Radiant Barrier
Heat only flows when there is a difference in temperature and it always flows from the higher temperature to the lower temperature level. (Heat loss in winter, heat gain in summer)
IS HeatBloc-75 PERMEABLE TO WATER?
Yes! HeatBloc-75 allows water vapor to permeate, and does not trap water vapor within roof decks or sidewalls. This is vitally important in attic conditions.
CAN HeatBloc-75 BE USED ON SIDEWALLS?
Yes, but HeatBloc-75 is normally more effective when used under roofs. Roof surfaces are generally much hotter than sidewalls. Up to 80% of the summer heat gain is from above. Low e surfaces become more effective in controlling radiant heat transfer as the temperature of the radiant heat source increases. However, in tropical climates where no insulation is used in sidewalls, HeatBloc-75 can substantially help increase interior comfort levels.
CAN HeatBloc-75 BE USED IN VENT-SKIN CONSTRUCTION?
Yes. In vent-skin roofs HeatBloc-75 should be applied on the underside of the outer roof skin facing down into the vent channel. On vent-skin sidewalls HeatBloc-75 should be applied on the inside of the outer skin facing into the vent channel.
CAN HeatBloc-75 BE USED WITH RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS?
Yes. It is an effective heat reflector when used behind wood stoves or on walls adjacent to ceiling mounted radiant heaters in commercial applications.
IS ATTIC VENTILATION IMPORTANT?
Absolutely! Radiant barriers only control radiant heat loads. Good attic ventilation helps control convection loads. Together they raise the comfort levels and lower cooling costs. Venting to allow 2.5 air changes per hour should be specified as a minimum.
DO RADIANT BARRIERS HAVE AN "R" VALUE?
No. R-values apply only to solid insulation or to insulating systems that control heat flows other than radiation. In independent testing of the product at the University of Kansas, the R-value of the insulation, after applying HeatBloc-75 to the roof deck, increased by 87% to 98%.
Solar Panels
Solar electricity works exactly the same as the electricity you buy from the utility company. You turn on lights, plug in lamps and power appliances the same way you do right now. In fact, if you didn't see solar modules on the roof, you'd never notice any difference-except a lower electric bill.
Relax, It's Easier Than You Think
While the science of converting sunshine into electricity is complex, the idea is pretty simple. Solar electricity is generated by a group of solar modules that are installed on your roof or in your yard. When sunlight falls on the solar modules, a DC electrical current is created instantly. The DC electricity is fed into an inverter that changes it to standard AC electricity - the same kind your home already uses.
Solar Power Is Highly ReliableSolar electricity has been in use for more than 50 years and is proven to be highly dependable. Unlike other methods used to generate electricity, solar doesn't rely on moving parts that can wear out. Our modules come with a 25-year limited warranty on power output, and some systems installed more than 40 years ago are still performing.
Little Maintenance Is RequiredOccasionally, a solar panel should be rinsed off with a hose to clear the dust or debris that blocks sunlight and
reduces efficiency. That's about all that's required.
Now signed into law, the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides billions in investments to increase the use of solar energy, promote energy
efficiency, improve financing options and remove market barriers.
This legislation provides powerful investments to accelerate the U.S. towards a sustainable energy economy.
Key provisions of this legislation include:- Solar and energy efficient improvements for federal buildings
- Solar water heating incentives, removing the $2,000 cap on the 30% personal tax credit (excludes pools and hot tubs)
- Green-collar job training programs
- Ending the state and municipal 'subsidized financing penalty'
- Smart grid investments
- Expanding research and development programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency
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