Ask Doug The Electrician!

2012 California Solar Energy Did You Know?

2012-01-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician! 2012 is here and back to work I go. I'm looking forward to installing the new technology and seeing how the systems are improving. I am very interested in the new installation techniques because I've got quite a few tips! After installing so many systems, you find ways to improve everything!Thanks to recent majore price reductions in solar panels and other materials, more people will now be able to install solar. Whether you connect your solar energy to the grid, off grid, or you want a system for camping or your motorhome, its a great time to just do it. One panel or sixty, its so easy to interconnect you owe it to yourself to investigate. Email me anytime if you have any questions! Hurry....Here's some more cool Solar Energy Information to think about...California is the nation's renewable energy leader and with the latest large solar energy project, "the Sentinela solar power plant", should provide 275 MW of power, enough to power around 83,000 Californian homes. Once completed, these two new clean energy projects should provide 379 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 112,000 average American homes. They should also provide more than 500 construction jobs.Quick and interesting facts related to solar energy.One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.One kilowatt-hour (kWh) equals the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.A sunny location (like Los Angeles, California, US) receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day each year.A cloudy location (like Hamburg, Germany) receives 2.5 hours per day of sunlight each year.A 1 kilowatt peak solar system generates around 1,600 kilowatt hours per year in a sunny climate and about 750 kilowatt hours per year in a cloudy climate.A solar energy system can provide electricity 24 hours a day when the solar electric modules are combined with batteries in one integrated energy system.Solar modules produce electricity even on cloudy days, usually around 10-20% of the amount produced on sunny days.The typical components of a solar home system include the solar module, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller (sometimes known as a regulator), conduit/circuitry, and support structure.A typical silicon cell solar module will have a life in excess of 20 yearsMonthly average residential consumption of electricity in the US in 2008 was 920 kilowatt hours. (Source: US DOE)Monthly average residential electricity bill in the US in 2008 was $103.67. (Source: US DOE)The module cost is around 30-35% of the total installed cost of a solar energy system.Three key elements in a solar cell form the basis of its manufacturing technology. The first is the semiconductor, which absorbs light and converts it into electron-hole pairs. The second is the semiconductor junction, which separates the photo-generated carriers (electrons and holes), and the third is the contacts on the front and back of the cell that allow the current to flow to the external circuit. Crystalline wafers are about 200 microns (a micron = one millionth of a meter) thick. In contrast, thin-film panels are made by vacuum depositing several layers of semi-conductor materials only a few microns thick. Silicon in its pure form (99.9999% pure for solar applications) is very expensive and makes up about 50% of the cost of crystalline panels vs. the semiconductor cost of about 2% in thin film panels. However, thin film panels are not as efficient as crystalline panels and therefore more thin film panels are required to generate the same amount of electricity. A thin film installation can take up to 40 percent more space (and land) to achieve the same total power output as a premium crystalline installation. Thank you for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician! Happy New Year!

San Francisco commits to renewable energy!

2011-11-21T09:09:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician! I found this article yesterday and thought it was a big step for San Francisco, and a great opportunity for anyone interested in working in the renewable energy will now have a chance if they want. This should create more jobs for people in the coming future so start learning!San Francisco government officials recently announced that they want their city to be powered 100% by renewable energy by 2020. This is quite a lofty goal indeed, but the announcement is not shocking for this environmentally conscious city. San Francisco and other Bay Area communities have become more focused on creating more renewable resources as the population grows. Solar energy through solar panels would provide a renewable and reliable source of energy.The city government will start accepting bids to install solar panels on the city hall and Davies Symphony Hall rooftops. They also have plans to install solar panels on other city-owned buildings as well. But their initiative doesn’t stop with city buildings. Government officials say that city buildings are only the beginning, and that by the year 2020, they would like to see the entire city powered by solar energy.The new push for solar power adoption is in line with the goals of California State renewable energy initiatives and San Francisco plans to pull their own weight. California is the 12th largest emitter of carbon in the entire world, but widespread use of solar energy in the state would reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses drastically.Thanks for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!Doug

1,000,000th kilowatt reached in California

2011-11-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!
You know that exciting moment when you watch your car's odometer turn from 99,999 to 100,000 miles? Last month, California's solar industry did something similar: it logged in the 1,000,000th kilowatt, officially hitting a gigawatt of clean, green capacity. California continues to lead the nation with its commitment to solar power.
That was cpoied out of the November California State Incentive newsletter I receive. Extra cool to have been a part of those numbers personally! I hope to learn more and more about the other renewable energies as we proceed into the new year.... Boy this year went fast.

Thanks for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!

Doug

Third Technological Evolution?

2011-10-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician! Its Monday, October 23,2011

Ever wonder if your car could just run on electricity, and as long as you could get to an outlet you could go almost anywhere? How about driving and stopping over a specified area on the road and fully charging up your electric car, truck, or public transportation bus? ITS HERE! As a matter of a fact, most of the top car manufacturers already have began creating models for exactly that. Within the next few years you will begin to see more cars, actually, vehicles of all sorts on the roads. You will also see a huge number of charging stations all around your entire city infrastructure.....
How about cell phone integration into your sun or seeing glasses? I myself am interested in the awesome lithium Ion battery technology as well as fuel cell technology. Wow! We are in for such great advances soon. I am very excited and just hope to be around to enjoy and work with them!
Which leads me to think about a current, existing, major PROBLEM!
The current electrical conducting/transportation system that provides electricity to you and your city 24/7 is quite old, and under extreme stress. EXTRA OLD conductors that are justifiably almost compromised, repaired, tapped into, re-installed, and most definitely, EXPANDED BEYOND YOUR BELIEF in the past 20-40 years!
I have tried to take a guess as to how many miles of circuitry myself working for others and Douglas Doherty Electric & Solar has installed! An awesome amount for sure, which I am really proud of. Take that plus add every other electrical and general contractor out there's accumulated approximate totals and it easy to see whats up.
Solar and other renewable energies have also been a huge part of the complete electrical structure. REMEMBER, all grid tied solar and renewable energy systems are ADDED to the existing complete electrical grid! All electrical needs run through those overhead wires, from a source to every single needed outlet, light, or electrical device.....
2012 will be quite a year for energy and how humans control it in a much more compassionate, reasonable and extremely innovative way. It just has to. I really do not to write about the otherwise.....
In conclusion, for today, I leave you with these thoughts of our immediate future, and hope you are SPARKED into coming up with the next revolutionary idea! Do it

Thank you again for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Hold your drill with two hands

2011-10-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician! Happy Monday to everyone. So last week I needed to get a few wires through the bottom plate or mud sill of a residence. I began drilling and just didn't quite have the right body positioning so I stopped to reposition. Once I had my body in the right position I began drilling again. Once the motor kicked in it torqued the drill and it twisted in my hands, hitting my eye and cheek bone... Bummer. I had all my force against the drill in a forward position and not so much in the side to side. Man that got me good! I stayed in the same spot and finished drilling through and made sure it was adequate. Once my partner saw my face and the blood he asked if I was OK, I went inside to clean up real quick. A day later I had a sore black eye.
So, my fellow friends who intend on drilling with your own drill motors, please remember to use two hands and don't put your face near the motor... Good advise!
Till next time, thank you for stopping by!

Doug
Ask Doug The Electrician!

Hope

2011-08-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician! I have had the unfortunate privilege of having the last two weeks off of work, so I have also been a little worried. This year has been very tough for everyone who I have spoken to, and it seems that most of the contracting business owners that I know have been hit about as hard as myself. I have never been in this position for so long, and hope something changes very soon.

I will keep on looking out for others, and hopefully something comes in for us too. Have a great weekend all!
Doug
Ask Doug The Electrician!

Great Day Walking In San Francisco

2011-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!
I had a great day in San Francisco this past Monday June 13, 2011. The weather was perfect there, I was waiting for a city inspection around 1pm, but I got there a little early. I think I parked in my usual NO PARKING zone about 8:50am, and took off walking. I had an awesome "everything" bagel with cream cheese and showed the employee that they could save about $28 a month if they change out all of their halogen light bulbs. We shook hands and took off walking again while enjoying the extra good bagel. I continued to walk for about another hour or so, down Polk street then back up Broadway. Man, there sure are a lot of people there! Awesome.
This picture was taken on top of a roof that I installed solar energy on just the week prior.

Thanks for reading Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Energy Conservation Code Upgrades For 2012

2011-06-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician. I'm really interested in this Residential construction in California is to be at a Zero net energy by 2020, as per the "California Efficiency Strategic Plan"
For the meantime however, a current energy upgrade will be required for 2012. Homes and buildings are to achieve energy savings of 30% higher than the 2006 code. This upgrade is the biggest single-step efficiency increase in the history of the National Electrical Code!
Homes and commercial buildings produce half of the United States greenhouse gasses and uses more than 75% of the power generated by power plants.
This code upgrade did not require congressional action, and about 500 state, county and city building and fire code officials from all around the United States voted to upgrade the code.
These changes will affect new construction and retrofits for homes, businesses, schools, churches and commercial buildings. Most of the changes impact heating and cooling loss, windows and skylights, insulation in walls, ceilings and foundations, water heating and distribution systems, and lighting efficiency.
Stocks in green building companies may be something to keep an eye on too!

Thanks for stopping by. Please feel free to ask any questions or post any comments.

Ask Doug The Electrician

Sun, Solar and Free Energy

2011-05-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!
Well since the sun has been peaking out lately, we have been busy advocating solar energy! In the last week, we have installed two small solar energy systems here in California. One was in Livermore and the other was in Milpitas. Kind of a cool thing, both projects were on the same Hayward fault line. No earthquakes though, so the days went without any shaking...
Both projects were using the same solar panels, Canadian Solar 230 watt. We installed Enphase micro inverters under each panel on the roof so the DC power is converted to A/C power immediately! This eliminates generated power loss and the need for one single large inverter is gone. Enphase micro inverters are an excellent choice if your roof experiences some shading during the day.
Two projects in one week was awesome! I hope to help out more and more people save money and begin producing their own electricity.
Thanks for reading!
Ask Doug The Electrician

Same As Cash Program

2011-04-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Friday, April 1, 2011! Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!
What a beautiful day today here in San Jose. Had to wash our truck and trailer so we look presentable tomorrow for our solar install. Yep, working on Saturday. No worries.

I would like to offer our newest financing option to homeowners called Same As Cash! 12 months no down payment and no interest after a initial ACH payment.
Email or call if you have any questions!
Thank you for reading my blog today!
Ask Doug The Electrician!

Solar Energy Systems Lower Pricing

2011-03-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician! Its March 30, 2011 and the Sun is finally out! Its actually in the upper 70's right now. Perfect California weather awaiting thousands of solar panels for electricity generation. Roof mounted systems are very common on both a main residence or a garage or barn, however, ground mounted systems and overhang/awning/carport systems are becoming popular as well. Whether you are going to tie into the utility, or want to have back-up battery supply, or just have a motor home, house boat or tent that needs power, I can help you.

I just finished up a small solar energy project yesterday in south San Francisco. I scheduled the and passed our city inspection as well, and left the customer with their utility meter spinning backwards! I had a great time installing the entire project and the customer was extra cool. My A/C conduit run was quite tricky, but turned out exactly what the customer wanted and I was satisfied as well.

I wanted to post this update today to just remind people about pricing for complete solar energy systems as well as single item purchases. I have gathered up a few suppliers of solar energy products around the United States with the absolute best pricing available, including delivery to your project. These suppliers stock the most optimum, latest technologically advanced equipment that produces what they say claim, and have the best warranty's available. I install mostly within the northern California region, including Santa Rosa and Napa down to Monterey. I will absolutely travel throughout California as well, but will charge for travel. Simply put, if you are interested in renewable energy or know someone who is, I would love to help out!
Rebates are going to change drastically at the end of this year and there is no indication of another comparable system yet so you may want to jump in!

Thank you for reading Ask Doug The Electrician!

Look what I can do! 2011 Service Menu

2011-01-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician! Happy new year to everyone. I hope that this year brings better opportunities to all. I definitely like hearing about how good business's are doing rather then seeing closed doors and empty parking lots. Working together and referring fellow small business friends and services you have used or know about will be greatly appreciated this year I'm sure. I have just attended a local small business referral group meeting last Thursday and have been since invited to join the group as a member. It will be a great part of our business this year, as I have already made a connection with a few of the members regarding my services.

SO, this year I am focusing on certain tactics to better both myself as well as build a more outstanding company. I am also continuing our charity work for those in need, and will search for other places my help can make a difference.

Now, with this opportunistic attitude I have written down most all of the services that I can provide. Writing these services down, I see that there are quite a lot but there are actual quite a few more. For the meantime, I'll leave out the technical service's. If you know anyone who needs any of these types of services, feel free to email or call for scheduling. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day.

We are a full service electrical and renewable energy solutions contracting business. Consultation, design/lighting design, plan engineering services, city permitting and planning services, service call troubleshooting, remodel specialists, main electrical service upgrade specialists, electrical code compliant home auditing services, home energy efficiency audit services, home or business gas/propane/natural gas/diesel powered alternate generation systems complete installations, complete photovoltaic/solar installations including all required rebate and incentive paperwork, solar/wind turbine/fuel cell supply's and accessories including outdoor camping power packages and full pallet solar panels, and of course an electrician you can ALWAYS call on even if its just a question!

Thank you for visiting Ask Doug The Electrician! [|B }~

Photovoltaic, PV, Solar, its all great!

2010-03-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Ask Doug The Electrician!

I was reading about photovoltaic systems today and found some interesting facts and information that you should be aware of.

Some Advantages of a Photovoltaic/Solar system:

No moving parts, minimal maintenance
Safe and simple operation
High dependability, durable and long life (30+ years)
Scalable in output, from micro-watts to millions of watts (megawatts)
Silent operation
Maximum output coincident with peak utility power loads (summer time)
No emissions, no pollution
Portable, easy and fast to install anywhere
Available everywhere there is sunlight.
Ability to integrate attractively into existing and new buildings

The U.S. electricity demand was almost 4 trillion at watts (4 Terawatts or TW) and is growing at approximately 1.7% per year. Current projections place demand somewhere between 11 TW and 18 TW by 2050.
Thanks again for checking out Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Surge Protectors

2010-03-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hello again from Ask Doug The Electrician! I just worked on a project where we needed to install a dedicated circuit with an isolated ground for a home office. I though this info may help clear up a couple of grounding questions... Or, it could stir up a few more! No worries, let me know and I'll answer you with more info than you need!

A "proper" ground must measure 120 volts from power (hot) to ground, no less. Or, a ground impedance of less than one Ohm. 25 ohms or less is mandatory, otherwise a second ground rod should be installed at least 6' away. A "proper" ground must measure 120 volts from power (hot) to ground, no less. Or, a ground impedance of less than one Ohm. 25 ohms or less is mandatory, otherwise a second ground rod should be installed at least 6' away.
I hope this helps a bit.
Thanks again,
Ask Doug The Electrician
Doug

New Energy Solutions From Bloom Energy

2010-02-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Ask Doug The Electrician!
Check out Bloom Energy! This is another possible way to produce energy cleanly.
Bloom Energy...A new fuel cell will promise. The system converts methane (or other hydrocarbons) into electricity by mixing it with oxygen and then passing the gas mixture through ceramic plates coated with proprietary inks at high temperatures. A U.S. patent filed in 2006 and granted to Bloom in 2009 seems to indicate "yttria stabilized zirconia". I'm not sure what this is but they are making clean energy with it.
Thanks,

Ask Doug The Electrician

The Sun and its energy on our planet

2010-01-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Ask Doug The Electrician! So here are a couple of cool facts to ponder on about energy consumption. Every six hours the sun bathes the lands of the earth in as much energy as the world consumes in a year. If we could just find a way to collect and distribute that energy our energy problems would be solved. Unfortunately, most of our energy consumption is in the places with the least sunshine.
Solar is the lowest risk technology, with the lowest probability of doing more harm than good. Another way of capturing energy from the sun is called biomass. Biomass captures and stores the suns energy for later use, like bamboo. Biomass can be converted to denser forms like coal, or wood chips and shipped to where it is needed surprisingly economically. Bamboo has been known to grow as much as 48 inches in a 24-hour period and has been observed growing 39 inches per hour for brief periods! The plants can grow to full height in 3-4 months but die naturally on a six-year cycle.
Some of the fuels possible from biomass are: Crude oil/biodiesel, LNG (biomethane), torrified wood pellets, ethanol, methanol, ammonia, wood pellets/chips, liquid hydrogen, and lithium ion batteries. There are more and more possibilities and the future will certainly be an awesome place if we continue on this great path.

Enjoy the day!
Ask Doug The Electrician!

Save Electricity

2010-01-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2010! Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!
Here's a way to start saving some precious money of yours. Its really easy, just take a look through your house and see what things you can unplug while it is not in use.
Unplug any transformers that you are not using currently, and save electricity! While you are off at work making a couple of bucks, your electricity bill continues to stack up if you leave certain things plugged in. Telephones, shavers, and other types of chargers have a transformer (the black brick), that continues to consume energy while plugged in.
Thanks again,
Doug
Ask Doug The Electrician

New Year's Eve Eve!!!

2009-12-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking out Ask Doug The Electrician!
Happy New years Eve Eve to all!!! I hope that you take the time to reflect on the past year and become wiser from it. Even though some of us have had an unusually bad year, there are others who have had it so much worse, and still need help. I have seen so many people out on the streets lately that its unreal to me. I would like to help out people when I pass by, but I actually cannot help them out with something other than a hello or a conversation.
Next year my wife and I have decided to volunteer in some ways to help out people who are in need. We are not exactly sure yet where we will be helping or how we will be helping but we will be helping in some way, the best we can.
Next year will be awesome! Especially if you think and feel that it will be.
“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things” Theodore Roosevelt

Talk to you soon,
Doug

Clean Energy

2009-12-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to Ask Doug The Electrician!

In 2002, California established its Renewable Portfolio Standard Program, with the goal of increasing the percentage of renewable energy in the state's electricity mix to 20% by 2017. 2003 Integrated Energy Policy Report recommended accelerating that goal to 20% by 2010, and the 2004 Energy Report Update further recommended increasing the target to 33 percent by 2020. The state's Energy Action Plan supported this goal.

In 2006 under Senate Bill 107, California's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) was created and codified the 20 percent goal. It is one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country. The RPS program requires electric utilities and provicders to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources by at least 1% of their retail sales annually, until they reach 20% by 2010.

On November 17, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-14-08 requiring that California utilities reach the 33% renewables goal by 2020.

Solar energy—power from the sun—is free, inexhaustible, and can be used to directly generate heat, lighting, and electricity. All the energy stored in Earth's reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas is matched by the energy from just 20 days of sunshine. Solar photovoltaic technology is one of the fastest growing energy sources worldwide.

No single solution can meet our society's future energy needs. The answer lies instead in a family of diverse energy technologies that share a common thread: they do not deplete our natural resources or destroy our environment. Renewable energy technologies tap into natural cycles and systems, turning the ever-present energy around us into usable forms.

Thanks for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Holiday Lights Installation This Year

2009-12-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to Ask Doug The Electrician!
I just wanted to let you know that we are installing holiday lights this and every year to come! We are also a distributer or ALL HOLIDAY LIGHTING now, so if you have any request's about any electrical issues, voltage issues or what types and pricing of any lighting, let me know!!!
Happy Holidays to ALL!
Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

Cool Solar Information

2009-11-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope that you are all able to have time to spend with the ones you love!
Here is some cool information that you may have not heard about.
Three key elements in a solar cell form the basis of their manufacturing technology. The first is the semiconductor, which absorbs light and converts it into electron-hole pairs. The second is the semiconductor junction, which separates the photo-generated carriers (electrons and holes), and the third is the contacts on the front and back of the cell that allow the current to flow to the external circuit. The two main categories of technology are defined by the choice of the semiconductor: either crystalline silicon in a wafer form or thin films of other materials.

Solar energy is dependent upon nuclear power. Solar Energy's nuclear power plant, though, is 93 million miles away.

An average crystalline silicon cell solar module has an efficiency of 15%, an average thin film cell solar module has an efficiency of 6%. Thin film manufacturing costs potentially are lower, though.

A Megawatt is 1,000,000 Watts; a Gigawatt is 1000 Megawatts.

The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than the world uses in a whole year.

Two billion people in the world have no access to electricity. For most of them, solar photovoltaics would be their cheapest electricity source, but they cannot afford it.

Crystalline Silicon cell technology forms about 90% of solar cell demand. The balance comes from thin film technologies.

Approximately 45% of the cost of a silicon cell solar module is driven by the cost of the silicon wafer, a further 35% is driven by the materials required to assemble the solar module.

Save Money Now! Power Save Product's in Stock!

2009-11-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Ask Doug The Electrician here! I just wanted to remind you about an immediate way to save money on your electricity bill AND increase the life expectancy of any motor driven appliance in your home or business. Our Power Save devices take about 1 hour only to install and as soon as it is turned on, its saving you electricity and money! The Power-Save unit's reduce the amount of power drawn from the utility by storing electricity otherwise lost from the motors in your home. The unit supplies this stored electricity back to your appliances, decreasing demand from the utility. Decreasing demand means less usage and lower electric bills!

Our Power-Save Solar Attic fan removes hot air from the attic keeping your home cooler while maximizing your air conditioner's efficiency. The solar powered fan draws no electricity from the utility and will cost you nothing to operate!

We also stock radiant barrier insulation. This is the insulation that is generally in you attic space helping keep the temperature in your home tolerable. In a test with standard R-19 insulation and the Power Save R-19 with radiant barrier, there is a difference of 59.3 degrees F between the two within a half hour. This difference is due to the Power-Save Radiant Barrier's ability to reflect radiant heat away from the insulation!Fiberglass re-inforced (perforated) aluminum foil insulation; Fire retardant; Reflects 95% of radiation heat Perforated aluminum foil radiant barrier to eliminating sweating; Use for attics, roof and walls ; Easily stapled into place in attic on ceiling joists or rafters, sealed with aluminum tape; Adhesion Good on clean and dry surface; No Discoloration Resistance Excellent resistance to water, water vapor, oxidation and weathering.

I hope this information helps you out! Thank you for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician! Feel free to email anytime if you have any questions or concern.
Doug

Solar Lowers Your Carbon Footprint

2009-11-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hello again from Ask Doug The Electrician! Just a quick note, by going solar, you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Each solar kilowatt hour (kWh) offsets more than a pound of carbon dioxide (CO2).

For example, by installing a 4kw PV (photovoltaic) system, the average size for a California household, you can reduce your carbon emissions equal to driving more than 12,000 miles in an average passenger car, or equal to the amount of C02 absorbed by ~1 acre of trees.

Plus, solar systems are extremely reliable, able to produce clean energy from the sun for up to 25 years! There is quite a big difference in potentially changing the way we use electricity, so feel free to look into the possibilities of helping.

See you next time, thank you!
Ask Doug The Electrician!
Doug

OUGLAS DOHERTY ELECTRIC NOW INSTALLING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE BAY AREA

2009-11-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTENTION BUSINESS EDITORS

RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR ALL BAY AREA HOMES, BUSINESSES AND VACATION HOMES
November 20, 2009
San Jose, California

Douglas Doherty Electric, a local residential niche electrician, is now providing renewable energy solutions for the local Bay Area. Recognizing the existing increasing demand for "On Grid" power supply, Douglas Doherty is taking a stand towards creating and installing innovative technology here and now, as a standard for our future.
As a dealer of renewable energy materials, Douglas is able to offer optimum products, pricing and service. To include solar panels and accessories, fuel cell's, wind turbines, home surge protection devices, electrical panels and disconnect units. All consultation's, city permitting and federal incentive paperwork, and installations are completed by Douglas himself.

Please contact Douglas Doherty at 408.499.1307 for an appointment.
doug@douglasdohertyelectric.com
DouglasDohertyElectric.com

Solar System Types

2009-11-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hello again, thanks for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!
I have been asked recently what types of Solar systems are there and which one is best for a home in the local Bay Area. By harnessing the power of the sun, wind or water, people all over the world produce their own pollution-free reliable electricity. As more families, individuals and businesses generate their own renewable electricity we will reduce pollution, provide more electricity for all to use, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and make the electricity on the grid “greener”!
So, there are basically three types of renewable energy systems. Grid tie Systems, Grid tie with battery backup systems, and Off grid systems.
Grid tied systems do not use batteries! The panels work by producing DC power during sunlight hours and converting it to AC power through an inverter. The inverter then feeds the load required by the home, before pushing the remaining AC power through a "net meter" out to the grid.
Net meters are provided by your utility company when you install the system. The net meter is a bi-directional electric meter that spins forward as usual when you are using more power in your home than you are producing with your panels (at night, for instance), and spins BACKWARD when you are producing more electricity than you are using in your home. This is how you generate credits with your utility!
A grid-tie system with battery backup feeds excess solar electricity
to the grid and provides backup power when the utility
grid is down. With this type of system you sacrifice some power
generation efficiency in exchange for having power when there
is a utility power failure. The amount of backup power you
have depends on the size of the battery and electrical loads
that draw on them.
This type of power system is independent of the utility grid. It
can use solar modules, a wind generator, a micro-hydroelectric
generator, or a combination of any or all of them to produce
your electric power. Owners of this type of system often use
a gas or diesel generator for backup when the power system
does not meet all of the needs.
I hope that this helps you understand solar systems a bit better. There are also wind powered systems, fuel cell systems, and water systems. I will discuss these with you soon!
Thanks again for checking out Ask Doug The Electrician!

Solar Tax Incentives

2009-11-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all, thanks for stopping by Ask Doug The Electrician!
Federal Tax Incentives On Residential Solar Thermal Systems Now Uncapped
The new economic stimulus plan passed by Congress, and signed by President Obama, removed the cap on residential solar hot water systems. Residential PV systems and commercial solar thermal systems now qualify for a 30% federal income tax credit with no cap. This means that customers now get the entire 30% of the cost of their system back, instead of the $2,000 limit that was previously in place.

Solar Backpacks

2009-11-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hey, its Doug The Electrician! Check out these solar charging backpacks! Come on, you cant beat just walking around and generating free electricity!!! Keep your laptop running while you are waiting for the train, or plane or automobile!
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

Save Money Now! Power Save Unit

2009-09-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All! Welcome again to Ask Doug The Electrician!

Save your money and electricity immediately! See 8% - 25% reduction on your next energy bill. PLUS provide Surge Protection for your entire electrical system for 2000 joules! What is this Doug, you ask? Its a 6" X 6" X 4" device that I can install in 45 minutes or less, start saving electricity needed for your house immediately and will pay for itself in about 6 months. I have been installing them for a couple of years now, and they work! Designed by a NASA engineer, approved by UL, the Department of Energy, and CSA certified. Its life expectancy is 60,000 hours at 95% survival!

The unit provides energy savings by reducing the amount of power drawn from your utility with the use of specially designed harmonic resistant capacitors. Power-Save 1200 systems optimize your home's power factor thus reducing the amount of energy your homes motor loads use such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, vacuum cleaners, furnace blower motors, fans, etc. Motor loads require more energy to do their work compared to other electrical equipment in your home. The Power-Save 1200's "Power Factor Optimization" significantly increases the efficiency of your motor load and stores waste energy resulting in decreased demand and usage of electricity from your utility company. This equates to significant cost savings for you, the home owner.

COMPLETE INSTALLATION WAS $825, but times are not too awesome right now.... So I’m offering my own economic stimulus and installing them for $685! Please call or email to reserve yours. Additionally, POWERSAVE guarantee’s 60 days Customer Satisfaction!

Check out these two links below. The first is a CBS news team showing an actual installation with savings results.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6545511954365181850#
http://re-new-it.com/blog/?p=40

Solar Rebates

2009-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hello from Doug The Electrician!

If you buy electricity from one of California's three investor-owned utilities (Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric), and you have roof or ground space that gets unobstructed sunlight from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. year round, you qualify for cash back incentives through the California Solar Initiative. Customers of municipal utilities also qualify for incentives through their municipal service provider.
In January 2007, the State of California launched Go Solar California, which included two new solar incentive programs, with slightly modified program requirements compared to the older programs, like the Emerging Renewables Program and the Million Solar Roofs Program. The Energy Commission provides incentives to energy efficient new home construction under the New Solar Homes Partnership. All other facilities in investor-owned utility territories receive rebates from the CPUC-administered program, the California Solar Initiative.
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) offers financial incentives for solar installations based on the expected performance of a given solar installation. The expected performance is derived from the size of the solar array, and also takes into consideration the angle and location of the system installation. For larger systems, the incentive is based on the actual performance of the system over the first five years.
Stop by again for more information!
Thank you from Doug
Ask Doug The Electrician!

We are now installing SOLAR/PHOTOVOLTAIC systems

2009-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

ASK DOUG THE ELECTRICIAN!

I am excited to be a part of the growth of self-generating power! Photovoltaic/Solar solutions are a wave of the future, and the future is definitely now. With so many options now available, and a standard 25 year warranty on panels or Modules, and up to 50% in rebates, more and more customers are inquiring about ways to get off the "Grid". Installations that are available now range from residences to commercial buildings, and even portable weekend units for camping or charging your electric car! One of the newest products that I am excited about is a Photovoltaic paint. Thats right, paint it on and hook up your DC power charging system! Awesome ideas and innovative movements towards a greener planet. Its a great time to act and help become a part of a solution to helping our planet recover!
Thank you again!
Doug ASK DOUG THE ELECTRICIAN!

Should I get City permits?

2009-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All ! Are you questioning whether or not to request/pull a permit with your city because of work at your home? Ask Doug the Electrician ! In most cases, when you are dealing with electrical circuitry or devices, it is a good idea to get a permit before you begin work. Most contractors should know that it is a requirement, depending on the scope of work you are completing. Not all work needs to have a permit, like sheet rock repairs, painting rooms or walls, patching various holes inside or out, etc. You can change all the cover plates on the switch's and outlets too. Most city's have a website to answer any questions you have about detailed information about your project. The city wants your money, period. The city of San Jose, CA., requests that you pull a permit to change out 1 outlet or switch. I personally feel that is going overboard, but, if you were to have someone change out ALL of your outlets and switch's in your home, then I would absolutely recommend pulling a permit. First of all, the city will note the improvements on you home with city records, which brings the value of your home up. Second, even though you (SHOULD ONLY) hired a licensed electrician, national electrical codes are brought into the current law often, and the city will be sure to inform the electrician of any changes that need to be made in order to comply. Main electrical panel changes, upgrades or additions, should also be permitted for the same previous reasons.
So! On your next project at home, especially if you are hiring a contractor, ask them about permits as well. If they seem like they would really rather not, or they try to convince you not to and you are not to sure, DONT HIRE THEM. They could be unlicensed and do not have the correct knowledge to correctly complete your project. Its a good idea to get a couple or even three estimates for your project, so you can basically interview each person to make sure you are comfortable FIRST! Working with someone who you can relate and communicate exactly what you are hiring them for is the best way to make yourself feel accomplished, and satisfy your projects need the way YOU WANT IT!
Thanks again, please reply if you have any questions or concerns!
Doug The Electrician !

Save Electricity With Dimmers!

2009-08-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dimmer switch's are a great and easy way to generate ambient light, and they can instantly start saving you money on your electricity consumption and bill. A low cost dimmer switch generally runs in between $18 and $35. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING CHEAPER! And, as a rule, I only purchase name brand devices such as Lutron, Hubbell, Leviton, Legrand or Watt Stopper. I have actually seen a $10 dimmer switch installed in the wall, catch on fire. It was at a friends home, who ordered it online.... We were both fortunate enough to be there to both witness and save the event from a catastrophe. The UL listing on every device you buy should also be apparent on the packaging.
Dimmer switch's come with an awesome variety of functions, including pre-programmed functions and remote dimming. There are "green" type dimmers now from Lutron that have an indicator light that shows you when you are saving at least 15% as compared to a "full on" setting. Most all dimmer types are available in 3 way, 4 way and so on, so you can install them in hallways or larger rooms with more than one entry. Remote dimmers, and IR ( Infrared )are becoming more popular because of their mobile capability's.
A typical residential single-location 600W dimmer ranges from
$18 for standard dimmers to $65 for advanced dimmers. This investment can be easily recouped by substantial energy savings that result from using the dimmer. Here’s how:

1. Average residential dimmer load = 300 watts
2. Average energy savings while dimmer is in use = 20%
3. Average daily residential dimmer use = 3 hours
4. Total electricity savings = decrease in load (300 watts x 20%) x hours used (3
hrs/day x 365 days) = 65.7kWh / year
5. Average cost of residential electricity = $0.112 per kWh
6. Average annual cost savings = 65.7 kWh/year x $0.112/kWh= $7.36/ year, per dimmer installed.

Dimmers are generally designed to last about 10 years. With that in mind, you can potentially save $73.60 in the 10 years of use X each dimmer in your home. The more you dim, the more you save
Dimmers operated for longer periods of time, at dimming levels greater than 20%, save
even more electricity and money. For example, here’s what happens when you dim a
light by 50% for 5 hours/day:
1. Annual electricity savings = decrease in load (300 watts x 50%) x hours used (5
hs/day x 365 days) = 270kWh/yr
2. Annual cost savings = 270kWh/yr x $0.112/kWh = $30.24/ a year. In this case, a single residential dimmer saves $30.24/year. This would reduce this
payback period for an average dimmer (at $16) to less than seven months. These calculations are available on Lutron's website at www.lutron.com/CMS400/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2251799813685312

Thanks for reading! Talk next time,
Doug
Ask Doug the electrician!

Ask Douglas Doherty Electric! Logo

2009-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Work Completed!

2009-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Changing cover plates in your house

2009-08-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hi ! Its Doug... Does anyone have dirty yucky cover plates on their switch's or outlet's? It happens! Generally you can spray a cloth or paper towel with an antibacterial 409 type of cleaner, then wipe away the gunft and grime! If the plates are an older type or painted, chipped, cracked, wallpapered,etc. then changing them an is easy task. You only need one small flathead screwdriver, thin and tight (examination type) rubber gloves, and the new plates! Be sure to try to use a smaller flathead screwdriver because the cover plate screws have a small slot on them. You don't want to strip the screw, they are sometimes easy to do that with a larger screwdriver.
So here's your first step in replacing the cover plates in your home :

1. Put on your rubber gloves. If you don't, you will get the grime from touching the old plates on your wall. It always happens. So, now take one switch plate completely off, generally two small screws on top and bottom. Then take one outlet plate completely off, which is generally one screw in the middle. Take off your gloves, you definitely don't want to go to the store wearing them.
2. Take those plates to the supply store that your new plates await, and be sure to match the switch and outlet types with the new. This way you will avoid any unnecessary trips back and forth.
3. Once you are ready to install the new plates, lay them out at each of their new locations on the floor below. Be sure to open each cover plate package individually, at each switch or outlet. This way, if you drop the small screws out of the package, you can retrieve them because you are PAYING ATTENTION. Easy, huh?
4. Place the new plate on the wall with one hand, and set in the first small screw with the other. I usually have my screwdriver in my tool bags, but a close pocket works great for quick reaching! So, grab your driver and set/screw in the screw just until it gets slightly snug. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN! The plate could break, so be easy. I usually set the screw/screws to face straight up and down, so it gives a professional look!
5. If the plate is not exactly straight, you can sometimes gently place the screwdriver at either top or bottom of the edge of the plate, and give a slight bump on the end of the driver to move the plate. Sometimes you need to bump a little tougher to move it into a straight position, but don't try too hard. If it does not move at all, then leave it alone. Your electrician will need to take a look at it and probably straighten up the circuitry behind the device. No worries, at least you have a nice new plate!
THATS IT! If you are not too certain about touching the switch's or outlets because of the electricity, you can always ask a friend to help. YOU KNOW HOW NOW THOUGH, so thats cool.

Thanks for reading, and please stay tuned for more electrical fun!

Doug the electrician!

Troubleshooting today - Friday August 7, 2009

2009-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! This week I completed a full kitchen remodel, which included all new circuitry and LED recessed lighting. We also are installing electronic ballast under cabinet lighting, which will be on a separate switch. This project is unique because we are installing plug molding made by TASK lighting. The Customer is installing a full backsplash with glass and tile, so they did not want to see the outlets and cover plates. Awesome idea, and it turns out really well. I will review the fixtures once I install them next week. We passed our city inspection and there are no code issues, so the Customer has a crew of sheet rockers to button up the walls, and tape and texture!
Our project today involved a existing junction box in the kitchen that was buried behind the sheet rock. We discovered it while working this week. The Customer did not want it there, so we had to figure a way to eliminate it. So.... We cut a bit more sheet rock open to trace our circuits and take off the stapling. Lucky! The buried junction box was an older switch box for the front entry lighting, and we were able to redirect our circuitry into the entry lighting box. Which is where the circuits belonged in the first place. NEVER bury circuitry in the walls. There in always a solution!
Thanks!
Doug the electrician!

Welcome to Ask Doug The ELectrician's Blog!

2009-08-06T23:37:00.000-07:00

Hello to all! Thanks for checking out my blog. I'm new to this, but not new to electrical talk! Most of my jobs involve informing the Customer of the work done at their home or business. That way They feel comfortable about my work, and I do as well. Please feel free to ask me any questions about your electrical system or its components in your home or business. I have been in the construction industry for over 12 years, and I have been lucky to have learned a great deal about the different construction trades and their practices. I have been in the electrical industry since 2000, and I almost wonder what would have happened if I would have got into it much sooner... Wow! I like that thought! Anyway, please feel free to ask any question you may have and If I do not know the answer right off, I WILL FIND IT! I always tell my Customers to please feel free to ask me any question about anything electrical, because I'll get them an answer.

Thanks!!!

Doug The Electrician!