How The Blazing Hot Summer Sun Can Keep You Cool

It’s 34 degrees outside the sun is beating down fiercely and you can feel your skin starting to burn after just a couple of minutes exposure.

So how can this hot, hot summer sun actually keep you cool?

You can be cool and comfortable by running your air-conditioner on solar power!

Air-conditioning is an ideal appliance for solar power because you are using your electricity as you make it, right when you need it the most.

With solar panels on your roof you can use your own power as you make it and run your air conditioning so you can remain cool and comfortable during even the hottest days.

In fact the hotter it gets the more power you make and the cooler you can be!

Your solar panel system is set up so that the solar power is used first and power from the grid is only used when there isn’t enough solar power available.

It makes good sense to use your own power first and effectively get paid 15.197 cents per kw hour, rather than try to build up credits at a measly 5.5 cents per kw hour of the current feed-in tariff.

You will be 3 times better off by using your own power than you would selling it back to the grid.

Solar power still works well, however these days, the lower feed-in tariffs means it takes longer to build up credits by selling your excess power back to the grid.

Despite the low feed in tariff, solar power is still a great investment. Any power you make and use yourself is power you don’t have to pay for.

Payback times are longer with the lower tariff, but you will still be better off with a solar system on the roof.

There are also finance options for those wanting to go solar without having to pay the full installation cost up front.

Phone us to find out more about how the sun can keep you cool.

Frequently asked questions

Can lightning damage my home even without a direct strike?

Yes. Your home can still be damaged even if lightning does not strike the building directly. A nearby strike can send energy through electrical wiring, plumbing, power lines, or the ground, which may damage your switchboard, appliances, and internal electrical systems.

How does lightning enter a house?

Lightning can enter a house through several pathways, including electrical wiring, switchboards, plumbing, phone and data lines, antenna cables, and ground current. This is why homes can be affected by nearby strikes as well as direct ones.

What happens when lightning strikes near your home?

When lightning strikes nearby, it can create dangerous power surges, trip circuits, damage appliances, affect your switchboard, and in some cases start electrical fires. Some damage is immediate, while other faults may remain hidden until later.

Can lightning really damage my computer, TV or appliances even if it doesn’t strike my house directly?

Yes, an indirect lightning strike, for example to nearby power lines, ground, or trees, can send powerful surges through wiring, data lines, or plumbing into your home and damage electronics. If a storm is approaching or thunder is heard, unplug non-essential devices immediately.

Is it safe to shower, wash dishes or use water during a thunderstorm?

No, plumbing and water conduct electricity, so using water during a storm is risky. Avoid showers, baths, sinks, washing machines, or other plumbing-connected appliances whenever there is thunder or lightning.

Are surge protectors enough to protect my home and devices from lightning?

Not necessarily. Surge protectors help with ordinary surges, but they are typically insufficient against the massive energy of a nearby or direct lightning strike. For better protection, consider grounding, whole-home surge arresters, or a full lightning protection system.

If lightning strikes nearby, but not my house, could my home still be at risk?

Yes. Ground current, soil conduction, or nearby strikes can transmit dangerous current through plumbing, wiring, or foundations, even when your home was not directly hit. Treat any thunderstorm seriously, unplug devices and avoid water or conductive contact until the storm passes.

Is it safe to use cordless or mobile phones during a thunderstorm?

Yes, as long as the phone is not plugged in or wired to the home’s electrical or phone system. Avoid using corded landline phones during storms.

How far away can lightning still be dangerous?

Lightning can still be dangerous even when the storm does not seem directly overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be at risk and should move to proper shelter immediately.

Can lightning cause a house fire?

Yes. Lightning can overload wiring, damage switchboards, and ignite building materials, especially in homes with older electrical systems or inadequate surge protection.

Do I need lightning protection for my home?

Not every home needs a full lightning rod system, but many homes benefit from proper grounding, whole-home surge protection, and an up-to-date switchboard. A licensed electrician can assess your level of risk and recommend the most suitable protection.