In a 2022 poll, 40% of U.S. homeowners said they seriously considered installing solar panels in the past year. In the same survey, 8% said they’ve already done so.

Now that the 30% federal solar tax credit is back, those figures will likely grow further. That should be a good enough incentive for you to consider becoming a green energy user yourself.

With that said, you’re likely asking, “How do I even choose solar installation companies near me?”

Don’t worry, as this guide contains all the answers you need. So, read on to discover the steps in selecting a reputable solar installer.

Search “NABCEP Solar Installation Companies Near Me” Online

NABCEP is the acronym for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. It’s a well-established nonprofit organization offering accreditation and certification for renewable energy experts. It’s the gold standard for high-quality installations in the U.S., Canada, and worldwide.

A solar company or installer can only get NABCEP-certified if they pass an exam. This test checks their skills, knowledge, and qualifications to install solar energy systems.

Once certified, NABCEP solar energy professionals must undergo continuing education. Otherwise, they won’t be able to maintain their NABCEP certification and credentials.

As a solar consumer, you can look at NABCEP certification as proof of competency. For the same reason, you should only look for and hire a solar installer with this certification. After all, it’s a sign you’re dealing with a competent professional.

Verify NABCEP Certification Status

After searching for NABCEP-certified solar companies, visit their websites. Check their “About Us” or “Contact Us” page for their NABCEP certification number. So long as they’re genuine NABCEP members, they should publish this info on their sites.

You can then check the company’s certification status using the NABCEP Professional Directory. This has a lookup tool in which you can enter a certification number. Once you hit search, it should display the name of the certificate’s owner and a link to reviews.

If the certification number doesn’t provide any result, it may be either fake or inactive. In this case, take your business elsewhere.

Read Legitimate Reviews

Emphasis on legitimate, as the internet is full of fake and deceptive reviews. Indeed, according to statistics, over 8 in 10 polled consumers said they’d read a fake one.

Fake online reviews are often short and vague, such as “Great service!” or “Awesome staff, I recommend them.”

By contrast, genuine reviews are long and detailed. They also often include the good and the bad. Others may have no complaints, but they may still be honest if they explain each positive point in detail.

Either way, look for specific details, like the sales process, proposals, and permits. Also, pay attention to comments about timeliness, work ethics, and support after installation.

Honest reviews also detail problems that may have occurred. That shouldn’t be a problem, though, as long as the company fixed the issues. However, if the negative reviews outnumber the positive ones, take that as a red flag.

Check Each Solar Company’s License Validity

After reading reviews, you’ve likely trimmed your list to about three companies. The next step is to check their state-required licenses.

Depending on the state, installers and companies must get a solar contractor’s license. An example is Connecticut, with four different solar trade licenses. The CT government site has a license lookup tool for verifying license statuses.

In other states, solar installers must carry a general electrical license. They also need a contractor’s license and a business license.

Verify all licenses since this often signals a company’s insurance status. After all, most states require licensing applicants to present proof of insurance. This includes general and professional liability coverage.

Without insurance, states don’t grant licenses.

If you make the mistake of hiring an uninsured installer, you may face liabilities. For example, if they cause damage to your roof, you may have to pay out of pocket to repair it.

Confirm Your Prospects Offer Free Assessments

Installing home solar panels can result in savings of up to $50,000 over the life of a system. However, this still depends on the type, the quality, and the number of panels installed. Their installation location also affects their output and how much they can save you.

Because of such variables, reputable solar installation companies must conduct an on-site assessment. They do this to determine your eligibility to go solar, such as if your home gets enough sunlight. Fortunately, the best solar installer offers this service for free.

Don’t agree to a paid on-site assessment; instead, take that as a sign you may be dealing with a scam.

On the day of your assessment, gauge each company’s professionalism. For example, even though they don’t charge for it, they must still arrive on time. If they’re late, it signals poor work ethics that may extend to their installation process.

Also, pay attention to the assessors’ equipment. They should wear personal protective gear, for starters. If they go up your roof without safety harnesses, that’s a bad sign.

Throughout the day, the company’s staff should explain the steps. For instance, they’ll tell you they need to inspect your roof to see if it can support the panels. They may also give you to option to get a ground-mounted system if your roof isn’t an ideal location.

Time to Look for Solar Installers Near You

Remember: NABCEP certification is one of the most vital factors to look for in a solar installer. So when you do an online search, use the key phrase “NABCEP solar installation companies near me.” This can help trim your search and point you to competent installers.

From there, check their certification and licensure. Then, read reviews and book assessments only with firms offering them for free. After this, you can decide which company is right for you.

For more informative content like this, please browse the rest of our blog!

In classical eras of film, there commonly existed a disconnect between the different regions of the world. The reasons for this disparity could be technical and cultural, but the outcome was the same. Asian cinema of the past was often relegated to international underappreciation. Today, this is no longer the case, with Parasite featuring heavily in the news when it won the Best Picture Oscar for example, and the future looks to carry this new standard as a permanent fixture in the filmmaking world. Looking at the technical side of this equation, we want to explore how systems and devices facilitated the age of cooperation and guaranteed a tighter bond going forward.

Production Streamlined

In an analog world, making changes to films could be a time-consuming and specialized task. Having to rely on dedicated and expensive machines could be problematic, where bottlenecks and inexperience could add complications to what could otherwise be a basic task. One of the most relevant examples of this difficulty came from the now-simple act of adding subtitles.

In older films, subtitles were used as a replacement for dubbing entire audio mixes in different languages, an even more costly pursuit. Early systems borrowed from the intertitles of soundless films, but since they were added after production was complete, they required a new printing of movies with extra elements added on top. Any mistakes here, in either translation or the printing process, could often not be fixed.

“subtitleeditor” (CC BY 2.0) by xmodulo

Today, the creation of subtitles is easy with programs like Subtitle Edit or Jubler Subtitle Editor. These are free to use, and overlay the finished result over a film rather than baking it into film media. This means no recoding, no potential for loss of quality, and a simple way to fix mistakes. While the evolution of how subtitles work is just one part of the growing worldwide reach of Asian media, the rise of even amateur groups accomplishing this task show just how far this side of the industry has come.

Means of Delivery

On the other side of the equation is the greater ease of reach. In simple terms, the easier a form of entertainment is to access, the more people will engage, and this is a concept as old as time. Blackjack, for example, spread across the world in part because of how easy it was to play with just a pack of cards. This extended into the digital world with online casinos, and the ease of access to the blackjack strategy side of play further aided player adoption. Whether learning the rules or following Michael Shackleford’s famous advice, the doors are open.

In Asian cinema, it was the internet and streaming services that served to introduce the worldwide environment to what they’d otherwise miss. Whether looking on Netflix and Hulu for official and still licensed films or elsewhere for lost older movies, not having to visit small niche markets to find something new meant millions of new potential viewers.

“netflix tv” (CC BY 2.0) by stockcatalog

With fewer barriers to entry for films and easier viewing for audiences, technology has led to an era of unprecedented international access. This access has helped grow audience appreciation, increasingly proving to producers that it’s worth investing in taking Asian media to overseas markets. In an age where there’s more to watch than ever before, we’re only just winding up.

Are you new to vaping?

Vaping was first introduced in 2003 as an alternative to smoking. Vaping technology entered the US market in 2007 and has widely evolved since then. If you’re new to vaping, looking at the different types of vapes can be overwhelming.

But don’t feel discouraged! All users go through different experiences and spend a lot of time looking for the best device. Many of these users, who started vaping to quit smoking, will discover new types of vapes as their needs change.

This article covers the types of vapes available in the vaping industry today. Read on to discover which one is the perfect fit for you.

Cig-A-Like

As its name suggests, cig-a-like is a vape that resembles a real cigarette. This is the best option for users transitioning from smoking to vaping.
Like the traditional cigarette, a cig-a-like gives you a throat hit. However, it exposes you to less harmful chemicals.

The cig-a-like is one of the most affordable vapes available today! You can buy cig-a-likes for less than $10 in a corner store or a gas station.

Vape Pens

If you want a more stylish e-cigarette, get a vape pen. Unlike a cig-a-like, this device is long, cylindrical, and comes in different styles. To increase the battery power, vape pens come in larger than cig-a-like.

It features a refillable tank with a replaceable coil. You can fill the device with vape juice with the flavor you want.

However, keep in mind that this device requires some maintenance. You need to replace the coil every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the frequency of your usage.

Vape Mods

When it comes to power, the best vapes are mods. In the vaping industry, the device is famous for its advanced features. It includes automatic temperature limiting and custom power curves.

Apart from those features, this can hold many high-capacity battery cells. In addition, it offers greater firepower because it uses a sub-ohm coil. This coil allows more energy to flow because it’s less resistant.

As a result, a vape mod produces more vapor and big clouds.

Pod Mods

Pod mods are the latest electronic cigarettes on the market. Like a cig-a-like, this is a low-wattage device yet new and improved.

In a pod system, the vape keeps the juice in a removable plastic pod. When you opt for this type of vape, you can notice it appears bigger and stronger than other devices. Pod mods offer ease of use and satisfaction to their users.

Disposables

Disposables are a great option for users who don’t want the hassle of changing coils and cotton and refilling the juice tank.

A disposable vape has no buttons, and recharging is unnecessary. After using all the vape juice, you can discard it.

Disposable vapes have a salt-nic formula. This offers a more potent and smoother nicotine hit than a traditional cigarette. Click for more here!

Different Types of Vapes in the Market

If you’re getting into vaping for the first time, it’s always best to know your options. From cig-a-like vapes to disposables, here are the different types of vapes you can choose from!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, consider checking out our other blog posts for more great guides.

When you play at online casinos, you have to create an account and learn how to manage your finances and impulses. If you are new to playing casino games like poker and you might throw this precaution into the wind because of the thrill the games bring or a win. That isn’t safe, and you are opening gateways for hackers and scammers. Managing a casino account involves:

• Keeping track of your deposits, withdrawals, and overall account balance.
• Setting limits on your play.
• Monitoring your activity to ensure responsible gambling.
• Ensuring you have the necessary documentation and verification in place to withdraw funds. 

Here are some steps you can take to manage your casino account effectively:

Know your rights 

Best-rated casinos, such as Captain Cooks сasino Canada, have a set of terms and conditions for new players. Read the casino’s terms and conditions and the laws in your area to make sure you know what your rights are as a player. If you’re having trouble with your account or your time at the casino, don’t be afraid to ask for help from customer service. It is advisable to read these terms and conditions:

• To understand what experience the online casino gives and if it’s the best choice for you.
• To ensure the casino is licensed and regulated.

Set a budget

The easiest way to ensure that you are in control of your gambling habits is by setting a budget and sticking to it. It’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend at the casino before you start playing. You have to determine how much you can afford to deposit and lose before you start playing. You won’t win every time, so to avoid more losses, only wager what you can afford to lose. This will help you avoid overspending and financial problems.

Choose a reliable payment method

What types of payment options does your casino of choice offer? There are many different payment methods available at online casinos, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Choose a payment method that is reliable and secure, and make sure to keep your account details and passwords safe. Check the withdrawal limits and the minimum deposits as well.

Use deposit limits

Only use part of your deposits to play. Most online casinos offer the option to set deposit limits, which allow you to control how much you can deposit into your account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This can help you stay within your budget and prevent overspending. Rather than increasing your betting stakes and risking your funds, ensure you withdraw some of your winnings and deposits.

Keep track of your transactions

Take advantage of the bonuses offered, like welcome bonuses. It’s important to keep track of your deposits and withdrawals, as well as any bonuses or promotions you have received. This will help you understand your account balance and ensure that you are aware of any fees or charges that may apply. 

Molly’s Game Review

Meta: The journey of teenage skiing ambitions turned underground poker host. Molly’s Game is fast, exciting, and brilliant. With a star-studded cast, it is a must-watch.

Molly’s Game: Review

A true story of high stakes, drama, and deceit, Molly’s Game is one of the best films on TV about gambling we have ever seen. A Hollywood-packed cast makes this show as great as can be. It is the story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-level skier who ran one of the most exclusive poker games ever for over a decade. These high-stake games featured Hollywood stars, business moguls, sports personalities, and, unbeknown to Molly, Russian mobsters who eventually attract some unwanted guests. In the middle of the night, 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons arrested her, but despite the stories, Molly was not the villain the tabloids depicted her to be. However, her only ally was her criminal defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey.

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker  

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, it shows a confident debut in the cinematic world. Although a writer and playwright for over two decades before this film was created, Sorkin had never stepped into the realm of direction. Previous works include Moneyball, A Few Good Men, The West Wing, Sportsnight, The Social Network, and The American President.

Finding the right cast was instrumental in making this film great, more so due to the added pressure of now sitting in the director’s chair. The choice of Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba was ideal as they translated Sorkin’s linguistic talents into a visual representation perfect for the big screen. For the most part, Sorkin delivers an entertaining and confident film way beyond his experience in the director’s chair, but it is safe to say that it is a little too long. Having the discipline of a tighter edit is something that Sorkin may not have wholly grasped during the making of Molly’s Game, but the over-stretched 30-minute ending could have been avoided. Something that Sorkin may look at in the future.

Sorkin uses the memoirs scribed by Molly Bloom as pre-credits with anecdotes and moments voiced by Chastain. This start gives a more than impressive rundown of how Molly went from Olympic skier to gambling host in a dramatic change of direction. The intensity of the opening sequence is a great indication of what is to come in the rest of the movie.  

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker 

Molly finds herself working at an underground poker game for a not-so-friendly employer. The main attraction to these underground poker games is a certain A-lister known as player X, played by Michael Cera. This star is a constant to bring in the deep-pocketed players with a chance to rub shoulders with a celebrity in an entirely new way. On Molly’s first night, she makes an outstanding $3000 in tips.

The movie’s plot is framed around the court case that occurred in 2014 with a try-hard FBI agent looking to get as much as she can from Molly in a chance to turn her hand towards the Russian mobsters and take her career to the next level. Molly’s journey to get to the moment of the trial is depicted through flashbacks surrounding her meetings with her defense lawyer Charlie Jaffey (Elba).

There are many similarities between the direction of Sorkin and his writing style, using an immense level of detail. The poker games are explained in extreme detail but quickly, making it hard for those who do not know much about the game of poker to follow. The resolution to Molly’s complex relationship with her demanding father also suffers from Sorkin’s acclaimed relationship for tidy, uplifting endings with strong uses of sentimentalism.

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/poker 

It’s Elba’s turn to show off his signature Sorkin speechification moment. Even though he delivers it with accomplishment, it’s a little disappointing that Molly’s Game validates this dynamic woman only through the words and judgment of men rather than through her self-actualization. For the first time sitting in the director’s chair, Sorkin has made an extremely enjoyable movie, which was likely helped by the years spent on set with the greatest directors in the industry while also being regarded as one of the best writers in the film world.

A fantastic movie for an experienced director, let alone a first-timer, Sorkin has delivered an elevated sense of immersion made all the more exciting, knowing that the story is based on actual events. The vast cast could have been a difficult hurdle to jump, but each character is depicted uniquely, showing many individual nuances and traits.

https://pixabay.com/photos/columbus-ohio-ohio-theatre-theater-1936633/

Page Title: Why are Old Movies Better than the Majority of Movies We Have Today?

Meta Description: Old vs New: movie debate. Why are old movies better? Read on to find out.

Olden is Golden

How many times can we all say we’ve been in the position where we are snuggling on the couch, scrolling through Netflix, Hulu or Amazon, and have absolutely no idea what to watch? This happens far more than people can even keep track of, and usually, instead of trying something new, we go back to watching an old movie or a TV series from the 90s.

Why? Because we take comfort in older things, many people believe that movies from earlier years are much better than the ones we have today. Read on to find out why! 

What Makes the Old ‘Better?’

https://pixabay.com/photos/audrey-hepburn-60-s-icon-female-face-1235442/

1.       The style of acting

According to recent studies, it is suggested that modern movies can’t be compared to old movies. The reason for this is that old movies use a different acting system, a technique that was developed by Constantin. This technique is based on humans being able to summon emotional inspiration when acting in particular scenes. He introduced the concept of ‘Emotional Memory’ which means that when an actor is in a scene, they must use emotional memories from their past to relate to their character’s emotions. Acting in older movies had to be ‘more natural’ as there was less reliance on special effects.

https://pixabay.com/photos/darth-vader-star-wars-toy-1282288/

2.       Scenes are less rushed

Some people say they ‘fall asleep’ during older movies due to the slow pace. In reality, this is just because older movies tend not to rush things and provide much more explanation. Conversations were longer and usually filmed from the same angle, which is unsurprising why it might bore some millennials. Modern movies today are largely not focused on deeper conversations, many moviemakers instead choose to focus on the action behind a scene and the special effects and CGI that will catch viewers’ eyes more so than the dialogue.

According to previous studies, it is reported that older movies focused a lot more on character development and conversation. The moviemakers made these movies with the general assumption that people had the time to watch these longer films. Today, modern films are focused on actions that adapt to our everyday life. Editing techniques have stepped a level up, meaning that people can learn them quicker, producing more movies. Although the skills have been upscaled, it doesn’t always mean that these movies are worth watching! We can all relate to watching a new movie, then when coming out of the movie theatre wishing we’d saved the money not going.

3.       Different topics/subject focus

The major difference between old and modern movies is usually around the subject or main themes you can find in the films. Today, a younger audience with a shorter attention span wants movies to be more fast-paced for a thrill and overall stress reliever.

It is not impossible to find old movies that follow a similar fast-paced storyline, but many old movies focus more on love or war. With them, it was easier to become attached to a character’s story arc as there was a lot of time put into explaining their past and what led them to the moment you’re watching.

Previous research has also suggested that older movies introduced their viewers to different and ‘better’ worlds. After watching a movie, a viewer could take the lessons they learned and adapt them to their real-life situations with ease. If you think about it today, how many ‘modern’ movies are just remakes of older classics? There is less originality today in plot lines and new concepts. The future is uncertain of how these movies will develop or if they will continue this pattern of just recreating what’s already been done.

If we are truly being honest, it is correct to assume that without old movies leading the way, there would be no such thing as ‘modern movies.’ Some of the most respected movie directors, actors, and producers were all mentored by older-generation legends. These movies and people paved the way for the overall growth and success of the movie industry we know today. Modern directors today are struggling to make something new, something where people might actually learn something. Instead, they run back to rebranding older movies thanks to fancy new technology.

People don’t want this rebranded version, classics are classics for a reason. Instead, what modern viewers want is something unique.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled way to enjoy your weekend, there’s nothing quite like playing the odds. From high-stakes casino games to classic gambling games, there’s something for everyone. Moreover, whether you’re a novice or an experienced gambler, there are plenty of ways to make your game-playing experience a real treat. With the right approach and a bit of luck, you can experience the thrills and excitement of playing like a real movie star. Everything from choosing the right casino to learning the best strategies and tips is covered in this article. With these helpful hints, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert in no time. 

Use Crypto Like A Bro!

Do you know what many celebs enjoy? Investing their enormous wealth into money-making opportunities. One of the most significant is via crypto (or briefly NFTs until everything fell apart). Consequently, if you want to gamble like a movie star, find a casino that accepts cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. In fact, crypto casino aggregator CryptoGambling.ca reports that traditional fiat-based casinos will soon face an uphill struggle to attract players as this form of gambling has become so popular. Crypto casinos offer a broad range of advantages over other options, including:

• Enhanced security: It is no secret that crypto is a highly secure payment medium. As such, many people prefer using them over fiat because they ensure a higher level of security.
• Fast and seamless transactions: While most traditional bank transactions take some time (longer if they have to be manually approved), cryptocurrencies enable quick payments.
• Attractive bonuses: In some cases, a crypto casino might offer unique rewards for those depositing with their favorite tokens.
• Large selection of games: With crypto casinos, you usually get access to the usual selection of games, but also those specific to crypto.
• Anonymity: Although cryptocurrencies aren’t as private as many think, they are anonymous enough to make them worthwhile.

Choose The Right Game

Don’t just jump into any game you see; do your research and find one that matches your interests and skill level if you want to enjoy new and exciting games of luck like a real movie star. You should consider the house edge when playing a game to determine its chances of success, and the best games will also have a low house edge. Make sure you read the game rules in order to understand the game mechanics and any special features. By ensuring you have chosen correctly, you will be better positioned to have fun and likely improve your odds of winning (by playing more and averaging out over time).

Set A Budget And Stick To It

OK, so this tip isn’t particularly movie-star-like. After all, they have plenty of cash available that they never really need to budget themselves. However, for mere mortals, it is highly advisable to heed the following words. It’s easy to get carried away when playing these games, but it’s important to remember that you’re playing with real money. Decide on a budget that’s comfortable for you before you start playing. By establishing a budget before you start playing, you’ll be able to manage your money and make sure you’re not overspending. Additionally, it will allow you to focus on having fun rather than worrying about your finances.

Learn The Rules

Even celebrities learn how to play the game before committing (even if their skill makes them infamously odious). It is also recommended that you become familiar with the rules, regardless of how long you’ve played. Ensure you understand the game’s rules before you start playing, so you can avoid costly mistakes and maximize your enjoyment of the game. You can learn the rules and play the game by reading the instructions, watching tutorials, asking questions, and even hiring a professional to teach you. 

Take Your Time And Play Slowly

It may seem counterintuitive for games of chance to take your time and play slowly, but it’s crucial to remember that no two games are the same. Slower games require a different set of skills and strategies than faster-paced ones. You will better understand the game’s rules and strategy if you take your time and really get to know it before diving in. 

Use Reward Programs And Bonuses To Increase Your Chances Of Winning

Even the wealthiest stars enjoy taking advantage of various bonuses (especially loyalty and VIP ones). Reward programs and bonuses can be a vital part of enjoying the gambling experience. Bonuses can be found in many online casinos, with loyalty programs available for those who stick with a particular casino. Additionally, many casinos offer daily, weekly and monthly bonuses to entice you to stay with them and give you access to special promotions. 

There are many ways to enjoy having a flutter like a real movie star. From learning and using strategies to increase your chances of winning to finding the right casino bonus, you have all the tools to make your gaming experience even more rewarding.