Day: February 24, 2024

Marijuana Use and Your Disability ClaimMarijuana Use and Your Disability Claim

Marken Law Group,PS,understands that people view marijuana differently,some as an alternative medicine used for pain,to aid nausea and potentially other benefits and others who view it as a drug to stay away from like other illicit drugs. We will leave the benefits/risks up to a person’s doctor to explain. We also are not advocating or condemning marijuana use. We are,however,explaining what it could mean for your Social Security Disability claim.

Marijuana is currently,at the time of this posting,legal in 9 states including Washington D.C. Despite this,marijuana is still ILLEGAL as far as the federal government is concerned.

The Social Security Administration is a federal entity,therefore they view marijuana as an illicit drug the likes of meth,cocaine,and so on. Most judges we go in front of,do NOT view marijuana as a healthy alternative to opioid medication. While there is MUCH debate on this topic and we are not here to discuss the debate,the Judges who will hear your case will not like your use of marijuana,even if taken specifically for pain. If your issues are primarily PHYSICAL,marijuana will not necessarily hurt your case. You do need to be prepared and have a thorough understanding of what the Judge WILL ask you at your hearing.

If you have a mental health diagnosis and take marijuana,it is a more difficult road. Our clients often take marijuana to help with social anxiety and depression. The problem is the medical community and the Judge’s,most likely,view marijuana as CONTRIBUTING to anxiety and depression. Indeed I have personally seen judges roll their eyes when a claimant is testifying to their marijuana use helping their anxiety. Whether it does or does not is not really important. The fact is,most Judges and medical experts testifying,will view marijuana use as a significant detriment to mental health and stability and it could prevent you from obtaining benefits.

Each case is specific and this should in no way be construed to be blanket statements concerning all judges and medical experts.

At Marken Law Group,PS,we can walk you through the hearing process and what to expect come examination from the Administrative Law Judge who is hearing your claim. Click the link below to learn more. 

Marken Law

How Many Peak Sun Hours Do Solar Panels Need?How Many Peak Sun Hours Do Solar Panels Need?

The Importance of Peak Sun Hours in Solar Energy Production

When considering solar energy,one crucial factor often comes into play: peak sun hours. These are not just any hours of sunlight but specific hours when the sun’s power is at its most potent and beneficial for solar panels.

What Are Peak Sun Hours?

Peak sun hours refer to the period during the day when the intensity of sunlight reaches an average of 1000 watts per square meter. This measurement is crucial for calculating the potential energy production of solar panels. Unlike the total hours of daylight,peak sun hours specifically account for the quality of sunlight that’s strong enough to be efficiently converted into electricity.

Why Peak Sun Hours Matter

The number of peak sun hours your location receives directly influences the efficiency and size of the solar panel system you need. More peak sun hours mean more potential electricity generation,allowing for smaller systems to meet your energy needs. Conversely,areas with fewer peak sun hours might require larger systems to achieve the same output.

Calculating Peak Sun Hours for Your Location

Understanding peak sun hours can help you better plan for a solar installation project. This calculation often involves analyzing historical weather data and solar irradiance patterns specific to your area.

Tools and Resources

Several online tools and resources can provide estimates of peak sun hours for your location. Solar energy consultants and companies often use software that analyzes geographical and meteorological data to give accurate estimates.

Practical Applications

Knowing your area’s average peak sun hours helps in designing a solar panel system that matches your energy consumption needs. It’s a critical step in planning for solar installations,ensuring that the system is neither under- nor over-sized.

Maximizing Solar Efficiency with Peak Sun Hours

Leveraging peak sun hours is about more than just understanding them; it’s about optimizing your solar panel installation to take full advantage of these hours.

Orientation and Angle

The orientation and angle of your solar panels can significantly impact their ability to capture sunlight during peak sun hours. Panels should be installed facing the direction that receives the most direct sunlight and at an angle that maximizes exposure during peak hours.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure that your solar panels continue to operate efficiently over time. Keeping panels clean and free from obstructions like shade or debris allows them to make the most of available peak sun hours.

Conclusion: The Role of Peak Sun Hours in Solar Planning

Peak sun hours are a fundamental concept in solar energy,influencing everything from system design to daily energy production. By understanding and optimizing for peak sun hours,homeowners and businesses can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their solar installations.

For those looking to explore solar options,PES Solar offers expert guidance and installation services tailored to your unique energy needs and local sun hour patterns. Contact us at (800) 650-6519 or Get a Free Estimate to learn more about how you can harness the power of the sun efficiently.