Hanergy’s thin solar panels break multiple world records for efficiency

China-based Hanergy just launched the highest efficiency single-junction solar panel (like SUAOKI SOLAR ) ever created. Hanergy’s US-based subsidiary Alta Devices produced the module, which has a 25.1 percent conversion efficiency and is capable of powering drones, electric vehicles and sensors. Solar modules from subsidiaries Solibro and MiaSole have also broken efficiency records – double glass CIGS solar modules at 18.72 percent and sputtering CIGS solar modules on flexible substrate at 17.88 percent.

“As we move toward a world of autonomous machines, developing sources of power that can be replenished without interruption is increasingly important,” Alta Devices Chief Marketing Officer Rich Kapusta told PR Newswire. “Each time our technology achieves a new world record, it has been designed with a clear focus on this goal.

PLAYSTATION VR CONTROLLER

Combined with PlayStation VR, the PLAYSTATION VR CONTROLLER deliver an immersive and extraordinary gaming experience.

Advanced motion sensors and lighted spheres work together with the PlayStation Camera to track both fast and subtle movements with astounding precision. An ergonomic design makes wielding everything from ancient swords to cooking spatulas easy and intuitive.Hold on, and let your Move controllers transport you to unexplored worlds full of possibilities.

Combined with PlayStation VR, the PlayStation Move Motion Controllers deliver an immersive and extraordinary gaming experience. Advanced motion sensors and lighted spheres work together with the PlayStation Camera to track both fast and subtle movements with astounding precision. An ergonomic design makes wielding everything from ancient swords to cooking spatulas easy and intuitive. Hold on, and let your Move controllers transport you to unexplored worlds full of possibilities.

Dodocool 5000mAh Power Bank review

This Dodocool portable charger is a compact and pocket-friendly power bank with built-in charging cable much like the EasyAcc 6000mAh Ultra-Slim Power Bank, but with some key differences that could affect your purchasing decision. Also see: Best power banks 2016

Also see: Best Power Bank Deals

Whereas the EasyAcc is a 6000mAh power bank, which should charge any iPhone twice or Android phone once, the Dodocool is a 5000mAh power bank that will fill an older iPhone twice, but newer models just under two times. It holds less portable power for Android devices, but it’s better designed to accommodate them, with its MFI-certified Lightning cable detachable in order to swap in the Micro-USB version also supplied in the box.

You would think, then, that this would be the better all-round power bank (for example: GOAL ZERO VENTURE 30 SOLAR KIT ) suiting Android and iPhone users alike. Actually, Android users would do better to look elsewhere, to power banks with higher capacities and faster outputs. It is, of course, nice to have the option to charge either device should the need arise in an emergency. Also see: How to charge your phone's battery faster

The Dodocool may be a pound more expensive at £17.99 from Amazon UK (although a dollar cheaper in the US at $21.99 from Amazon.com) and lower in capacity, but it has some distinct advantages over the EasyAcc. As well as the detachable and swappable charging cable, the Dodocool has by far the nicer design.

The Dodocool is a sleek slab of high-gloss black plastic that is very easy on the eye. It’s a touch wider than the EasyAcc but shorter and slimmer. The corners are nicely rounded, and everything lies flush, with no pullout tabs spoiling the clean lines. Based on aesthetics alone, we’d choose this Dodocool over the EasyAcc every time. See all power bank reviews

Specification-wise the two banks are very similar. Each has two outputs, both rated at 5W with a total max output of 10W (in other words the power bank can simultaneously support both at full-speed). That’s not very fast at all, although it is standard for iPhone charging.

The input is faster at 10W, and both power banks are refilled and supplied with a Micro-USB cable in the box. Whereas the EasyAcc will refill in around 3.5 hours, its slightly smaller capacity means the Dodocool will charge in 3 hours. That’s provided you’re using a 10W USB charger, of course. Also see: How to improve smartphone battery life

The EasyAcc appears to support passthrough charging, whereby you can charge both phone and power bank at once, though it isn’t mentioned in the spec. With the Dodocool you are expressly advised not to charge the two simultaneously as it may harm the device. To be fair it’s really only super-high-capacity power banks where passthrough charging is soughtafter.

The Dodocool also lacks an LED flashlight if such a feature is important to you, and there’s no auto-on functionality, so when you connect a device you will need to tap the power button to begin charging.

In common with the EasyAcc LEDs are used to reveal how much power remains in the bank, but here there are four rather than five. At this capacity level that’s really not an issue.

Install an Automatic Swing Gate Opener

DIY Swing Gate Openers are battery operated, low voltage systems that are safe and affordable. No electrician or welding is required, and most installations can be completed easily in two to three hours. Each system includes an installation overview DVD and a detailed Instruction Manual.

Buying a Swing Gate Opener

In order to purchase the appropriate gate opener (for example: MIGHTY MULE MM360 )

 model for your application, you must be able to answer these questions:

1. Is it a single or dual gate installation?
2. How much does the gate leaf (or leaves if it's a dual gate) weigh?
3. How long is each gate leaf?
4. Will the gate open into the property (pull to open) or away from the property (push to open)?
5. Do you plan to charge the gate opener battery using the included transformer or an optional solar panel charging kit?

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Determine Charging (Power) Options for the Gate Opener

The automatic gate opener is a low-voltage battery operated system. A battery is required for powering the opener (check your model to see if the battery is included or if you must purchase a 12 volt automotive/marine type battery).

The battery charge is maintained either by the transformer (included with gate opener systems) or an optional solar panel. If your gate is more than 1000' from an AC power source, you must use a solar panel charging kit(s) to maintain the battery's charge. Your gate opener Instruction Manual will provide specifications determining the number of solar panels your application will require (varies by the opener model, location, gate opener accessories, and number of daily gate cycles).

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IMPORTANT: Before You Begin the Installation

View the Installation DVD and read the Instruction Manual in its entirety before beginning the installation. Because automatic gate openers produce high levels of force, it is important to review the Safety Instructions included with your gate opener before installation to avoid potential hazards caused by improperly installed/maintained gate opener systems.

Verify that the gate opener you purchased is suited for your gate's type/size/weight, frequency of use, and the proper class rating.

The gate opener is intended for vehicular gates only. A separate entrance/gate must be installed for pedestrian use.

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Prepare the Gate for Installation of the Opener

Every gate opener is only as good as its gate. In order to ensure many years of reliable automatic opening and closing, the gate must be:

• Plumb, level, and swing freely on its hinges.
• The gate must move throughout its arc without binding or dragging on the ground
• Wheels must not be attached to the gate.
• Gates over 250 lbs. should have ball bearing hinges with grease fittings.
• Gate post must be secured in the ground with concrete.

In addition, keep these gate tips in mind for your installation:

• Repair or replace all worn or damaged hardware.
• Gate posts larger than 8" diameter will require longer bolts (2" longer than post thickness). Gate posts smaller than 6" in diameter should be made of metal (not wood). Gate posts smaller than 4" in diameter will require large metal washers or steel plates for reinforcement.
• The addition of a horizontal or vertical cross member is recommended to provide a stable area for mounting the gate bracket. Tube or panel gates may need reinforcement.
• If installing a dual gate opener, the driveway will need to be trenched/cut in order to lay PVC conduit for the second opener's power cable.

4 Tips to Make Your Home Craft Business a Great Success

There are a lot of interesting crafts that can be turned into a home business. You can start with an idea you actually love and develop unique, beautiful products that customers are willing to buy. There have been plenty of successful businesses built around home crafts and creative art too.

Turning a hobby and a craft into a business is actually easier than you think. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at how you can take the crafts and creative projects you love so much, make them into a business, and then take that business to success. Let’s get started, shall we?

1. Find a Business Idea That Works

One of the first things you need to do before you can start turning your ideas into a working business is choose the one idea that will work well on the market. Now is the perfect time to start a business, because the market itself is growing and the demand for various crafts, products and services is increasing by the day. All you have to do is find a demand or a market segment to focus on and you are all set.

Your Guide to Success in Small Business after Losing Job

It can be quite daunting when you first leave the world of work behind to set up on your own, and even more intimidating if this is your first time dipping your toe into running a business. Not everyone’s cut out to make millions. In fact lots of new businesses, and start-ups fold within five years. Still, there are a few key things you can do to give yourself the very best chance at success before the ink on your company logo’s even dry.

Time Is Precious

The first thing you’ll need to do is get yourself a work phone and a totally separate number. The second thing is to remind yourself that no one, not even the President of the United States of America, works 24/7 and your mental, physical, and emotional well-being will suffer if you attempt it. That’s not to say there aren’t going to be some difficult months, long nights and countless meetings ahead but it’s also important that you don’t neglect family and that you give yourself a schedule. You wouldn’t expect to phone clients at 10 pm and have them answer, so why should you? Remind them that you’re available only in standard office hours and firmly turn your business phone off in the evenings.

NYC Sidewalk Violations

Are you looking for a concrete contractor to replace, repair or install a new sidewalk or concrete curb?

While a curb, sidewalk and gutter might be thought of as a trivial part of your home or office, they play a bigger part than you first may think! Concrete sidewalks and concrete curbs, in good repair add to the overall value of your property because they increase the appearance greatly.

While the added outdoor appeal is fantastic, another aspect many don't consider is that a curb can also help keep you and your home, office and lawn protected from vehicles. A curb is a buffer to keep cars from parking on your grass, running over expensive plants and destroying your sprinkler system. Additionally, concrete sidewalks enable visitors to your home or office to enter the building with ease.

Commercial and residential paving contractors can provide a long list of services, including concrete sidewalks and concrete curbs. Here are some other services that you may be interested in as well:

Professional Concrete Installer Services

• Decorative Concrete

• Sidewalk Concrete

• Driveway Concrete

• Concrete Crack Repairs

• New Concrete Projects

• Sidewalk Patios

• Sidewalk Installation

• Concrete Waterproofing

• Sidewalk Stamp Concrete - Stamped concrete is a new and popular trend for both commercial and residential customers alike. Different patterns of stamped concrete are available such as brick, flagstone, stone, and even tile and wood. Stamped concrete greatly compliments your property, driveway, pool deck, patio, and/or walkway.

Concrete Violation

Have you received a sidewalk code violation due to cracked or sidewalks in need of repair? A local concrete contractor can visit your home or office to prepare NYC sidewalk violations estimate and discuss the sidewalk repairs with you or your property manager.

A professional concrete contractor can help you remove concrete violations, repair concrete cracks and have your sidewalk up to code in no time!

Proper Maintenance

As a professional property manager, you must know that a progressive maintenance plan can greatly extend the life of your facilities parking lot, sidewalk and curbing. While improving the overall appearance of a commercial property, a well implemented maintenance plan based on local climate, the age and current condition of the parking surface can also prevent the headaches and the costs of replacing asphalt and concrete too often. A periodic inspection by your paving contractor can keep you advised of any potential repairs necessary and help you establish a schedule of service while keeping your within and a budget and meeting your facility's needs.