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5 Fundamentals Of Recording At Home Without A Home Studio

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Inspiration is flowing through your head. But something’s missing. No home studio. You’re not interested in paying studio fees. But you also aren’t ready to invest big money in a home studio. 

Can you record at home without a studio and still produce a professional sound? Just follow these 5 fundamentals.

1. Find a Soundproof Location

So it probably won’t be 100% soundproof at home. That’s okay. Just find the quietest place in your home. Then take steps to reduce the sound seeping in even further.

Choose a time of day when noise is at its lowest, as long as the recording won’t wake the neighbors.

Close the doors and windows. Better yet, choose a room with no windows.

Use mattresses and pillows to block sound. Focus these around doors, windows, and vents, and noisier walls since you won’t be able to cover the whole room. Thicker materials are better. Egg crate toppers look like a good choice but usually don’t do much.

Empty room? No furniture = echoes, so put some furniture with soft surfaces in there too. 

2. Get Some Basic Equipment

You don’t have to spend a lot of money. But you need some basics. Buy, beg, or borrow from friends as needed:

  • A computer
  • A decent microphone
  • DAW (Digital Recording Workstation). It’s software that allows you to adjust the sound quality on your computer.
  • Audio interface. It changes sound into a format your computer can understand and work with.

Alternatively, if you have a decent smartphone, check its recording capabilities to save money and time wrangling up this stuff.  Garageband is a free audio interface on Apple devices that is great for beginners. Bandlab is another.

If you have some cash, you shouldn’t spend more than $200 on an audio interface starting out. You can get basic ones for around $50.

Some decent options under $200 are:

  • Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD 

  • Audient iD4 MKII USB-C Audio Interface 

  • M-Audio M-Track Solo 

3. Check Your Levels

You got some basic equipment for a reason. Before you go live or start recording, do a sound check. As a general rule, a recording level over 0 will create distortion, so shoot for -10 to -12 as a starting point.

Play it back. See how it sounds. Make adjustments to get the highest quality while reducing distortion. 

4. Start with a Basic Recording

Don’t put your heart and soul into your first recording.

You won’t get it perfect the first time. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

Get a feel for your equipment. Make note of how close you need to be, how loud, if you’re in key.

Work on these basics before you give it your all.  Otherwise, you’ll wear yourself out before you actually get to the REAL recording.

5. Keep Working on Quality and Equipment

Because you didn’t overspend early on, you’ll be able to invest in your quality and professional sound as you gain traction in the industry. 

You may need better:

  • Microphone
  • DAW
  • Audio interface

And a good set of headphones can up your quality game. 

You may not have the funds or time to do it all at once. But always think about how you can make this better. 

Recording At Home Without a Studio

Yes, you can produce professional sound at home without a studio. Few but the most attuned ears would know the difference if you follow these basic tips. 

Your audience awaits.

5 Surprising Benefits of Drinking More Water

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Drinking water has become something of a national obsession as consumers experience a constant barrage of advertisements. We hear persuasive arguments to imbibe upwards of 15 cups of the clear liquid every day. And few disagree that staying hydrated is generally good advice. But the following 5 surprising benefits of drinking more water prove persuasive.

1: Drinking Water Reduces Hangover Symptoms

Beer, wine, and liquor are all diuretics that can have a net-loss effect when drinking them. Alcohol inhibits the production of the hormone “vasopressin,” which helps regulate water secretion. In other words, the alcohol in your beer, wine, or mixed drink makes you pee more frequently.

After a few drinks, the water content in the human body declines, even though you’ve been taking in liquids. Water loss, among other reasons, contributes to the nasty headache and other hangover symptoms people suffer in the morning. Instead of taking two aspirin and blending up some secret elixir, drinking water can help take the edge off your hangover.

2: Drinking More Water Can Calm You Down

The average adult male’s body is comprised of 60 percent water and women come in about 55 percent. The brain ranks as the third-highest water consumer of the body’s organs and systems at 75 percent. It’s no coincidence that even the slightest dip in this bodily fluid results in a saintly individual becoming cranky.

After strenuous activity that involves sweating, do your friends and family members a favor and drink a solid 16 ounces. And if someone in your inner circle acts a tad edgy, don’t engage. Just hand them an ice-cold bottle of water and watch their mood change.

3: Drinking More Water Facilitates Weight Loss

The metabolism functions best when all the systems are in harmony, and there’s enough water to make them run. By contrast, dehydration or even a modest water reduction causes the body to go into distress mode. Essentially, it becomes sluggish and doesn’t burn calories at an optimal rate.

On another front, drinking more water often serves as a replacement for caloric beverages. It also makes you feel full and eat less. Studies show that 44 percent of people who drank 16 ounces of water before a meal lost weight.

4: Drinking More Water Helps Ease Constipation

People sometimes attribute being constipated to lack of fiber or succumbing to the fast-food drive-thru. While those may be good reasons for feeling bloated and stopped up, dehydration could also be a factor. Just as the brain is affected by water levels, so are the other systems. Some water aficionados claim that mineral water ranks among the best options to speed a bowel movement along.

5: Drinking More Water Protects & Cleanses Your Body

Studies indicate that drinking more water provides pronounced health benefits. Water carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells. When imbibing a healthy amount of H20 each day, the digestive system functions more efficiently. Research also points to reduced constipation, organ protection, and improved electrolyte balance. Water also helps your body flush bacteria through the bladder and that cleansing benefit helps you feel good.

5 Reasons To Consider Switching To Linux

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Did you know that every single one of the world’s top 500 supercomputers is powered by Linux? And yet the vast majority of people stick with macOS and Windows operating systems. While Linux may be less flashy than more popular desktop platforms, it’s got a lot of allures.

Still not convinced you should give Linux a look? Read on for a roundup of five reasons to consider switching from your current OS to Linux.

1. it’s an open source operating system

Linux is an open source operating system, which means anyone can see and interact with its source code. End users have the constant ability to contribute to, modify, and enhance the source code for any reason or purpose.

This means that it’s in a perpetual stage of improvement.

And the community support you’ll find while running Linux is also unbeatable. Have a question or issue? All you have to do to access it is hop onto one of many online Linux forums, which are populated by Linux users from all over the globe.

The takeaway? While Microsoft is a corporation selling products, Linux is a community.

2. You won’t pay a dime

While other operating systems are associated with license fees and hardware fees, Linux is completely free for both personal and commercial use. Think of all the things you can do with that extra $200!

3. It’s extremely secure

No operating system is completely foolproof when it comes to security. However, Linux has more than earned its reputation as one of the most secure options—especially in comparison to Windows and macOS.

Even if this wasn’t true, the mere fact that Linux has a lower market share on desktop means it’s less likely to be a target for attackers. In fact, Linux is so secure that many users don’t bother with antivirus programs. This translates to even more savings in the form of costly monthly and yearly subscriptions you can expect to pay with less secure platforms.

Worried about your operating system collecting your user data? This isn’t a concern with Linux since you can see the source code and everything that’s being transmitted.

Plus, because Linux is open source, any user can fix a problem if one does occur. Conversely, you can sometimes feel like you’re waiting forever for a fix with Windows and macOS.

4. It’s surprisingly user-friendly

While many people assume that Linux is just for “techies,” it’s easier than ever to use thanks to many Linux distribution resources.

Even better? Nearly all drivers are installed on your system automatically, and updates are hassle-free, as well. Unlike with Windows, however, it’s also your choice whether or not you want to update.

And because Linux powered PCs aren’t crammed with a lot of extraneous software, they are much faster than other machines.

Finally, Linux is highly compatible. With some platforms, newer versions may only work with newer computers. This means that you’re out of luck if you have an old machine. Not so with Linux, which is compatible with most hardware and IoT devices.

5. Yes, you CAN game with it

Many people who don’t love Windows have stuck with it for one reason: they don’t want to give up their PC games. However, you’ve no longer got to choose between the two. Linux has made serious strides thanks to Steam Play and tools that leverage compatibility layers.

Is it perfect and can you play every game? Not yet. But it’s improving  by the day—and many people swear by the experience.

5 Fundamentals For Becoming A Full Stack Developer

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A full-stack developer plays an incredibly important job for any business. These talented professionals can develop both the front end and the back end of software. They can not only program the server but they can also program the browser and databases.

Those interested in pursuing this career path should fully prepare themselves for the challenges they will be called upon to solve. Here are 5 fundamentals to know before diving into the field.

5. Front end languages

To work on the front end of the development of software and apps, you will need to have fluency in common front-end languages. At a minimum, you want to make sure you are familiar with core languages like HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and Javascript. To build your resume, however, you also want to study and master frontend frameworks like Angular, Vue, and React. 

4. Backend languages

Backend languages are often viewed as more technical and have a greater role in ensuring the programs and software work correctly. The language you will need for a particular project will vary depending on factors such as the operating system you need and whether you want to create a web application or a mobile application. Some of the most common backend languages you want to study include Ruby, Java, Python, and PHP. You also want to learn common frameworks, such as Django and Flask. 

3. Database systems

Database management can also be an important part of being a full-stack developer. Database management can help businesses keep track of data that comes into their organization. It allows businesses to track the data throughout the lifecycle and thereby better understand the customers.

Some basic database management systems you will need to know include MySQL, Microsoft Access, and Oracle. Studying these fundamental systems within database management will help you build your resume within this area of the field.

2. Website architecture

Website architecture describes how a particular website is organized. It explores the hierarchy of the pages within the site and how these different factors impact the experience of the customer as they interact with the site.

To build your core skills in website architecture, you want to understand important user interface elements, how cloud storage works, the domain name system, some core principles of designing websites, and database servers.

1. A stand-out portfolio

At the core, a career as a full stack developer calls for professionals who can manage site and app development from beginning to end. Those hiring in the field want to see how well you can perform in these different areas. They know that earning certificates and degrees matter less than genuine mastery of the different subject areas. 

Therefore, creating a portfolio that demonstrates your skills in the different areas and your understanding of the core principles of software and application design will help to set you apart from the competition. An outstanding portfolio can go a long way in getting you an interview. Many job interviews will also include a technical portion that will have you further demonstrate your skills to the potential employer.

Making the transition to becoming a full-stack developer

Now that you see the major skills involved in full-stack development, it is time to consider how to make the transition personally. Find educational opportunities that will help you earn certifications and fill in gaps in your background knowledge. Focus on learning the core language skills of HTML, CSS, Java, MySQL, and JavaScript. Learning about DOM Manipulation and Object-Oriented Programming in your courses will help you as well. Be ready to then continue learning as you progress through your career.

Becoming a full-stack developer can be an exciting career for many professionals. Focus on these five fundamentals if you want to get started building your resume to transition into the field.

 

Make Money Online: 5 Best Opportunities For Budding Online Entrepreneurs

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In today’s world, making money online is more possible than ever before. With so many different avenues to explore, there is a world of opportunity for the online-focused entrepreneur. Additionally, these online business ventures can help you make the money of your dreams.

In this post, we’ll discuss 5 money-making ideas for online entrepreneurs.

Online Coach or Consultant

Do you specialize in a certain skill or offering? If so, you could earn a lot from being an online coach, trainer, or consultant. People are constantly looking to gain new skills and advance in their careers, and you can help in the process! Furthermore, people pay top dollar for the right training course or service, and there’s also a high demand for these professionals.

One key to being successful as an online consultant or coach involves specializing in a specific niche. Whether it’s woodworking, drone racing, or accounting, it’s essential to find a particular area of interest and specialty.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the leading ways to make money online in today’s market. One reason being is that it’s fairly easy to get started—and doesn’t take a hefty investment.

In simple terms, affiliate marketing involves selling other people’s goods online. For example, if you run a blog about coffee, your site may include links to businesses selling coffee makers. If the reader clicks on one of these affiliate links and eventually makes a purchase, the blog owner receives a small commission. While the pay for each order isn’t substantial, it can add up quickly if there are several purchases. And best of all, affiliate marketing allows you to make money while you sleep!

Selling Goods

Selling goods can become a lucrative online business. This can involve making your own handmade goods or reselling items you purchase. Additionally, there is a massive market for these kinds of businesses. You also have the ability to sell a wide variety of items. Many sellers will post products directly on their own website, including sites like eBay and Etsy.

SAAS—Software As A Service

Creating and designing useful software can make you a lot of money while working from home. You can become a software developer yourself or outsource the work to an app developer, helping to grow and scale your business. Furthermore, you can sell your SAAS (Software As A Service) as a subscription, leading to a constant stream of revenue.

Digital Marketing Services

As more organizations are looking for digital marketing expertise, this is a great opportunity to become an online digital marketing professional.

Here are some of the areas involved in digital marketing:

  • Search engine optimization
  • Graphic design
  • Social media management
  • Website creation
  • Content management

If you’re not experienced with the specialties above, it’s very possible to outsource your work to freelancers. This approach allows you to build a team of industry professionals to scale your online business.

Making money online might seem like a steep mountain to climb, but it’s a lot easier than you think. All it takes is research, dedication, and the willingness to learn!

What Is Biohacking And Is It For Me?

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Ever wish you had superpowers? Sadly, that probably won’t happen, but biohacking can deliver some attainable expanded abilities today.

What Is Biohacking Anyway?

Biohacking is putting evolution into overdrive.

You’re applying what we know about science to make yourself better. You become faster, more focused, and higher-functioning mentally, physically, and/or emotionally. 

Biohacking is a broad term. It can include intermittent fasting to enhance focus and productivity. Or go extreme by editing your genes using CRISPR technology.

It can be expensive, like using bionic legs that you control with your mind to walk again after an injury.

Or relatively cheap, like going keto to turn your body into a fat-burning machine. 

Biohacking isn’t following the latest snake oil health craze to stay younger, lose weight, etc. 

You’re applying proven science to be better at something. Or you’re experimenting to prove something works.

3 Types of Biohacking You’ll Want to Know About

1. Nutrigenomics

This kind focuses on how the food you eat — or don’t — activates different genes. 

At one time, geneticists thought DNA was an unchangeable blueprint. Now, thanks to epigenetic research, we know your environment strongly influences how a gene acts.

Have a “disease-causing” gene? That’s scary!

But that doesn’t mean you’ll get that disease.

Apply Nutrigenomics biohacking to take control of your risk. Apply the same principle to stay looking/feeling younger longer, perform better, and rewrite your “blueprint”.

2.  DIY Biology

This type of biohacking involves scientists and influencers running experiments on themselves. They measure the results.

Then they share their findings among biohacking enthusiasts. Those biohackers may then try the technique on themselves.

You can’t have DIY Biology without data and analysis. So you do need measuring equipment and the ability to apply the scientific method to test your biohacking hypothesis. 

If you can test how something impacts the human mind and body, that’s biohacking.

For example, meditation can lower blood pressure and improve focus. If you meditate, you may be biohacking already.

So far, biohacking may sound very run-of-the-mill. But we have one more type of biohacker that takes biohacking to the next level.

3. Grinder

Grinders believe every part of the human body is hackable. They’re willing to go to extremes to merge themselves with technology to optimize the performance of some functions of the human body.

Nothing’s off-limits.

You may be implanting technology to become magnetic, have flashing lights under your skin, or hear colors. You could take daily injections of modified DNA to enhance muscle growth. Or you could inject a jellyfish gene to glow in the dark.

Results vary. All of this is still very experimental.

This type of biohacker seeks to become a cyborg (part human; part machine). They envision a future where this is commonplace.

Who Should Become a Biohacker

So the question remains, Is It For Me?

If you love data and want to know what’s humanly possible through optimization and alteration, then… Yes.

If you’re disciplined yet adventurous and want to maximize your performance, then absolutely. It’s important to realize that there are risks.

Or maybe you’re curious about what it might mean to be human in 100 or 1000 years.  

Biohack today. You’re evolving into the fully-optimizable humans we’ll be in the future.

5 Tips To Help You Prepare for IELTs

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The IELTS, or International English Language Test System, evaluates your English abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is designed to be challenging, which means that this is not something to bluff your way through. Scoring well on your test can help you in a variety of areas, such as with visa applications or to accompany your application to English-speaking colleges and universities.

As your date for the IELT quickly approaches, here are 5 key strategies you can use to improve your score and make sure you are as prepared as possible.

Build your vocabulary

Vocabulary building will help you improve your understanding of complex passages that you read or listen to. It will also help you create more sophisticated answers when speaking or writing.

Build your vocabulary with an emphasis on phrases. Remember that English uses many expressions in everyday speech, so reading new words in context is helpful. When you come across new words and phrases, record them and note their meaning in the passage. Try to find vocabulary pertaining to a variety of different subjects, such as daily life, office culture, and travel. 

Spend a lot of time reading

Read everything you can get your hands on in English. Look at local newspapers and magazines as well as books. Reading helps you practice understanding the context of the new words you encounter and will help you internalize common phrasing.

When you read, try to use only an English-to-English dictionary instead of translating it back to your native language. It will further build your vocabulary and language skills. 

Listen to English media whenever possible

As you prepare for your exam, also make an effort to listen to English media whenever possible. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and watch movies and TV shows in English. If it helps to have the captions on, use only English captions. 

 When you come across words you do not know, pause the broadcast if you can to look them up. It will boost your understanding and help you deepen your vocabulary.

As you listen, practice discussing what you hear out loud in English. If you have a native speaker you can practice with, that is even better. If not, at least take care of this step on your own. It will force you to practice forming English sentences and try out pronouncing new words. 

Use a variety of different sources

While you prepare for the test, try to use a variety of sources. For example, instead of only listening to your favorite crime drama that takes place in New York City, try to listen to radio broadcasts from England or read nonfiction books. Using a variety of different sources on different topics will help you build a wider range of vocabulary. It will help you understand a variety of different types of texts for various situations. 

Review your weak areas

Finally, look back over your work in English as you have gone through your studies. Review notes that you have taken from past English courses. Look closely at the tests and essays you have submitted and the grades you received. Take note of your common mistakes and practice correcting them. If you do not understand something that was corrected, reach out to an English teacher or a native speaker to see if they can explain it to you.

Preparing for the IELTS can feel like a lot to manage, but keeping these tips in mind can help you perform well and increase your understanding of English.

 

5 Tips for Your American Road Trip

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America is a fun country to explore by car. You’ll find everything from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the frenetic pace of New York City to the charming small towns that dot the Midwest. And, of course, you’ll also have more than 420 national parks that you can visit, as well as state parks, beaches and deserts. For the most part, your biggest issue when planning a USA road trip will be narrowing down the sites that you’ll want to visit. Still, before you hit the road, you’ll want to check out these five tips that will help make your cross-country trip a successful one.

1. Make Reservations in Advance for Popular Sites

Many of the popular spots in the USA can book up months in advance. For example, if you want to stay at a campsite or hotel in Yellowstone Park, you may have to make your reservation a year in advance. Disney World tickets for popular dates can also book up months in advance. In addition, some national parks — such as Yosemite and Glacier National Parks — are also limiting the number of visitors that can enter on a daily basis by requiring advanced reservations. These requirements can change suddenly, so always check a park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Don’t Let Your Gas Run Low

In many areas of America, you can travel for long distances without seeing a gas station and/or restaurants. So, if your gauge is on the low side, don’t take chances, especially if you’re out in the country or in the desert — fill up your tank. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure to use the restroom and pick up some snacks for the road.

3. Don’t Be Overly Ambitious

America is vast. The distance between the east and west coast of the contiguous 48 states is approximately 3,000 miles; from north to south, about 1,600 miles. It’s an important factor to consider when planning your itinerary. Your destinations may not be as close as you think. You should also keep in mind that 15 miles on the traffic-choked streets of Los Angeles is going to take a lot longer than out in the middle of the desert. Also, make sure to leave time in your itinerary to stop at some of America’s quirky roadside attractions.

4. Be Prepared for Weather Extremes

If you’ll be traveling across the USA, be prepared for every type of weather. For example, if you’ll be traveling in March, you could run into a blizzard in Montana, a heat wave in California, or tornadoes in Texas. So, make sure to bring gear for all types of weather. Also take the time before you hit the road to check the weather forecast for your intended route.

5. Share Your Itinerary with Loved Ones

Road trips are fun. But they can also have those moments that make great stories later, but can be frightening while they’re occurring. Your rental car, for instance, could break down, or you could get into an accident. By sharing your itinerary with a loved one, they can keep track of your progress. And if you fail to reach a certain destination, they could alert the authorities that you are missing and could be in need of help.

5 Thought Leaders With Eccentric Habits

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Thought leaders see the world differently than most. They’re passionate, visionary rule-breakers. They’re trailblazing pioneer disruptors that drive change and move us forward. It’s no surprise that they’re also eccentric. What kind of eccentric habits? Here are a few habits of 5 great thought leaders.

Benjamin Franklin: Cold Water Swimmer

No thought leader article would be complete without referencing American Founder Ben Franklin. One of his many quirky habits included daily swims in the London Thames river. He wasn’t alone in his belief that chilled body submersions are healthy. Ancient Greek Hippocrates noted that doing so combats physical and mental weakness. Today’s science supports the theory that a cold shower, swim, or ice bath invigorates the brain by sending fresh blood to the vital organs.

Steve Jobs: The Cryer

Apple founder Steve Jobs, who changed the world, first with the Mac and then with the iPod, turned to tears in times of extreme emotion. Whether out of frustration or happiness, Jobs cried incessantly. He described these episodes as “purity of spirit”. Science tells us that crying reduces stress and leads to greater mental clarity.

Bill Gates: The Rocker

The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, rocks. When Gates is deep in thought, he rocks back and forth in his chair. According to his staff, the pace and enthusiasm of his rocking reflected his passion for the topic. Gates was known to rock, even at Harvard. While never publicly shared, many believe that the rocking strongly indicates that Gates is neurodivergent. His rocking habit, monotone speech pattern, and lack of eye contact all point towards Autism. Many visionaries, from Einstein and Michelangelo to Newton and Tesla, are believed today to be autistic.

Mark Zuckerberg: Solo Outfitter

The founder of the giant social media platform Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, never changes his clothes. Well, he does, but he wears the same outfit daily. You’ll see Zuckerberg sporting the same gray t-shirt, with a hoodie if it’s cold, every single solitary day. Why? Because, according to Zuckerberg, he doesn’t ever want to have to think about making a choice about his clothes. He believes this simple act helps him optimize his time by eliminating less critical daily decisions. His belief is sound, especially for those who lead billion-dollar businesses and have a lot on their minds.

Jeff Bezos: Two-Pizza Rule

Amazon’s founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, is known for many quirky habits—from working at a desk made from a door to insisting that all proposals follow a very specific, short form template. Bezos also adheres to what he calls the two-pizza rule. He never schedules or goes to a meeting where two pizzas cannot feed all attendees. Bezos believes that only with smaller, intimate groups with specific objectives can you effectively move forward.

While each of these thought leaders’ habits could be considered quirky or eccentric, the truth is that there’s a legitimate reason for their seemingly odd behavior. Since each thought leader is historically successful, perhaps the rest of us mere mortals will learn a thing or two from these eccentric habits.

5 Things To Know Before You Consider Getting Solar Panels

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Solar technology is promising, and there are a lot of good reasons to consider installing panels on your home. With an electric vehicle, you could effectively get free gas for life. Plus, lowering the electric bill always sounds nice. On top of that, solar panels can dramatically increase the value of your home.

 

But, solar installations are not simple, and the systems can be very complicated. There are some things that you will really want to know before you get serious about this idea.

 

Value Depends on Location

 

While solar can work in most places, the raw dollar value of the investment varies. You’re going to get more bang for your buck using solar in Phoenix, AZ, as compared to Cambridge, MA. That’s because the sun is brighter in Arizona, and residents there use the most power while the sun is up.

 

On top of that, very local things like which way your house faces and whether or not there are trees blocking the sun make a big difference. It helps a lot to learn about how much you can get out of your solar panels before you make any serious commitments.

 

Roofing Gets Complicated

 

You want your roof to be in top shape before any solar installations, mainly for two reasons. First, you need a hearty roof to safely hold the panels. It’s that simple.

 

The second issue is that repairing the roof under your solar panels is a lot more complicated. Usually, the panels have to be removed before the roof is accessible. So, you want a roof with a nice, long lifespan before you install solar.

 

Your Power Needs

 

Solar systems are customized for each home. To get that customization correct, you need a good idea of your power needs. Otherwise, you might overspend on too many panels, or you might get too few panels and not have enough to power the home.

 

Most solar installers will work with you to review your electric bills to get a good idea of how much power you need in the solar system. It’s important to take the time to understand that part of the deal before you take out any solar loans.

 

Payment Assistance Options

 

Solar is expensive — like take-out-a-second-mortgage levels of expensive. But, you don’t have to pay for everything out of your own pocket. There are still a lot of rebate and credit programs to help you pay for a solar installation, and they exist at federal, state, and local levels.

 

There are too many programs to list them all here, but you can find a lot of resources available through your state’s department of energy. It’s certainly nice to know what kind of payment assistance is available before you sign any contracts.

 

Solar Lifespan

 

The last thing you really want to understand is the solar lifecycle, which involves a lot. Who fixes the panels if something is wrong? Where do they go when they are eventually too old (usually 20 to 30 years after installation)? What are the warranties on the system? How much productivity can you expect over their lifespan?

 

These are all important questions, and the solar provider can usually answer them. Make sure to have those conversations early.