I always try to promote greener options, and I think finally the world is coming around to the same decision. Solar panels are something my partner and I have discussed at length, and we intend to invest in them over the next few years. Whenever something becomes very popular, the price goes down and it generally becomes more user-friendly, so when I saw the title of this guest post, I was already interested in hosting it... bearing in mind the recent rapid price increases in gas and power bills, solar power becomes even more of a sensible idea... 

Why The Solar Panels Industry Is Thriving

Home solar systems are so popular that they don't need to be introduced any more. Their popularity has various reasons. Not only is it an Earth-conscious route, but it's saving thousands of people thousands of dollars (or pounds if you are in the UK).
Citizens of the world are tired of yearly increases and bills getting higher by the day. This is a way to start being self-sufficient and save money you can utilise elsewhere.
If you want to get started or are considering it, this article is meant for you. Here you will find top advice and aspects to look out for.

How do I utilise solar systems?

The first thing to consider is the size of your roof. The larger the space on the roof is, the heftier your bill will be. A bigger house will cost more to keep up and running via a solar system.

Your roof will also have to be tough enough to hold up all the panels you need. Ensure there are no leaks, cracks, or mould before starting the procedure. 

Search for distributors/fitters. For example if you’re living in San Diego, scan the internet for 'reliable solar panel companies near me', and analyse a few of the highest-rated solar company in San Diego county. Ask as many questions as you can and run an interviewing phase to make sure you hire the perfect company. 

Your weather conditions will also play a significant role, so make sure the corporation you hire is local and has good credibility.

Using your system to maximum capacity

You need to be sure your house will be your home for the foreseeable future. You don't want to invest in a house that might not be the best option a few years from now. Even though solar panels can be moved and installed elsewhere, keeping a certain solar system for a certain environment is advisable. This is because the system will be personalised for the current environment, roof area, and electricity demand.

You want as much sunlight on your roof as possible. Knowing this, you can start clearing big trees or other obstacles that might be in the way of your sunbeams.

Let's talk about expenses 

Once you calculate the amount of money you will spend on electricity bills for the next ten years, you will understand how solar panels are more efficient economically. It is a big amount to spend initially, but this one-off payment will buy a portion of your financial freedom. 

The company you decide to hire will help you determine how much you can save by installing the solar system. Most businesses have breakdowns and remarkably thorough ways to explain how big of an investment solar panels for your home are.

To conclude 

If you are still wondering if solar systems are the right way to go, don't rush into a decision. Do extensive research to comprehend the whole picture before taking any steps. Numerous citizens start up a savings account to conserve funds, mainly installing a solar system. The sooner you get it done, the more you will save, but this doesn't mean you should rush. You need to be ready and financially stable enough to start the process.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 12th / 13th March 2022

The UK do NOT currently update daily statistics at weekends. See Friday for latest stats.

World: 457,613,472 reported cases and 6,064,493 losses of life.

There is very little 'COVID news' today, which is also good news for my family, who will be having an early tea... (well, earlier than usual on a Sunday... )

The UK's schools inspectorate OFSTED are unhappy about the effect COVID has had on home/school relationships. They believe that it has "fractured the social contract between parents and schools" (chief inspector Amanda Spielman in The Guardian yesterday).
Compared to pre-pandemic, parents and carers are currently more likely to allow their children to stay at home, or take them out of school for holidays in term time.
I think Amanda is fretting a bit early there. Parents and children (in fact all people) have spent 2 years being a bit scared and out of control of our own lives, and it's only natural it'll take some of us a while to get back into a regular rhythm. Some people never will, but for most, including those who have been bereaved, there will be a broader return to pre-pandemic 'normal' when people are ready.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 9th / 10th / 11th March 2022

UK Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: 399,820 (average 59,117 per day)
In hospital yesterday 10th March: 11,944 (UP A LOT from 10,510 a week earlier.)
Using a ventilator yesterday 10th March: 253 (Steadily DOWN from 264 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 730 (average 104 per day)
Tests last 7 days: 4,553,814 (average 650,544 per day)
Losses of life total: 162,738 within 28 days of a positive test
People with COVID as a cause on their death certificate up to Friday 25th February: 184,458

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,341,826 (+9,125) cases and 6,611 (+21) losses of life.

World: 454,447,651 reported cases and 6,054,087 losses of life.

It is 2 years today since the World Health Organisation said the word we'd all been waiting for - "Pandemic". Since then over 6 million people have officially died directly due to the effects of COVID infection.

Though we all wish that we could always protect our children and shelter them from the world, the truth is that they will need to go out on their own at some point. Though all parents worry as their children gain independence, you will have little to worry about if you teach them resilience.

Resilience is crucial for your child’s ability to overcome adversity and work hard until they see success. Read on to learn more about resilience and what you can do to build it up in your children, in this post from Maria Miguel, author and researcher for the library of FREE advice and support at Better Health. 

 

What is Resilience and What Does It Look Like? 

Resilience is the ability to bounce back during or after challenging times. It is what helps us keep going after a failure or major setback. Without resilience, we give up as soon as things become tough, making it impossible to achieve our goals or keep moving forward.

Our Visit Derby review trip in February took us a little out of the city centre on the Saturday afternoon, but not far. 20 minutes drive North of Derby on the A6 (just past Ambergate), is the old wire works site nestling on the river Derwent. This is now the White Peak Distillery, and we joined them for a Distillery Tour and Gin Tasting... 

Originally an iron forge until 1876, the wire works became a major local employer, manufacturing heavy duty cabling and wire right up until the mid 1990's. The White Peak Distillery have now taken some of the buildings on, and it is the ideal spot to create some very interesting spirits. 

I've been to breweries before, but never a distillery, and this is a very young one, so the first thing I noticed was how spotlessly clean it all was! A mere 2 days before we arrived, the very first batch of 3 year aged Wire Works single malt Whisky had gone on sale and immediately sold out, so there was a real buzz of excitement, and well-placed pride. 

It’s normal to want to be a part of your child’s academic life so you can help them excel. However, you can’t be there for every moment, including test days. With exam season coming up, stress levels will rise, so here is a helpful post from Marie Miguel, researcher and health writer at Better Help - where you can find a whole library of FREE advice to support your children's mental health. 

Though you can’t help them during the test, there are some things you can do to help them prepare. Read on for some test prep tips that will help your kids excel. And when you’re finished reading this article, head over to BetterHelp to get more advice on tests and other parenting subjects. 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 7th / 8th March 2022

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: +322,917 (average 46,131 per day)
Tests last 7 days: 4,392,544 (average 627,506 per day)
Tests / Cases means 1 in every 13 is positive.
(That's really high. World Health Organisation say anything greater than 1 in 20 means you aren't catching them all.)
In hospital yesterday Monday 7th March: 11,318 (UP from 10,551 eight days earlier - that's a BIG jump of almost 100 a day)
Using A Ventilator yesterday Monday 7th March: 268 (DOWN from 290 a week earlier)
Losses of life last 7 days: 729 (average 104 per day)
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 52,677,564 (91.6% of UK aged 12+)
Vaccinations 2nd Dose: 49,120,352 (85.4%)
Boosted / 3rd Dose: 38,396,473 (66.8%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,326,946 (+4,355) cases and 6,571 (+1) losses of life.

World: 448,780,890 reported cases and 6,030,409 losses of life.

"Thanks to all the women have made an outstanding contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic response. In 2021/2022 women represented 46% of SAGE participants, giving invaluable advice in their work as epidemiologists, social scientists, engineers and much more."
Sir Patrick Vallance, UK Chief Scientific Advisor.
Women also made up a large percentage of indieSAGE (a lot of people speak on both the UK Government official advisory panels AND the unofficial advisory panels). 

The number of people who have officially died from COVID worldwide has now passed 6 million. The true figure is likely to be somewhere between 14 and 23 million. 

"Today the outflow of refugees from Ukraine reaches two million people.
Two million."
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Weekend Update 5th / 6th March 2022

World: 445,921,999 reported cases and 6,017,821 losses of life.

"Sorry, but we can't stay silent on this one, it's just far too cynical. What Russia is doing in Ukraine is slaughtering innocent children, women and men for its own gain. It's definitely not "fighting Nazism". Shame on anyone who's falling for this. (Sadly, we're kinda experts on Nazism.)"
The German Embassy in South Africa.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford announced on Friday that Wales will end all Covid restrictions and free PCR testing from March 28th.
Although mask wearing and self-isolating will no longer be legal requirements, people are advised to continue.
Free lateral flow tests will no longer be available from the end of June, when contact tracing will end, and self-isolation advice will change.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 2nd / 3rd / 4th February 2022

UK Daily Statistics:
Cases last 7 days: +255,864 (average 36,552 per day)
In hospital yesterday Thursday 3rd March: 10,510
Using a ventilator 3rd March: 264
Losses of life last 7 days: +710 (daily average 101. Total 162,008)
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 52,654,053 (91.6% of age 12+)
Vaccinations 2nd Dose: 49,061,567 (85.3%)
Boosted / 3rd Dose: 38,311,827 (66.6%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,315,100 (+3,995) cases and 6,531 (+4) losses of life.

World: 442,971,521 reported cases and 6,004,789 losses of life.

“Nobody believed in the modern world a human being could behave like a beast.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky speaking in person to journalist Trey Yingst yesterday.

Guess what I've got?
I'll give you a clue. It starts with a positive test and in most cases ends with a week on the sofa watching videos and feeling rough. Booo...
Couldn't roll that dice any longer and the inevitable has occurred. I lasted over 2 years talking about COVID before I got to try it, which I think is pretty good going for saying I live in Greater Manchester with 3 kids of various ages. I'm going for "would not recommend". I feel like I've been hit by a bus, everything hurts, so I think you'll spot the stories I wrote up before I got ill, and the other bits that are mostly headlines and soundbites... 

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News Update 28th February / 1st March 2022

UK Statistics:
Cases over the last 7 days: 231,973
Cases total: 18,985,568
In hospital Sunday 27th Feb: 10,551
Using a ventilator Monday 28th Feb: 290
Losses of life over the last 7 days: 741
Losses of life total: 161,630
Vaccinations 1st Dose: 52,634,448 (91.5% of UK aged 12+)
Vaccinations 2nd Dose: 49,014,524 (85.2%)
Boosted / 3rd doses: 38,235,339 (66.5%)

Rep. Of Ireland: 1,303,720 (+3,298) cases and 6,508 (+11) losses of life.

World: 437,846,432 reported cases and 5,978,646 losses of life.

Happy St David's Day Welsh people! You no longer have to wear a face covering in most indoor places, including cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms.
Face coverings are still a legal requirement for adults and children aged 11+  in all retail settings, on public transport and in health and care settings.

From 1 March 2022, multiple infection episodes are included in cases for Scotland:
- cases include both new infections and possible reinfections
- deaths following possible reinfection are reported
- cases by specimen date and deaths by date of death have been revised back to the beginning of the pandemic
- historical cases and deaths by report date have not been revised, so there has been a step increase in the cumulative number of cases of around 60,000 and in the number of deaths of 75