Newleaf light emitting diode lamp in original package, 9 watt. Donor received this unit (and five other identical units) in early 2019 as part of an energy efficiency kit distributed by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. Characteristics: aluminum medium-screw base with plastic insulator and skirt. Electronics package inside skirt. A-19 shaped white plastic envelope.
Markings: Printed on base skirt: “newleaf LED lamp / NLD9WA1927DLED”, “9W NEWLEAF led a19 / 120v 60hZ 90Ma 2700k / 800 Lumens”, “C[UL logo]US / Listed / DG3 LED Lamp / E492210”, “CAUTION: / Risk of electric shock. / Suitable for damp locations / Made in China I1720”. Printing on package includes: “newleaf LED A19 / [Energy Star logo] / 9w replaces / 60 WATT / 15,000 hours / 2,700k / soft white / dimmable”. “Caution: ... Min. starting temperature is -4o F. ... This bulb is not compatible with all dimmers ...”.
An inverter is a critical component in a rooftop solar installation, converting direct current electricity to alternating current electricity. Solar electric panels produce low voltage, direct current, the same type of current produced by a battery. With few exceptions the electrical system—and most household appliances—operate on higher-voltage alternating current produced by traditional power plants. This inverter panel also monitors and controls the flow of electricity. For safety, the system will automatically disconnect from the power lines if crews need to make repairs.
Since Edison’s day electrical meters have measured the flow of current in one direction only—from power plant to user. Customers can then be billed for the amount of electricity they use. Measuring current that flows in both directions requires a bi-directional or net meter like this one. It runs forward when the user draws power from the electric lines and backwards when solar panels make more power than the building is using. This feature can lower the customer’s monthly electric bill and reduces the need for new power plants to meet growing demand.
Cell Phones for Soldiers recycling mailer. Received by donor with a delivered package of books. Intended to promote recycling of cell phones by encouraging users to send in their old phones which would then be provided to active duty service personnel serving overseas.
American Greetings solar powered birthday card. Depicts a monkey surfing - when exposed to light, a photocell powers a small motor to make the monkey's tail wag.
Complex electrical systems rely on components that often attract little attention. This electrical meter socket is like a light bulb socket, it connects the device with the power system. The socket is standardized so that it can accept different manufacturers’ meters, and different types of meters from old analog devices to new digital “smart” meters.
