Gambler’s Choice: Five Great Books from 2021

Outside of casinos and pure chance, a well-informed bet is not as much of a gamble as it might be.

In our ever-changing and often divisive modern world, it’s important to stay informed, and build empathy with the perspectives of others.

That idea was the key one behind this list. A couple of books for gamblers, a couple featuring gamblers and gambling, one slightly controversial New Zealand bestseller and one left-field choice. All published in 2021. Happy reading!

Punters: How Paddy Power Bet Billions and Changed Gambling Forever (Aaron Rogan)

If you’ve ever been to the UK or Ireland or watched UK sports, you’ll no doubt have seen the Paddy Power brand. Brits love this sports betting chain (or bookies as they call them) and their adverts are everywhere.

However, even in New Zealand – you’ve probably seen adverts from Paddy’s parent company, Flutter.

Flutter is now the single biggest gambling business in the world. Bigger than brands you might know better, like MGM or Caesar’s.

How did they get there? How did a bunch of Irish misfits create a multibillion-dollar business? Aaron Rogan does a good job of revealing all, without shying away from some of the societal issues that gambling can cause.

Fancy a cheeky punt after reading that one? Well, you might not be able to play at Paddy Power in NZ right now, but there’s a $5 deposit online casino we could recommend for you.

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Paddy_Power%2C_North_End_Road%2C_Fulham%2C_London_01.jpg/1280px-Paddy_Power%2C_North_End_Road%2C_Fulham%2C_London_01.jpg]

Auē (Becky Manawatu)

OK, so this one wasn’t actually published in 2021. But Auē was that year’s bestseller in New Zealand. As it also was in 2020.

Auē, the tale of two orphan Māori children and their struggles with poverty and gang violence, also won loads of awards and praise from some of New Zealand’s most eminent writers. Not bad for a debut novel!

Although some Māori contested its depictions, Auē received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Its moving tale has captivated audiences across the world and sold hundreds of thousands of copies, helping to spread awareness of not just the problems but also the beauty in all New Zealand’s cultures.

You Can’t Lose Them All: Tales of a Degenerate Gambler and His Ridiculous Friends (Sal Iacono)

Sal Iacono, better known as Cousin Sal, has had a long career in American sports broadcasting. He’s worked for Fox, WWE and has been one of the USA’s biggest tipsters for many years.

He’s known as Cousin Sal, not because he’s a mobster as you might think, but because he’s cousins with famous talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

This book details some of the crazy bets Sal has made in his career, as well as the famous (and infamous) faces he has made bets with. All in Sal’s unique and comic tone of voice!

The Four Winds (Kristin Hannah)

This powerful American Depression-era melodrama was one of the best-selling books of 2021. It details two generations of a young Texas family, deciding whether to abandon their dust bowl farm and head West into California – or stay and work for their home soil.

It brings to life characters with real evocative spirit – if you’re interested in old-timey Americana, you’ll love this one.

Source:https://the-bibliofile.com/socialimages/fourwindssocial.jpg

First Person Singular (Haruki Murakami)

A bit of a left-field choice, and definitely not a bestseller. However, the pretentious poetry reader’s novelist of choice is undeniably one of the finest writers in the world.

The award-winning Japanese storyteller was back in 2021 with a collection of short stories. Each one is told in the titular first-person singular – aka the perspective of the character who is also the narrator.

However, in typical Murakami fashion, that concept isn’t quite as simple as it seems. Other narrators, potentially Murakami himself, float in through the prose and offer their thoughts with little or no explanation.

Music. Baseball. Ghosts. Tranquillity by the sea. Talking monkeys writing jazz albums.

All of the above. Murakami drifts between topics but in a purposeful fashion, like a floating lantern on a stream.

We told you it was a left-field choice for our last book, are you in for the ride? 

12 Baby Essentials You Can’t Live Without

Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things in the world. They are so innocent and pure, and they bring a new level of joy to your life. But before you can experience all of that, you need to make sure your home is ready for your little one! There are many items that you will need to buy before the baby comes, but don’t worry – we have compiled a list of the twelve essentials that you can’t live without. Keep reading for more information!

Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash

A Crib

This is probably the most essential item on the list. First, your baby will need a comfortable place to sleep, and a crib is a perfect option. However, make sure to pick one that is sturdy and has a good mattress.

A Changing Table

You will be spending a lot of time changing your baby’s diapers, so it’s essential to have a dedicated changing table. Look for one with plenty of storage space so that you can keep all of your supplies close at hand.

Baby Tableware

When thinking of one of the first essentials, bottles immediately come into one’s mind. They are easy to carry, to feed your baby in public and your baby just loves them. There is a wide variety of bottles in the market to choose from. When babies outgrow the bottle feeding age, you can also opt for a feeding set for babies which contains plates and stay-put bowls to help prevent the mess during the feeding.

Baby clothes

Of course, you will need to have some clothes for your little one to wear! Make sure to stock up on onesies, sleepers, and other basics. You might also want to pick out a few cute outfits for special occasions.

 

General Medication

While you might not need it right away, you’ll want to have some infant pain reliever and gas drops on hand just in case. You’ll also want to stock up on baby Pamol.

 

First-aid Kit

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must for any home, but it’s especially important if you have a baby. Be sure to include items like bandages, gauze, and antiseptic cream.

 

A Stroller

You will definitely need a stroller so that you can take your baby out and about. Look for one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

 

A Car Seat

A car seat is an absolute must if you want to take your baby anywhere in the car. However, make sure to choose one that is age and size-appropriate.

 

Baby Formula

If you are not breastfeeding, you will need to buy baby formula. There are many different types on the market, so talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant to find the best one for your baby.

 

Diapers

You will go through A LOT of diapers, so be sure to stock up! You can either buy disposable diapers or cloth diapers. If you go with cloth, you will also need to get a diaper pail and some laundry detergent specifically for babies.

Photo by Sarah  Chai

Wipes

You will use wipes for everything from changing diapers to cleaning up spills. Look for ones that are gentle on the skin and free of harmful chemicals.

 

Baby Lotion

Baby skin is very sensitive, so you will need to use a special lotion to keep it healthy and hydrated. Also, look for one that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

 

Baby Shampoo

Just like with lotion, you will need to use a special shampoo on your baby’s hair. Again, look for a gentle, tear-free formula.

 

Home Security Reviews from the Best Sources: online, experts, and customers

When you’re looking for the best home security system, where do you turn? Online reviews are a great place to start, but they can be biased. Expert opinions are helpful, but who’s to say they’re right? What about customer reviews? Are they reliable and trustworthy? In this article, we’ll look at online reviews from the best sources: experts, customers, and trusted websites. 

We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each type of review. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which home security system is best for you!

Online Reviews from Experts

When it comes to online reviews, experts are one of the best sources of information. They’re knowledgeable about the products they review, and they have no vested interest in pushing one product over another. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking at expert opinions:

  • Not all experts are created equal. Some experts are paid to give their opinion, while others do it for free. While this doesn’t necessarily make one better than another, it’s important to know who you’re reading and why they’re giving their opinion in the first place!
  • Experts often have a bias toward certain brands or features – even if they don’t realize it. It’s important to read expert reviews with a critical eye and see if the opinion is based on personal preference or real-world experience.

Online Reviews from Customers

Customer reviews are another great source of information when looking for the best home security system. They’re honest, unbiased, and often provide detailed information about their experience with a product. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when reading customer reviews:

  • Not all customers are created equal. Some customers are more vocal than others and leave longer, more detailed reviews. Others might only write a short review if they’re unhappy with a product. It’s important to read all the reviews, not just the best or worst ones!
  • Customers can be biased toward certain brands or features – even if they don’t realize it. It’s important to read customer reviews with a critical eye and see if the opinion is based on personal preference or real-world experience.

Online Reviews from Trusted Websites

Some websites are better than others at providing reviews, but a few stand out above the rest. These sites have been around for a long time and have earned their trustworthiness through years of quality content creation and honest opinions. The best online review websites include:

  • Consumer Reports (CR) – An independent nonprofit organization that provides unbiased product ratings across all industries.
  • The Wirecutter – A website that reviews and recommends products based on in-house testing.
  • PCMag – A website that provides technology news, reviews, and how-to tips.

When it comes to online home security system reviews, experts, customers, and trusted websites are the best sources. By reading reviews from all three of these sources, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which system is best for your needs!

Enjoy the Fresh Air with a Magnetic Screen Door

If you’re looking for a way to let in the fresh air while keeping the bugs out, a magnetic screen door is a perfect solution! These doors attach to your doorframe with powerful magnets and keep the bugs out while letting in the fresh air. They are easy to install and can be taken down easily when not in use. Plus, they’re affordably priced, so you can enjoy the fresh air without breaking the bank!

 

If you’re not sure which magnetic screen door is right for you, we’ve got a few tips on what to look for before you go shopping.

 

Things to look for when shopping for a magnetic screen door:

 

  1. The size of the door

 

Make sure to measure the width and height of your door to ensure that you get a screen door that will fit. The way the door attaches to the frame is also essential, so make sure to check that before you buy.

 

Some magnetic screen doors come with a kit that includes everything you need to install it, while others require assembly. If you’re not handy with tools, make sure to get a door that is easy to assemble.

 

  1. The strength of the magnets

 

The magnets on a magnetic screen door need to be strong enough to keep the bugs out but not so strong that they keep the door from closing. The door must be able to close by itself to be locked when you’re not home.

 

If you have a pet that likes to wander in and out of the house, get a screen door that offers this option. The door should clasp closed quickly after your pet goes through it.

 

  1. The quality of the screen

 

The screen on a magnetic screen door needs to be durable and withstand the weather. It should also be easy to clean so that it doesn’t become dirty over time.

 

Make sure to read the reviews of a magnetic screen door before you buy it to get an idea of the quality of the screen. The most important thing is that the screen keeps the bugs out!

 

  1. The price

 

A magnetic door screen is an excellent investment, especially if you like fresh air in your home but don’t want to deal with bugs. In addition, they are affordably priced, so you can get one without spending too much money.

 

The cost of a magnetic screen door can vary depending on the size and quality of the door, but they are generally affordable. You won’t spend a fortune to enjoy the fresh air!

 

  1. The warranty

 

A good magnetic screen door should come with a warranty if there are any problems with it. Make sure to read the warranty before you buy the door to ensure that you’re covered in case of any issues.

 

The warranty should cover any defects in the materials or workmanship of the door. That will give you peace of mind that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

 

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to go shopping for a magnetic screen door! If you’re the type who likes to enjoy the fresh air, this is the perfect solution for you! But, enjoying the outdoors without the bugs has never been so easy!

 

Movement In A Box

In the past I had subscriptions for make-up or snack boxes but never an activity box!  In the past, boxes came and months went on.  I would have a drawer or cupboard full of useless items. Things I would end up never using and then throwing away! This equates to so much waste. 

 I don’t at all see that to be the case with the Movement In A Box.   I feel the opposite.  With the high quality items we received in our Ready, Set Swing Box.    Everything we got in our box has multiple purposes. The creators even thought about organization of the items after use.  The box included a netted bag for easy storage and maintenance. 

In our first box included two foam rackets, bash birdie, six snowballs (in various sizes), various colored cones and my favorite, a movement guide. 

https://movementinabox.com/products/ready-set-swing

Foam Rackets: 

These foam rackets are high quality. The handles are padded making it easy for tiny hands to hold. There is a cloth lining around the entire top of the racket. This lining is really helpful to protect the hardwood floors in the house. 

Bash Birdie: 

This birdie is multi-colored and textured. Aurora loved talking about the colors and textures. Aurora loved throwing it around as the birdie rolls differently than our other balls.  Aurora also loved balancing the birdie on the racket! 

Snow Balls: 

The snow balls are soft and fluffy like cotton balls but are ultra durable. We have been hitting them around the house, pulling, hitting and carrying the snowballs for several weeks. They have held up really well. (And no broken items in the house since they are so soft) They are durable enough for my two year old to run around the house hitting them with the racket.  And then soft enough for my five month old to roll around chew and drool on. 

Colored Cones: 

These cones are super versatile, colorful and useful for countless activities. They aren’t hard like some cones, rather they are pliable. They are forgiving for a clumsy toddler.

My favorite: Movement Guide: 

I LOVE this guide!! This guide has 12 activities with the four categories of items included in the box. The guide helps educate the caregiver with nuggets of knowledge.  Increasing engagement between caregiver and child.  The guide is like having a child development specialist right in your living room helping to guide engaged play.  Movement Guides literally outlines activity with direct, simple and easy instructions for activity 1 through 12. These step by step guides and QR codes throughout make instruction and reference a breeze.

The guide outlines the skills that the box is designed to help kids develop essential skills. For example, this movement box fosters development: Locomotor skills ( run, walk, slide, March)  Stability: (Bend stretch, turn, lift, reach) Manipulative: Strike, catch, toss. Learning concepts: Counting, spatial awareness, body awareness/control, listening skills and body part awareness. 

This guide is tired momma gold! I love this guide! This guide is so helpful after a demanding day at work when I am not feeling very creative or engaged (guilty tired working momma here). The direction and resource of the movement guide provides help to direct creative and engaging play with my children.   This education helped me understand the importance for carving out play time. Additionally the guide helped me be more creative and adapt the play for my five month old. I was able to utilize the cones and snow balls for a miniature baby floor obstacle course.

 

One of the did you know sections in the movement guide explained that both children and parents benefit from play time. I learned that when caregivers and children engage in affectionate play time that the bonding hormone oxytocin is released.  This is the same hormone that allows nursing mothers to bond to their infants. This realization has helped me reinforce the importance of carving out this time with Aurora and Arlen every day.  

 

In conclusion, I really enjoyed playing with my children with the items in our Movement In A Box. The items are engaging, durable and interchangeable for numerous activities. Activities that foster healthy lifestyles for my family.    I am looking forward to trying some of the other boxes such as, the Shape Exploration Box to help Aurora work on shapes and colors.

 

Getting the kiddos to hold still to get photos taken was quite the feat. ( But that is the point)

Aurora  is excited about the the cones being set up  for an obstacle course!
Arlen loved rolling around the with cones and snowballs.
Ready Set Swing!
Baby style obstacle course! Different textures and colors help stimulate brain function!
Crawl Baby Crawl!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secrets to Healthy Home Cooking

Pexels – CCO Licence

 

If you want to live a healthier lifestyle, then it is often a good idea to start with what is on your plate. The more healthy foods you eat and the less junk you consume, the fitter, healthier and happier you are likely to be.

 

Of course, cooking healthy homemade food can be tricky if you are not a good cook, don’t have much time, or are not used to cooking for your family. 

 

That’s why I’ve put together some top tips for making healthy homemade food as simply as possible…

 

Use a slow cooker

 

Investing in a slow cooker is a really good idea if you sent to start making more healthy home-cooked meals. Why? Because you can throw all of the ingredients into the pot in the morning, set the timer and when you get home, you will have a healthy meal waiting for you. If you’re short on time, it can enable you to actually do more home cooking in the first place and it can make even the simplest meat and veg recipe taste amazing such is the power of slow cooking.

 

Switch from beef to turkey

 

If you like to eat a lot of chilies, stewed beef, and burgers, then one simple thing you can do to make your home cooking healthier is to switch to ground turkey, which is lower in fat and calories, instead. Most recipes, that you use ground beef in can be adapted to use turkey instead, and as this recipe for turkey chili in the slow cooker shows, they can be every bit as, if not more delicious too, for a fraction of the calories.

 

Replace half of your carbs with veggies

 

If you eat a lot of carb-based meals like meat and potatoes or rice and chili, then an easy way to make your home cooking healthier is to remove half of your usual carb potion and replace it with veg. This will mean that around half of your plate is now made up of healthy veggies, but you will still have just enough creamy potatoes or fluffy rice to satisfy the family’s carb cravings.

 

Switch to whole grains

 

Whole grains like brown rice and brown bread are much healthier than their white alternatives because they have been minimal processes which means they contain more fiber and more important vitamins and minerals. They will keep you full for longer while also helping you to be as healthy as you can be, and they’re a really easy switch to make.

 

Make your own sauces

 

Yes, jars of spaghetti sauce and bottles of tomato ketchup are more convenient, but they are often loaded with sugar or corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients, and actually, it’s pretty easy to make your own in the slow cooker using healthier sweeteners like apple juice instead.

As you can see, cooking healthy homemade meals for all the family is not as difficult as you might have imagined and it will do your family’s health the world of good!

How To Know What’s Best For You?

Even though there are numerous creams and skincare products accessible for purchase on the market. However, there is no guarantee that it would be beneficial in eradicating acne scars off our faces.

 

You should be aware of what’s the best treatment options available to you right now. However, you should not be concerned if you are still unsure about the therapy options available because there is a wealthy amount of information available on the internet.

 

With that information, I will assist you in selecting the most appropriate treatment for your gorgeous face. Continue to follow the narrative till the end.

 

Why Do Acne Scars Occur?

Scarring can be caused by various factors, one of which is heredity. Aside from that, scarring becomes more common as the skin loses collagen as you become older. Because collagen is involved in the healing process, your skin creates new collagen as it attempts to mend itself during a breakout. However, it can produce either less or more, resulting in a scar in some cases.

 

Furthermore, scarring is a clinical manifestation of acne. Anyone who has experienced an acne breakout can develop temporary or permanent scars. However, scarring is most prevalent among those who experience severe inflammatory acne, which is categorized by various acne breakouts and cysts.

 

A wide range of treatments is provided in a dermatology clinic. Below are the most common treatments from which to pick.

 

Dermal Fillers 

Fillers are not just used if you want plumper lips or chests. It can also be helpful in removing your acne scars.

 

Some kinds of acne scars can be “filled out” by using a substance such as a collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat. Because fillers are gradually integrated into your skin, you’ll need to have them injected again frequently, which will be within a few months based on the product you choose.

 

Punch excisions 

Acne scars can be removed using this sort of skin surgery by excising or cutting out each scar one at a time. Incisional wounds can be treated using sutures or a skin graft, depending on the severity of the damage. 

 

A skin transplant is a procedure in which a tiny portion of healthy skin is taken behind the ear and used to fill in a damaged skin area. One to two weeks following the treatment, there may be bruises on the skin.

 

Microdermabrasion 

In this treatment, the dermatologist will use a portable instrument to exfoliate the top layer of skin during this less intrusive type of dermabrasion. Multiple treatments may be necessary, but there is no recovery time involved in the procedure.

 

Laser Treatments

A laser resurfacing treatment can be used to eliminate the outer layer of your skin, shape acne scars, and lighten inflammation around treated acne blemishes. Your dermatologist can perform this procedure to improve the appearance of your skin. It is possible that healing will take between three and ten days.

 

There are numerous laser treatments to select from, and they are considered to be among the best therapies available. Laser treatments for acne scar reduction can have a long-lasting effect on the appearance of your acne scars.

 

Dermabrasion 

This powerful scar removal therapy resurfaces your skin with a high-speed brush or other devices, allowing scars to be removed or reduced in depth. It might take up to three weeks for the skin to fully recover from the treatment.

Pexels

Chemical peel 

Chemical peels are treatments where a chemical solution is applied to the skin. As a result of removing the outermost layer of your skin, your complexion appears smoother and more even in tone. Depending on the technique, you may suffer irritation and peel for three to seven days following the surgery.

 

Microneedling 

This treatment is also called collagen induction treatment. It involves frequently puncturing the skin with small syringes to encourage the production of new collagen. Scars may appear less noticeable as a result of this. Microneedling can be used to reduce the look of creases, sagging skin, and age spots on the skin. The redness of the skin may persist for several days.

 

The Costs

Even though numerous treatments are accessible, depending on the type of treatment, the cost might range from $300 to $1000 per session. This is dependent on the severity of your acne scars and, of course, the treatment you have selected.

 

Select the most appropriate treatment that is both within your reach and your budget.

 

Final Thoughts

Whatever treatment you pick, keep in mind that you should always take proper care of your skin and face in order to avoid future difficulties after each appointment. Consult with your dermatologist regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if there is anything you don’t understand.

 

It’s not a bad idea to inquire, especially if it’s for the benefit of your skin.

 

The Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Therapy For Aged Men

For a man, having low testosterone means a lot of things. It decreases a man’s motivation, energy, sex drive, and bed performance. There are also other harmful effects of low testosterone. However, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can boost testosterone levels to normal while returning them to their young age. 

 

The normal testosterone level in a man is usually high during adolescence and his early 20s. However, as you age, it will gradually decline. Sometimes low testosterone could result from a problem in the pituitary gland (in the brain) or the testicle, which controls testosterone production.

 

In aging men, low testosterone might signify the normal aging process. While aging, testosterone therapy might be a good idea. However, as much as the benefits are marketed, various misconceptions or risks are associated with the treatment. Experts have stated that there are adverse effects of testosterone treatment.

 

Let’s look at some of the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for aged men.

 

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

Why should you consider testosterone replacement therapy at all? What good does it pose to your health? Let’s find out.

  1. Increased testosterone 

Hypogonadism reduces a man’s ability to produce the normal amount of testosterone that he needs. This could be due to a problem with the pituitary gland controlling the testicle or a problem with the testicle. 

 

However, the right testosterone replacement therapy that suits your needs will mitigate the symptoms and signs of low testosterone in aged men. When you use testosterone gel, you should wash your hands properly after every application. 

 

Also, ensure that no one touches the spot where the gel is applied. When women or kids touch that spot and make contact with the testosterone gel, it could result in side effects like premature puberty and hair growth.

  1. Testosterone improves bone density and anemia 

In two separate studies, researchers showed the effects of testosterone therapy on anemia and bone density. First, the research showed that testosterone therapy improves bone structure and also mineral density. 

 

However, researchers indicated that longer trials would be needed to know if the therapy would also lower the risk of fractures. The research further showed an increase in the hemoglobin levels of persons having anemia. 

 

Additionally, they further stated that there was about a 40 percent increase in hemoglobin levels of persons who had taken testosterone than in the placebo group. Also, the research showed that testosterone corrected iron deficiency anemia and unexplained anemia. 

 

However, testosterone therapy had no improvement or benefited other aspects of cognitive functioning. Also, a trial for cardiovascular health showed that there was more coronary artery plaque buildup in men using testosterone therapy than in men treated with the placebo group. 

  1. Increased life expectancy 

According to Abraham Morgentaler, director of Men’s Health Boston, “we recognize, based on dozens of studies, that testosterone therapy importance is relative to health issues such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and osteoporosis.” 

 

This shows that this therapeutic treatment might play a role in how long a man can live. According to Morgentaler, there is a link between shorter life expectancy and low testosterone. He further continued, “Men with low testosterone die sooner than men with normal testosterone levels.”

 

However, it is not yet clear if low testosterone is capable of making early death more likely. There could be other factors involved. Also, it is still not clear if boosting testosterone levels to normal levels would impact longevity.

 

Risks of Testosterone Therapy 

Some aged men experience various symptoms or side effects of testosterone therapy. Some of the risks include:

  1. Prostate cancer cells growth 

Physicians have a growing concern that testosterone therapy can stimulate prostate cancer cells growth and hypothetical cardiac risks. However, this evidence is mixed. 

 

Since prostate cancer is quite common, doctors tend to be wary of prescribing testosterone therapy to aged men who might be at risk.

  1. Cardiovascular problems 

Another risk of testosterone therapy is the higher chance of cardiovascular problems such as stroke, heart attacks, and death from heart disease. 

  1. Side effects 

Some aged men usually experience testosterone therapy side effects like disturbed breathing while sleeping, swelling in the ankles, breast tenderness, or acne. Also, doctors tend to be on the lookout for high red blood cell counts as it could increase clotting.

 

Wrap Up 

For aged men with low testosterone levels, the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy might outweigh the potential risks. However, this should be a decision discussed with your doctor for much younger men. 

 

Testosterone therapy might offer men the chance to feel better, but it could shield your attention from long-term risks like prostate cancer and heart diseases. Therefore, before you consider testosterone therapy or any other type of therapy, you should weigh the risks and bene

Going Solar Pros and Cons

Choosing to adopt the use of solar energy has its pros and cons. When we analyze it critically, the pros certainly outweigh the con which is why you surely want to give in to the thoughts of going solar this year. With many emphases on the adoption of cleaner energy practices that help to conserve the environment, there are many reasons why you want to choose solar, and you can be sure they will benefit everyone moving forward. 

Image Credit

The Big Deal About Solar Panels

 

When we take into account the fact that talks about solar panels are on the increase in recent times, it can only mean that it has become paramount to put cleaner energy generation and utilization on top of the global agenda. This is not coming from the fact that there are glaring signs that we need a more sustainable environment. 

 

With pollution from the use of fossils fuel topping the chart when it comes to some of the dangerous activities ravaging the ecosystem, you will agree that there is a need to make the shift to other positive measures. This is where solar energy is at an advantage, it poses a positive solution to overcoming the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the dependence on fossils fuel. This link https://www.solargraf.com/blog/ has more on the latest blog about happenings in the world right now as it relates to solar energy. 

 

Solar panels are easy to install and require minimal maintenance to keep them running. The fact that they are relatively cheap and affordable to install domestically, makes them suitable for use in every home and establishment that relies on electricity. However, one serious question is, how safe is it to adopt solar energy? You will find more in the section below on the pros and cons of choosing to go solar. 

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy 

 

While making it obvious at the start of the piece that the benefit of going solar surely outweighs the negatives, it will be a good idea to dissect some of the facts that help us to better understand the good and bad sides of adopting the use of solar panels in the home and environment. 

 

Pros of Solar Energy 

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When you take into account the very fact that the main requirement to power these panels comes from a natural source which is the sun, it is safe to say that we get an energy source that will never run out. This makes for one of the biggest advantages I can think of, and this is that you can never run out of the ability to generate the energy required to power the panels and inverters. 

 

Renewable Energy Source 

 

It is clear enough; you can be sure of a renewable source of energy when we harness the power from the sun in generating electricity for personal and public consumption. The sun is readily available all year round and in all parts of the world, making it accessible to anyone who has the resources and ability to install the panels and inverters needed to provide the electricity. 

 

Readily Available 

 

The fact that it is easy to get access to solar panels and the technology required to install and power them makes it even more beneficial. This means that you will not have to stress much about getting them installed in your home or office. You will need to follow the guidelines in your area about adopting solar energy and ensure that you get the right licenses and are connected to the power grid so you can get credits for what you contribute to the grid. 

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Saves Cost on Monthly Electric Bills

 

Since you generate your electricity, you will not have to worry about the rising cost of electricity which surely leaves you with a fat bill to pay at the end of the month. There is also the bonus that you can get remittance for the power you generate to the grid and do not utilize. The bottom line is that you will not have to worry about your monthly commitments with the power company where you spend heavily on electric bills. 

 

How much you can save will depend on the size of the unit you use and how much electricity you generate and consume. This page here has more suggestions on ways to cut down the monthly cost of electricity at home. 

 

Ease of Maintenance 

 

It is also true that you will not be overburdened with the responsibility of maintaining the systems monthly or even yearly if you use a professional installation service that gets the installation right. You will only have to ensure that you carry out yearly inspections to access the state of the equipment and take care of any necessary repairs or replacements that you need to make. You will have to clean the system to rid them of dirt and debris that could tamper with the internal units. Aside from this, you will not have to do much when it comes to maintenance. 

 

Disadvantages of Solar Energy 

 

So now that you are familiar with some of the pros of using solar energy at home, you will now learn about some of the downsides as well. I run through a few of them quickly below. 

 

Weather Factors 

 

The fact that solar energy is dependent on weather is one of the big disadvantages. You agree that the sun only shines for a few hours during the day and as such, you will not expect the system will be generating and storing any power at night. There is also the issue of rainfall, storms, and unstable weather conditions which could also affect the system

 

Expensive to Store the Electricity 

 

It is also a problem that it can be expensive to store energy from the sun. Since the energy cannot be used right away, it will need to be stored in batteries which makes it possible to access the power when needed. And in most cases, it can be expensive to install the number of batteries required to keep up with homes and establishments that make use of much power during the day. Still, you can choose to connect your system to the grid and rely on electricity from the grid to power your home at night can choose solar for daytime. 

 

Takes up Roof Space 

 

Since you need to have the panels exposed to sunlight, the best possible place to have them is on the rooftop which could take up roof space depending on how large you want the system to be. It could be a turnoff for most homeowners having metallic panels on the roof but if you are not going to be staring at the roof all day, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

 

Final Note 

 

There are many other downsides to going solar such as it can be difficult for most homeowners to succeed at DIY installation, it is also true that there is also a low level of pollution associated with the use of solar energy. Since it does not in any way harm the health tragically when compared to other forms of electrical energy generation and consumption, it is safe to say that you want to consider adopting solar energy if you are not already doing so.  

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