Author: ION

  • Best Crypto Affiliate Programs

    Best Crypto Affiliate Programs

    Affiliate marketing has become a popular way to make passive income. There are plenty of professional marketers around the globe focusing on promoting other products and services, earning commission for every new customer they bring.

    With the rise of the crypto industry, crypto affiliate programs were inevitable.

    So, there’s only one thing that followed:

    woman holding smartphone while writting
    Photo by CoinView App on Unsplash

    Many businesses that offer services related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain started competing for their share of the market by giving their affiliate partners an opportunity to market them.Before we discuss what makes the best crypto affiliate programs and how to find your niche, let’s see how affiliate marketing works in the crypto space.

    person using MacBook Pro on table
    Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

    How Crypto Affiliate Programs Work

    Many online crypto businesses use affiliate marketing to promote themselves. They have special pages you can visit to learn more about their respective programs and how much money you could earn from that.

    Let’s take an online cryptocurrency exchange for example.

    People visit these exchanges to buy BTC and other cryptos using fiat money or to exchange one cryptocurrency for another. Whenever they make an exchange, the platform charges a small fee. It’s actually the main business model used by these platforms.

    One transaction may seem insignificant, but what about thousands upon thousands of traders making tens of thousands on exchanges every single day?

    Here’s what you need to know:

    Crypto exchanges share a small percentage of their cut with their affiliate partners. Therefore, the more users you bring to the platform and the more they trade, the more you’ll earn.

    It’s a fantastic way to make passive income. If you’re able to pull it off, that is.

    Ethereum logo
    Photo by Clifford Photography on Unsplash

    What Crypto Affiliate Niches Are There?

    We’re going to focus on services that are focusing on cryptos. In most cases, these are:

    • Crypto exchanges
    • Crypto wallets

    Cryptocurrency Exchanges

    We’ve already discussed what crypto exchanges are, and how they work, but what about their affiliate programs?

    There are several things you need to take into account when deciding whether the program is good for you or not:

    • How much money do you get paid per transaction by your referrals? This refers to the percentage of the money you get from the fee that is charged to your referrals after they make a transaction.
    • How long does the program last? Some online cryptocurrency exchanges offer programs that last only a couple of months, meaning you cannot receive your cut forever. However, many platforms don’t have limits of this kind.
    • What the minimum payout amount is? It is how much money you need to earn from your referrals to be able to withdraw them. This should be a reasonable limit, and definitely not the amount that’s difficult to get to as a new affiliate partner.
    • How often can you get paid? Some exchanges pay you monthly, others do it weekly. Many offer payments on a daily basis. Preferably, you should settle for the ones that do it more often.
    person using smartphone and MacBook Pro
    Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

    Cryptocurrency Wallets

    Cryptocurrency wallets store your cryptos. They can come in two main formats — software and hardware wallets.

    Software wallets let you store cryptos in a program that’s designed for your desktop or mobile devices, whereas hardware wallets are physical devices that store digital currencies.

    Some hardware wallets pay commissions to their affiliate partners! The two most popular ones are .

    Although not as popular as crypto exchanges’ affiliate programs, the wallets’ ones are definitely something to think about.

    Other Affiliate Businesses That Pay in Crypto

    Crypto exchanges and wallets are the two types of businesses that are all about cryptocurrencies. However, there are some niches that aren’t focused on cryptos as much, yet still offer payments in cryptocurrencies to their affiliate partners.

    Online Casinos

    There’s one very popular niche that’s not really about cryptocurrencies but is slowly becoming focused on this new type of payment method — online gambling. There are casinos nowadays accepting deposits and withdrawals in cryptocurrencies.

    Moreover, online gambling affiliate marketing is one of the most developed affiliate schemes, with many 

    Retail Storefronts

    Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose. There are plenty of digital storefronts out there that offer payments in cryptos, and some pay pretty good commission to their partners.

    However, this article mainly focuses on pure crypto businesses, which is why we’re going to switch our focus back to crypto exchanges.

    One exchange, to be precise.

    Why Join the Godex.io Affiliate Program

    If there’s one exchange that offers great affiliate programs, that’s definitely Godex.io. This is a decentralized platform that offers quick, easy, and anonymous crypto exchanges at competitive rates.

    Here’s what you can get as an affiliate partner to Godex.io:

    • Instant 0.005 BTC bonus every time a new user joins the platform via your referral link;
    • 0.6% of every transaction fee that is charged to your referrals;
    • Great dashboard where you can control your referrals and manage your profile and finances;
    • The opportunity to withdraw your earnings anytime you like/.

    Conclusion: Which Referral Program Is Best For You?

    If you’re new to the world of affiliate crypto marketing, we suggest you start with Godex.io to learn the basics and create the backbone for your passive income. However, don’t be afraid to explore other options once you gain enough experience!

    That way, you’ll be able to create several different streams of income from different crypto affiliate programs.The more, the merrier — that’s definitely one of the rules that can be applied here. Still, make sure to read more about affiliate marketing strategies and how to pull them off in the crypto world to get the best possible result.

  • Online Bathroomware is Great for a Few Reasons

    Online Bathroomware is Great for a Few Reasons

    It’s important to note that most of the bathroomware online is very low priced, so it is possible for you to get a wide variety of products at good prices. This article will outline a few of the best tips and ideas to help you save money on your bathroom ware.

    Online shopping is a great way to purchase a large range of products that are not available at your local store. When purchasing products online you can save a lot of money, because the product is cheaper when you buy it online. Online stores offer many great benefits such as being able to buy items in bulk which is very advantageous if you own an online business or are selling items on eBay.

    Image by Jean van der Meulen from Pixabay

    Online stores also generally stock a much larger selection of products that you can choose from. They usually stock everything you need to improve your bathroom including bath products, shower products, toiletry products and other useful products.

    If you do a lot of research online then you may be able to find some really cheap items. However, if you want to save money then it is very important to make sure that you shop around and do your research. It is easy to get carried away and purchase items that you don’t need and can only use once in your lifetime.

    There are many different kinds of bathroom ware and bathroom accessories that you can purchase online. You can find everything from a nice decorative mirror to a special shower curtain. You will probably find something that you want at a great price if you take a bit of time and research online.

    white ceramic bathtub near white bathtub
    Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

    Before you start shopping at any online store, remember that you should always ask questions about the products that you’re looking at before you purchase them. Many people end up buying something and forgetting to return it because they weren’t completely satisfied with the product. By doing this you will ensure that you get a good product that you will actually be using.

    Another great thing about shopping online is the fact that there are many different brands and types of products available for you to choose from. It is a very exciting experience to go shopping for your new bathroom ware online. Shopping at a particular online store is like having a specialist shop right in your own home where you can browse through everything that you need.

    It’s also a good idea to check out the product before you buy it to make sure that it is what you want. You can also take your time to check out the online store from the comfort of your own home so that you know exactly what you are getting before you buy.

    Image by DarthZuzanka from Pixabay

    Using the internet to purchase things is also a great way to make sure that you buy products that are going to be durable and last for a long time. If you do not pay attention then you could end up with something that does not work out as well as you had hoped.

    You can often find discount bathroom ware in online stores as well. You will be able to see all the available products at a reduced price and if you buy several items you could save money on your purchase. You can also save time if you visit a few different shops to see what is on offer.

    Bright marble and gold bathroom with two sinks and two mirrors.
    Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

    If you know that you are going to need to buy a few items in the future it is a good idea to make sure that you buy something that is a size that will fit in with your bathroom. If you have a small bathroom then it would be a good idea to get smaller pieces of bathroom ware that you can easily wash and dry in.

    If you are planning to buy some bathroom ware at the beginning of your bathroom project then you should make sure that you purchase more than one product so that you don’t end up buying too many items that are unnecessary. It would be a waste of time to buy a whole new set of bathroom ware every time you feel that you need to use it.

  • Do Soundproof curtains really work? Everything you need to learn about them

    Do Soundproof curtains really work? Everything you need to learn about them

    Noise pollution is one of the biggest problems we are facing right now. Finding some peace and entirely inside your home is getting difficult day by day as the world’s population is increasing. The large population is the main reason behind the increased noise these days.

    One of the easiest and pocket-friendly ways of blocking the excessive voice in your home offices is installing soundproof curtains. Acoustic curtains are readily available and very affordable options to block excessive noise coming from your neighborhood. They are very durable and easy to fix and maintain. Apart from acoustic curtains, room divider curtains are an excellent option for small and congested places.

    Pros and cons of acoustic curtains:

    black wood burner in room
    Photo by Michael Shannon on Unsplash

    One of the most significant advantages of soundproof curtains is its peace by blocking outside noise. These curtains will also help with the sunlight situation and also in maintaining thermal balance. But these curtains are made up of thick and heavy material, so their maintenance can be an issue.

     Other than that, the blocking of natural light depends upon the daily requirement of sunlight you need. If you have any health issues requiring you to live in a quiet place, you must use these sounds, reducing curtains rather than shifting to a new place.

    Direct-fabrics.co.uk is very useful if you are sharing a living space with someone. It gives you privacy as well as some soundproofing as well. Because no one wants to see or listen to what others are doing for obvious reasons, they are perfect privacy builders between you and your roommate.

    Things to keep in mind while buying soundproof curtains:

    Here are some of the things you must check while ordering or buying curtains for soundproof purposes:

    pillows on black suede sofa
    Photo by Bayu Syaits on Unsplash
    1. Material matters:

    The curtain material must be made up of high quality and thick fibers so that it can serve the purpose fruitfully. Thermal curtains are a smart choice as it will work as both thermal insulators and soundproof option. Go for materials like velvet, polyester, and suede as they are comparatively thick and will help you block as much sound as you want.

    1. Perfect size:

    One of the most important things is to buy the curtain’s correct size according to your windows or doors. Measure the area of your space correctly to avoid any mishap. Get curtains in large sizes because big curtains absorb more sound.

    1. Deep density:

    The acoustic curtains system from Direct-fabrics.co.uk is dense. Thin curtains can let sounds pass through them quickly, while if the curtain is double or triple-layered, they will block the sound effectively. Always opt for dense and heavy soundproof curtains.

    Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    1. Appropriate area:

    There should be appropriate space and are available to install sound reducing curtains. They will not work out for you if they are not hanged in the right place. Look at the architecture of your home or room before buying acoustic curtains or room divider curtains.

    Perks of soundproofing:

    Initially, soundproofing may look like a difficult task or a hassle, but you will not want to go back to your standard routine curtains after it is done. Some of the perks you can enjoy after installing soundproof or acoustic curtains are:

    Image by Kokaleinen from Pixabay
    • They give your space that dim light dreamy effect, which most people love and shield you from direct sunlight on hot summer days.
    • You don’t have to hear what your neighbors are arguing about or which truck has the most horrible horn ever. Eat, sleep, and work in peace forever.
    • Many acoustic curtains are designed according to sound engineering so that you can control the amount of sound you want to block.
    • They sustain the heat or cold inside the space, so you’ll feel warm in winters and cool in summers.

    Sound blocking curtains or room dividers curtains may not be the best option. But they are, for sure, an effective and innovative way to fix the excessive noise problems. It is worth investing your money into buying these curtains or room dividers.

    They will help in controlling the extra noise coming into your space. So you better go and look for the best options that will suit your taste and requirements.

  • Concrete or Asphalt Driveway: Which Is Better for You?

    Concrete or Asphalt Driveway: Which Is Better for You?

    When building a new home or refreshing its design, the driveway is one of the areas you will need to concentrate on. Although there are lots of materials you can use for your driveway, a lot of people gravitate towards either asphalt or concrete. Both of these materials have their pros and cons, and this is what we are going to be looking at so you can decide which is the better option for you.

    Image by emlees from Pixabay

    Cost

    Asphalt driveways are usually cheaper than concrete driveways but remember that the cost of asphalt fluctuates as the price of crude oil changes. So, talk to a contractor when you are ready as the price can change every few weeks. Concrete driveways do not have cost fluctuations (unless you account for inflation) and you can talk to a contractor about getting a concrete driveway done at any time.

    white concrete house near green tree during daytime
    Photo by Pixasquare on Unsplash

    Maintenance and Repairs

    The main maintenance cost for an asphalt driveway is sealing it. Asphalt driveways need to be sealed 3-6 months after they are laid and should be resealed every three to five years. The sealant will extend the driveway’s life and, in most cases, does not require a professional if you have the right tools and skills.

    Concrete driveways do not need to be sealed for maintenance or longevity reasons but can be sealed to improve their appearance. The one thing you should do, though, is to use a degreaser to remove the build-up of fuel, oil, and other chemicals that might accumulate on the driveway over time.

    Both asphalt and concrete suffer from cracks depending on your location’s weather, the weight of the vehicles that drive over them, as well as how well they were laid down. Concrete cracks are harder to repair and you might be required to resurface if the problem is too severe.

    As for asphalt, cracks are easier to repair. When looking for a contractor to repair your asphalt driveway, choose contractors like Richfield Blacktop, who will not only be able to repair your asphalt driveway in a very short time but also ensure it is aesthetically pleasing when they are done.

    white, gray, and brown house under blue sky
    Photo by Mr.Autthaporn Pradidpong on Unsplash

    Climate and Weather

    As alluded to earlier, weather and climate can affect asphalt and concrete driveways differently. It is therefore important that you consider your weather and climate before deciding on a concrete or asphalt driveway. The cold seems to affect concrete driveways more as it can cause cracks due to the freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, the use of road salt to clear ice and snow can damage concrete surfaces.

    On the other hand, hot climates seem to affect asphalt more. Asphalt softens in the sun and it can stick to shoes and car tires. Asphalt can also get too hot to drive on because it is usually dark in color.

    green grass field and brown wooden door
    Photo by fran hogan on Unsplash

    Lifespan

    An asphalt driveway will usually last 30 years before you have to replace it. A concrete driveway, on the other hand, can last as long as 50 years if occasional repairs are done and degreasers used.

    There are lots of factors to consider when choosing between a concrete or asphalt driveway. The factors can be as broad as the cost and maintenance requirements to something more specific such as the climate you live in.

  • How To Try On Glasses At Home With SmartBuyGlasses

    How To Try On Glasses At Home With SmartBuyGlasses

    Much of the world has gotten a taste of what it’s like to work and spend more time at home this Spring. You might’ve tried online alternatives for doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other resources that you usually have to leave the home for. Did you know that you can also get your prescription glasses online? With SmartBuyGlasses’ virtual try-on tool (VTO) you can use your webcam to see what glasses will look like on your own face, eliminating the style risk when you buy glasses online. 

    2 STEP PROCESS TO TRY ON GLASSES ONLINE 

    1. TAKE A QUICK SELFIE VIDEO

      SmartBuyGlasses has instructions on how to take a five-second selfie video from your desktop or mobile. All you need to do is turn your head to the left and right to give an accurate reading of your face shape, and you’re done!
    person holding brown eyeglasses with green trees background
    Photo by Bud Helisson on Unsplash
    1. START TRYING GLASSES ON

      First, choose the brand that you’re interested in. Next, filter by ‘virtual try-on’ in the special features option. All of the option listed are available using the VTO tool. Navigate to a product page, click ‘selfie view’ and proceed to trying on your glasses. 

    Think you’re ready? Try out SmartBuyGlasses’ try on glasses tool now, or continue reading for style suggestions and our selfie tips.

    WHY DOES FACE SHAPE MATTER? 

    The virtual try-on tool doesn’t just allow you to see yourself in your frame choice, it also tells you your face shape! Knowing your face shape is the first step to narrowing down the best style frames for you. For example, cat-eye frames can really suit an oval-shaped face, while square-shaped faces can look great in round or oval frames. If you have a round-shaped face, classic rectangle frames could be right for you. Need more help? Watch our video below or take a look at our whole guide put together on face shapes here.

    adult black pug
    Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

    TIPS ON TAKING A GOOD SELFIE 

    When using the VTO tool, you can share your photo with your friends on Facebook & Pinterest. So you’re going to want a great selfie video when you do. You can follow these tips to put your best self out there: 

    1.  Consider the Lighting

      This is the most important element to any great photo or video. Natural lighting is usually best, especially when you’re trying on glasses as the sun can really bring out the color and details in your eyes. 
    1. Where to Look

      When you take group pictures, there’s always that one person who has to switch someone spots in order to “get their good side.” Well, they might be onto something.While you need to follow the virtual try-on’s instructions, your selfie will look better if your phone or camera is slightly looking down at you to get the most flattering angle.
    1. Smile

      Your smile is one of the most distinctive feature that each person has. Don’t be afraid to show yours off! If you don’t like the first one, keep going until you get that perfect shot that you’re happy with. 
    1. Hair 

    It is a photo after all, so while you’re focused on your facial features, don’t forget to give your hair a little attention too! 

    Virtual try-on glasses for women: 

    Overwhelmed by all the options and not sure where to begin? Why not start with the oversized cat-eye Gucci GG0275S glasses. 

    black framed Wayfarer-style eyeglasses on wooden surface
    Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

    Not for you? Move on to these Dolce & Gabbana DG2211 sunglasses. Tinted gold these frames are fun and fabulous. 

    Photo by form PxHere

    Prescription Glasses

    Get a pair of blue light blocking glasses to practice good eye care and avoid digital eye strain. You can get stylish blue blockers like the elegant Tom Ford FT5401 eyeglasses. You can add blue light blockers to their lenses during the checkout process! 

    woman wearing sunglasses
    Photo by Tiffany Combs on Unsplash

    Virtual try-on glasses for men: 

    Why not start with Ray-Ban virtual try on? These Ray-Ban sunglasses Clubmaster sunglasses are an iconic design and a great choice every time.

    Imagine de Jean van der Meulen de la Pixabay

    Again, be sure to consider blue light glasses for good eye health. Try out these navy blue Arise Collective Gold Coast specs for a fun new style. Just add some blue filter protection during the checkout process to the round lenses. 

    Image by William Iven from Pixabay

    With SmartBuyGlasses you can shop more than 180 designer eyewear brands safely from the comfort of your couch at the absolute best prices. Take advantage of our virtual try-on to make shopping glasses online even easier!

  • Water Powered vs Battery Powered Backup Sump Pumps – Which one is Best?

    Water Powered vs Battery Powered Backup Sump Pumps – Which one is Best?

    We all know how important sump pumps are for homes. This helps in keeping our days stress-free and trouble-free. Apart from preserving the quality of our homes, it also makes sure that our appliances and other belongings are kept safe and dry at all times. If you have been contemplating buying one for your home, you can check out the comparison of two of the most popular options for a sump pump. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide whether a water powered or a battery powered backup sump pump is ideal for you. 

    Battery Powered vs. Water Powered Backup Sump Pump

    Sergiy Marynchuk, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

    These two have saved a lot of households from unnecessary time, stress, and costs over the years. By choosing the most suitable for your home, you can definitely have a better living experience in the future. 

    The Good in Water Powered Backup Sump Pumps

    If you are living in a place where power outages often happen, a water powered backup sump pump is the perfect choice for you. This is because it is powered by water pressure and does not utilize or necessitate a battery to function. This means you can utilize the use of your sump pump in unlimited power. This frees you from having a battery to monitor and maintain, apart from that, they are very efficient in removing loads of water while using a fairly minimal amount of water to function. 

    SuSanA Secretariat, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Drawbacks in Having Water Powered Backup Sump Pumps

    Since the operation of water powered backup sump pumps does not involve a battery, the installation of this machine is usually more complicated that those that are powered by batteries. Apart from that, there are some considerations that should be considered and one of them would be the home’s plumbing system. In this case, there are water pressure, flow rate, and pipe type requirements for it to function. This does not work with homes that utilize wells as the pump may be shut off in case of power outages.

    Who Is It For?

    We can say that water powered backup sump pumps are for those who have a good water supply and plumbing system. This is for those with homes that have a good water flow rate, water pressure, and have the right pipe types installed. This is ideal for those who do not want to go through a lot of installation trouble and maintenance requirements. And definitely, this is for those who want an efficient and cost-effective backup for their sump pump. If you are looking for one that can help you save money in the long run, then this is the best option for you. 

    The Good in Battery Powered Backup Sump Pumps

    The reason why a lot of households go for best battery backup sump pump is because these are very easy to install and easy to understand. Operation is not complicated and it offers versatility in terms of use. It does not have a huge load of requirements and can deliver loads of power especially for those who require a huge volume of water to be pumped out. This is also more accessible in the market and usually offered in varied models and options. 

    Sergiy Marynchuk, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Drawbacks in Having Battery Powered Backup Sump Pumps

    As the system is powered by a battery, we can say that there is a chance of the battery running low or out during a prolonged power outage. Once the battery dies, the sump pump’s function also retires and the tendency of dealing with water damage is high. Since batteries also have their respective lifespan, maintenance is needed to prolong its quality and integrity. Usually, a battery needs replacement in 3 to 5 years. It also requires undergoing periodic tests to check on its effectiveness and function. 

    Best Outdoor Sump Pump, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Who Is It For? 

    We can say that battery powered backup sump pumps are recommended for those who rarely get powered outages. They are made for households that require a powerful sump pump to pump out huge amounts of water. This is for those who want a backup that is easy to install and operate. It also works for people who have the time, energy, and resources to do routine checks and maintenance to prolong its battery life and to make sure it is functioning well at all times. It is not ideal for those who do not want to shell out money for periodic tests and replacements. 

    Conclusion

    Sump pump backups, whether water powered or battery powered, have proven to be effective in keeping excess water away from homes. They function to keep extra moisture and water that can damage your house. Determining factors can be decided upon the person who is to use it. Now that you know how these two works, you can definitely decide and invest in a type that suits your lifestyle, home arrangement, and preferences. 

  • The key features of the Kreg router table

    The key features of the Kreg router table

    If you decide to buy a router table that has enough working space, a mountain plate, and great performance regardless of the type of router, then your best option is the Kreg router table. 

    No doubt, the router table is known for being innovative engineering when it comes to metallurgy and woodworking. This router table offers everything you may need, it’s powerful enough to handle any project, and comes with the best component. This article explains some of the key features of the Kreg router table. 

    silver and gold steel equipment
    Photo by Daniel Smyth on Unsplash

    Kreg router tables

    The Kreg Precision Router Table is known for providing precision routine. It’s not surprising that many people are now using it because it offers an integrated approach for all the projects you may have related to woodworking and routine.

    Because it’s a multi-purpose table, it gives you a chance to switch positions on your woodworking ventures. Keep in mind that the best way to have high productivity is by avoiding moving a lot while working. 

    This is where the precision table comes in handy as it can keep you in one place with only a few movements required. To understand better some of its features and functionality, below are some of them: 

    Imagine de Hans Braxmeier de la Pixabay

    An easy-to-adjust stand

    A Kreg Router table can make your work a lot easier. It features a board and fence that is on the top of the heavy-duty stand. This table also has heavy-gauge steel, you can change its height, and it has levelers to enable you to level up the uneven surfaces. Even better, the router table has a stand with pre-drilled holes to make the mounting of accessories pretty easy. 

    In-dust collecting feature

    Each sliding fence has faces that you can place where you need to provide any support to the work-piece. Besides this, it can also maximize the chip collection with the built-in dust channel of the fence.

     Aside from the two joining rods, you can also slide them into a place just behind the outflow fence. In this way, the fence can double up to make a jointer that aligns the board edges.  

    Imagine de gefrorene_wand de la Pixabay

    It’s versatile and adaptable 

    The Kreg Precision Router Table offers flexibility and is adjustable. The good news is that it gives you the ease of configuration to make your woodworking projects quite simple. 

    This table has a large and robust table-top which is pretty unique when compared to the other square style fences. With a stand that is made from steel, it can help you have a router table that meets your routine needs.

    Multi-function router table

    This router table also has a saw-style and T-square model designed to hold the fence in parallel to the miter-gauge. You can even use one hand to adjust the fence and utilize locks to hold it firmly. 

    Imagine de peterschneeweiss de la Pixabay

    Then there is an in-feed end that has a large lock and even an out-feed that has a quarter-turn to prevent deflecting the fence. As you can see, the Kreg Precision Router Table has the necessary features you need to take your project to the next level.

  • Residential Solar vs. Community Solar: Choosing the Best Option for Powering Your Home

    Residential Solar vs. Community Solar: Choosing the Best Option for Powering Your Home

    Solar power is a popular option for homeowners looking to switch to renewable energy. 

    If you’re interested in creating a solar-powered home, analyze your choices to guarantee you select the best option for you. 

    Learn about residential solar and community solar to make an informed and beneficial decision. 

    brown brick house with solar panels on roof
    Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

    What is Residential Solar?

    Residential solar refers to the installation of a solar power system on your property. 

    Ideal rooftop conditions are essential for a residential solar power system. Analyze the direction, size, slant, material, age, and shade of your rooftop. Rooftops that are south facing, durably built, and slant at about 30-45 degrees are viable candidates for solar power systems.

    Discover the perfect solar power system and number of solar panels by calculating the kilowatt-hours of power required for completely covering your home’s energy consumption. An average homeowner needs 28-34 solar panels, which costs anywhere between $10,000 and $40,000 for equipment and installation. 

    solar panels
    Photo by Angie Warren on Unsplash

    Installing a solar power system is accomplished by purchasing a self-installed system or hiring a specialty contractor. The DIY approach is possible with limited knowledge and skills, saving you thousands in labor expenses. Otherwise, find a quality contractor with reasonable rates to properly install your solar power system. 

    Residential solar power systems are able to connect to the power grid or remain off the power grid. Staying connected means whether you overproduce or underproduce electricity, you’ll be covered by the local utility. Living off-grid requires specialized batteries to store excess energy produced during the day to utilize at night. 

    Recognize the specific conditions, costs, and considerations necessary before investing in residential solar

    Amazing Savings 

    Residential solar offers amazing savings. 

    gray concrete house
    Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

    Net metering is the billing system that credits solar power system owners connected to the grid for electricity they contribute to the power grid. Excess electricity created by your solar power system is delivered to the power grid and local utility. The utility company pays you for the energy supply by adding solar credits to your monthly electric bill. 

    Credits earned are subtracted from your energy expenses, effectively reducing your costs and saving you thousands of dollars every year. 

    Residential solar also provides beneficial tax incentives. The investment tax credit gives solar power system owners approximately 26% of the installation costs back on federal taxes, limiting the initial expenses. 

    Lastly, residential solar power systems increase your property value. On average, a system boosts a home’s value by $20 for every $1 saved in annual utility bills, potentially adding up to $20,000. 

    Access amazing savings by installing a residential solar power system.

    What is Community Solar? 

    Community solar refers to a group of people sharing electricity generated by solar power. Other names for community solar include shared solar, energy sharing, and solar farms or gardens. 

    palm trees
    Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

    Community solar projects are funded and operated by third parties, typically utility companies, government organizations, or private companies, who elect to install numerous solar panels in a certain community. Energy created by the solar panels is delivered to the power grid and distributed by the local utility to homes and businesses. 

    Joining a community solar project is as simple as locating solar gardens near you and subscribing to the service. 

    Shared solar offers increased accessibility to solar power because:

    • Renters are allowed to access the service
    • Roof conditions are irrelevant
    • Energy sharing is affordable regardless of economic status
    • Projects are increasing across the United States with solar farms already located in 39 states

    Understand the concept and advantages of community solar to discover whether it’s the perfect solution for powering your home. 

    Financial Benefits 

    Community solar provides excellent financial benefits. 

    white and brown building during daytime
    Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash

    Generally, members of shared solar projects completely bypass installation costs and maintenance fees, eliminating any initial investment expenses.

    Virtual net metering is the billing system that credits community solar subscribers for electricity added to the power grid. Energy produced by your share of solar panels at the solar farm is distributed to the grid. The utility company pays for the electricity through solar credits that appear on your monthly electric bill.

    Credits earned through community solar offer guaranteed savings of at least 10% on energy expenses, meaning you can budget better.

    Receive impeccable financial benefits by switching to community solar. 

    Residential solar and community solar are two viable methods for creating a solar-powered home. Discover the best option for you by evaluating your needs and the apparent advantages of each choice.