5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

Published on: 17 March 2019 Last Updated on: 20 March 2019

Switching business energy suppliers is an opportunity that every company should not miss out on. Compared with a residential household, companies use more energy daily. An average UK small business spends around £13,000 on electricity annually, and another £7,000 on gas. With so much on the line, it is crucial to find the best and most affordable energy tariffs.

Apart from the cost, you also need to consider the reliability of the service considering that any interruption will cause significant damage to business operations. That’s why it is also essential that while you are comparing quotes from different suppliers using a comparison tool like Utility Bidder, you also need to take into account the following factors.

Supplier history and reputation:

Corporate responsibility and values adhered to by an energy provider are some things to look into if you want to partner with a reputable supplier. Some may think that the natural choice is going with large companies that have been around for many years. Although it is true that the top energy suppliers may provide some of the best services out there, there is no reason not to look elsewhere and choose a supplier that is relatively new on the scene. These small providers usually have more personalized services, and many people are missing out on these benefits because they think that bigger is always better.

Service areas:

In this regard, big energy suppliers are a better choice. Depending on where you are located, you will want an energy provider that supports your location and guarantee that there will be fewer or no service interruptions. Apart from reliability, you may also want to look into tax incentives or local prices which may vary from one supplier to another depending on where you are.

Prices and plans offered:

The energy market is affected by many factors which makes it highly volatile. Apart from choosing a fixed-rate plan over variable plans, you also need to ensure that the supplier you want has the best offers and rates. Take note of cancellation fees or other fees associated with transferring from one supplier to another before you decide. Hidden transaction fees can add up and increase the cost of a plan which makes switching less than beneficial if that is the case.

A wide range of services:

In finding the best energy provider, you also need to consider if the supplier offers a variety of services. Paying multiple suppliers could be a waste of money, and if you can get all services under one roof, you will have a better chance of getting the best rates.

Customer service:

Suppliers with reliable service also tend to have excellent customer support. As a business owner, you need to ensure that any issues you have with your energy supply are dealt with quickly. As much as possible, choose a provider with round the clock customer service. This way, you are confident that you can get help at any time of the day. Customer support is not merely about responsiveness, but the capability to provide the best possible solution considering the unique circumstances of your company.

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Guide To Choose an Authentic Plumber Service Company

When renovating your home, you will naturally want to repair your kitchen sink pipes, the drainage system of your house, and your bathroom pipes and taps. Since this task is tedious and you cannot do it all by yourself, you might need the help of a plumber. There are many online companies from where you can choose an authentic as well as a professional emergency plumber, but it is very essential to note the genuine reviews and the testimonials as well as the price quoted by the plumber, before you assign them any plumbing task. Since most online plumbing companies promise not to collect tax from their customers, your expenditure on getting your plumbing system repaired will be minimal. Choosing A Plumbing Maintenance Company To get an experienced plumber to renovate the damaged plumbing system of your house, you need to choose a good plumbing maintenance company. When you get hold of a plumbing company online, you must research well to gain knowledge about its authenticity. You should pick a service that provides insured plumbing professionals. In case if any damage or injury is, caused due to plumbing, to a person in your household, the insurance of the plumbing specialists will cover for it. It is better to choose the plumbing services from your vicinity first, as then you will have the right track to hold the plumber responsible in case anything goes wrong. Check whether the company is offering a good and affordable package deal on the plumbing maintenance service. To get the cheapest services at your hand does not mean that you have to compromise with quality, as you can very well choose from a host of reputed plumbing agencies. Benefits of Choosing Plumbing Service From the time you call the plumbing service till the time, the plumber leaves your house, both the company executives as well as the plumbing specialists will treat you with respect. In addition to what is mentioned above, given below are the other advantages of hiring a plumbing service:The plumbers of the plumbing service company use latest technologies, methodologies, and equipment to repair a household’s drainage system, pipes, and faucets. Each plumbing professional is trained to diagnose the problem accurately so that he or she can fix the damage in the plumbing system quickly. All plumbers coming from plumbing service organizations are licensed, workers. This determines that they are authentic and will not cheat you. Understanding Plumbing Company’s Authenticity Read the details of the company on its official website and check whether it comprises of professionally trained and experienced plumbers. If the firm comprises of experienced professionals, you can rely on the fact that good and reliable service will be delivered to you. Check the ratings, given by previous users, on the services of the company. If the rating is above four stars, you can consider the company to be authentic. Read Also: 1. Installation of Kitchen Cabinets: Best Way to Give Your Home a Perfect Facelift 2. Kitchen Renovations Must be Done at Regular Intervals 3. List of Most Durable Kitchen Flooring The Internet contains countless plumbing service websites. To have a plumber come and visit your house to repair and replace leaky faucets, broken pipes, and damaged drainage system you must look for the contact of the plumbing service that you have chosen to call or email them. You do not have to register yourself with the plumbing service or pay in advance to get in touch with them. An authentic plumbing service firm will give you a prompt plumber that will diagnose the fault in your plumbing system quickly. He or she will use all necessary tools, efficiently, to renovate your plumbing system to make it as good as new again.

Why Do Some Solar Power Systems Include A Battery?

When you go to purchase a solar power system, you will find a variety of options. Some will include a battery. Others will not. The battery can either be a battery that stores the energy of the sun, one that stores the power of the wind, or a combination of the two. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that provides more storage capacity without taking up more space than lead-acid batteries. These types of batteries are useful for off-grid power stations. They have high charging and discharging efficiencies and long service life. However, lithium batteries do have their limitations. These include the potential to catch fire. Furthermore, the battery's lifespan depends on how deep it is charged. This is known as the Depth of Discharge or DoD. Most lithium solar batteries have a DoD of about 95%. While this means that the battery can be safely used for more than ninety percent of its total capacity, it also means that the battery will need to be recharged every so often. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Depending on how many batteries you want to purchase, it can cost from $5,000 to $15,000. To make up for the higher cost, there are federal tax credits available. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifetime. Lead-acid batteries have a short lifespan, usually around five years. On the other hand, lithium batteries can last for twenty years or more. A properly installed lithium ion solar battery will have a very low risk of thermal runaway. The round-trip efficiency is another characteristic of a lithium-ion battery. It is the difference between how much energy is used to charge the battery and how much is left when the battery is fully charged. Generally, lithium batteries have a round-trip efficiency of between 90 and 95 percent. Some lithium solar batteries require three stages of charging. The first stage charges the battery until it is about 90 percent full. This is done by using a voltage regulator charge controller. At this point, the battery begins to drain the amperage. The second stage of charging is where the battery is charged for a short period of time until the amperage is nearly full. If you use a store charger, this will increase the discharge rate. Because of the sensitivity of the battery to temperature, it is advisable to choose a battery that is designed for cold or warm weather conditions. Lithium-ion batteries are generally more forgiving than lead-acid batteries. However, they may still need to be replaced in the future. Therefore, it is important to look for a company that has an excellent track record of customer satisfaction. Another important consideration is the warranty. Ideally, you should be able to buy the battery with a warranty that guarantees the specific capacity of the battery. The warranty should also state how many cycles and years of good performance it can provide. Choosing the right battery for your solar panel system is dependent on many factors. You will need to consider the frequency of discharging, the amount of available space, and the installation method. DC Coupling DC coupling in solar power systems is the process by which electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is routed directly into the batteries of an energy storage system. This can help reduce the overall Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and provide increased energy independence. In addition, it eliminates the need for a second inverter or additional controls. One of the main benefits of using a DC-coupled system is that it is more efficient. With an AC-coupled system, each DC output of a PV module must be converted to AC, resulting in efficiency losses. When the dc output of the PV modules is directly tied to the battery of an Energy Storage System, it is possible to maximize the amount of solar-generated electricity fed into the grid. While an AC-coupled system can be a viable option for some applications, a DC-coupled system is preferred for most projects. The reason is simple. These systems are easier to install and operate. They are also slightly more efficient than their AC counterparts. For this reason, they are considered the best choice for new solar+ storage installations. There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding between an AC and DC-coupled solar system. The specifics of a particular project will play a big role in this decision. However, one important factor is interconnection costs. Using the same inverter to charge and discharge your battery system can decrease the cost of the installation. Also, co-locating your assets will reduce the cost of land acquisition and permit applications. Another benefit of adding a battery bank to your PV system is that it can allow you to take advantage of tax credits. As a result, you can end up with a completely self-sufficient home. You will be able to store excess energy for use during periods of inclement weather or in the evening when the solar panels are no longer producing. DC coupling is a promising development in the field of energy storage. It is a newer system architecture that can increase the efficiency of an Energy Storage System. Unlike the AC counterpart, a DC-coupled system has direct current wiring. This allows for faster, simpler installation. Furthermore, the systems can be expanded. Inverters used in DC-coupled systems are usually smaller than those used in AC-coupled systems. Because of this, DC-coupled systems may be more suitable for residential or small commercial applications. Those that are more than 6kW will require multiple strings of solar panels. If you need more than a few kilowatts of energy, you will need to invest in MPPT solar charge controllers. As more utilities and solar developers begin to develop DC-coupled solar+storage solutions, the industry is expected to become more mainstream. The technology has the potential to lower the cost of implementing solar+ storage projects and will make the energy storage market more competitive. Hybrid Systems Hybrid solar power systems offer a number of benefits over traditional solar systems. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to store energy in your own home. This is especially beneficial when the weather is cloudy or when the sun isn't shining. Hybrid power systems can work alone, but they also work when connected to the grid. They allow you to store extra electricity in your battery and then return it to the grid at peak hours for high-value credits. The most efficient hybrid system will use a basic inverter that controls the flow of power into the battery. Another major benefit of a hybrid system is its capability to store and provide power in case of an outage. While a traditional grid system does not have the battery backup capacity to keep your lights and appliances running during a power outage, a hybrid power system can do just that. There are a number of components that go into making a hybrid system. These include batteries, an inverter, a combiner box, and a solar panel. Each of these items can be used to improve the efficiency of your system, which translates into lower costs and a longer lifespan. A hybrid solar system is especially appealing to consumers in areas that are prone to losing power for long periods of time. These systems can be a great way to cut down on your energy costs and help protect your house from future rate hikes. Also, a hybrid power system can be more environmentally friendly than a system fueled by fossil fuels. Most hybrid systems will use lithium-ion batteries as the main source of energy. Lithium-ion batteries are capable of holding more energy and have more capacities than lead-acid or other types of batteries. While a hybrid system may be a bit more expensive than a purely on-grid system, it is still much cheaper than an off-grid system. In addition, some utilities do not have retail rates for solar electricity. Even with a small solar array, you can save up to two-thirds of your electric bill. Another big advantage of a hybrid system is the fact that you will get credit for the amount of electricity you produce. Some utilities have net metering policies, which allow you to buy back excess energy from the grid for a higher rate than you pay for the actual electricity. Depending on your area, you may be eligible for a federal rebate. For example, the Federal Investment Tax Credit is available through 2022, which will allow you to reduce the cost of your solar power installation by up to 30%. Moreover, in 2022 or 2023, the federal tax credit for solar power projects will be extended, which will further decrease the price of a hybrid system. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path? – A Detailed Guide Best Paying Jobs In Energy Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Pretty much everyone has wished they had a backup home generator at one time or another. Whether you want a generator just so you won’t be left in the dark during a power failure or you need to know your family will be safe from the cold should a prolonged power outage happen during the dead of winter, buying a home generator requires some careful thought. Past the obvious choices of cost and reliability, there are a number of factors you should carefully consider before buying a home generator, such as price, your expected power needs, installation requirements, and maintenance issues. The variety of options and requirements can turn a seemingly simple purchase into a complex problem if you don’t know what you need. Here are seven specifications you should look for when buying a home generator: Specifications You Need To Look For Home Generator There are several factors you need to look at while seeking a home generator. Work out the plans that can work well for you. 1. Power Requirements: Power needs are often dictated by your budget, as the more powerful a generator is the more it will, typically, cost. However, initial determining factors for calculating the size of the generator can be addressed with this query: During an electricity failure, does the generator need to power the entire house, or just handle emergency needs? When considering a generator that is able to handle the electrical demands of all the appliances in your home, factors such as peak demand during the months you use the most electricity is a deciding factor. Common generator voltages are 120/240 volts. If you are unsure, your electrician can provide this information. If you live in the south, where the temperatures are moderate throughout the winter, you will not need as powerful a generator as if you live in the far north where temperatures can be deadly in the winter months. A powerful home generator can make things easier for you. On the other hand, when calculating needs for backup supply, only the requirements of the reserve need to be calculated. In the north, this should include the furnace and a couple of lights. In the south, a smaller unit that can power a few lights and the refrigerator is probably adequate. For emergency loads, you may need to have an electrician install a dedicated emergency circuit from the main service panel to a distinct backup panel. However, this is typically up to the homeowner’s liking for a whole-house system. 2. Fuel Type: While it might seem convenient, gasoline is usually an inferior fuel choice for emergency generators as it tends to go bad quite quickly, especially gasoline with ethanol. Better choices include propane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Powerful home generator can make things easier and effective for you. Prices can be a major contention when choosing between a natural gas generator, or propane and diesel since the price of the generator will depend on the amount of fuel the generator uses. The accessibility of the form of fuel is an additional important element. Propane and diesel fuel generators will have to be refilled during extended outages, whereas the utility company provides a continual source of natural gas. Local laws may dictate what type of fuel is available in your area. For example, the fuel element, propane is not usually permissible to be used within the limits of the city 3. Installation: Depending on the type of unit, you may need to hire a licensed electrician to install the generator. While smaller portable units simply require you plug a power cord directly into the unit, larger whole-house generators will need to be hardwired into your electrical system. Additionally, you will probably have to hire an authorized and insured plumber if you will be connecting the generator to a natural-gas fuel source. However, for simple emergency situations, a portable unit like gasoline-powered online Honda generators can provide up to 10,000 watts of emergency power and be stored in your garage, basement or on your porch. Some of the larger generator companies have their own installation staff or may subcontract the work. However, in some areas, depending on local codes, a homeowner with the proper skills may be able to perform their own installation. The important consideration is to use a trustworthy firm with a proven record of accomplishment of installing standby power-generator systems. 4. Placement: Where your generator will be located is an important consideration. The home generator should be installed as close to the fuel supply and service panel as possible. The generator must also be positioned where it can be easily reached for servicing. This is especially important if the unit is not being powered by natural gas, as you will have to fill the tank periodically. Additionally, it must be located at a comfortable distance from the ground to prevent any form of water from coming close or entering the unit in case of flooding. Outdoor installations may be required to be a secure distance from flammable structures to meet codes, as well as for safety in the absence of any local requirements. Indoor installations should adhere to norms and rules regarding exhaust, closeness to flammable materials, fuel-supply, and ventilation. Even if local codes don’t require it, the power back up should be placed in some type of enclosure to protect it from the elements and possible vandalism. Consider if there are Outdoor Noise Regulation imposed by the local Council or government body for installing the home generator outdoors. Some municipalities require the noise level of a generator is restricted to a specified decibel level at the property line closest to the unit. If a noise ordinance exists, the required level of sound will dictate the kind of power generator that will be used. Quite a few residential generators are supplied with sound deadening enclosure. 5. Options: Accessory options can vary widely, depending on the home generator make and model. Some systems will offer a remote panel that can be installed in a convenient spot inside your home that will have controls and displays to allow you to control and monitor your system without having to go outside. Larger whole-house systems will typically have an automatic transfer switch that will switch the generator on when a power disruption is detected and may be an option on some smaller units. 6. Maintenance: Like any piece of mechanical equipment, and home generators require regular and proper maintenance to ensure it will do the job you bought it to do when the time comes. Unfortunately, because it isn’t typically used on a regular base, maintenance often isn't thought about, until the generator won’t start during a power outage. Some companies will include routine maintenance in the cost of the unit or you may be able to purchase a separate maintenance contract. If you are a do-it-yourselfer you can perform maintenance on your generator yourself, just be sure it won’t void the warranty. 7. Warranty: The typical warranty for residential generators usually varies from one to five year, based on the manufacturer and model. Be sure to study the warranty coverage, including the duration, and what is and what is not covered. Many companies will offer an extended warranty for an added fee. Read Also: Advantages Of Using A Portable Solar Generator How To Maintain Your Garden Railings? Winter Is Going! A Monthly Home Maintenance Checklist To Get You Ready For Spring Featured Image: generatorpalace.com

5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

Supplier history and reputation:

Service areas:

Prices and plans offered:

A wide range of services:

Customer service:

Follow These Simple Steps to Compare Electricity Rates Online

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Tags

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Guide To Choose an Authentic Plumber Service Company

Why Do Some Solar Power Systems Include A Battery?

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider

Supplier history and reputation:

Service areas:

Prices and plans offered:

A wide range of services:

Customer service:

Share this Article

Follow These Simple Steps to Compare Electricity Rates Online

7 Specifications You Should Look for When Buying a Home Generator

Tags

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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