies and sugar-loaded treats.

Heart Health
-High fiber foods such as bananas are said to be good for the heart. Increasing consumption of bananas, for example, can lower the risk of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Blood Pressure
-It's a known fact that salt is bad for your health when it comes to blood pressure. However, bananas have low sodium content and high potassium content. These properties make it ideal for those undergoing this condition.

Helps with Fighting Anemia
-Because of the high iron content in bananas, they are good for individuals suffering from anemia. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This leads to shortness of breath, paleness, or fatigue.

Nutrient Powerhouse
-Bananas are loaded with essential minerals and vitamins such as manganese, iron, niacin, calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium, B6, and riboflavin. These all contribute to the proper function of the body and keeping you healthy.


Cooking with Bananas
There are a number of great ways you can add bananas to your diet. However, some of the points to remember while buying them are:
-Look for fruits without any squishy spots or blemishes. '
-Bananas often ripen quickly, which is why the flesh becomes gooey and the peels turn white. The smart thing to do would be to buy in smaller quantities so you can enjoy them fresh.
-Do not store them in the refrigerator.
-If you are purchasing a dozen, make sure you pick slightly firm bananas so they last you at least 4-5 days without spoiling.

Here is a recipe to help you get started:

Banana Walnut Muffin

Recipe Servings: 20
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of mashed bananas
1 tablespoon of vanilla essence
2 cups of flour
3 eggs
1/4 tablespoon of salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder
20 muffin cups

Directions:
1. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix in the butter, chopped walnuts, vanilla, mashed banana, and powdered sugar. Beat together.
3. Add the eggs and beat the batter smooth. If the batter is too thick, add milk.
4. Pre-heat the oven for 25-30 minutes. Pour into muffin cups and bake for 45 minutes.

How will you add bananas to your diet?