February 15, 2023 - Kivo Daily

Gunawan Jusuf Offers Advice For Working Across Cultures

Kivo Daily Staff on February 15, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Possessing strong cross-cultural skills is crucial. Good thing Gunawan Jusuf has some insights.

The world has shrunk over the last several decades, and now many companies run global operations that span multiple time zones and cultures. Working with folks hailing from other cultures can lead to some challenges, especially if folks fail to adopt the proper approach. Fortunately, international business expert Gunawan Jusuf can offer some tips.

“Perhaps the most important factor is simply being aware that people from other cultures may think differently,” says Mr. Jusuf. “That may seem pretty obvious, but many people glance over this. If you’re aware, however, you can adjust your approach and grow your mind.”

Before visiting a country or working with folks from another place, it’s wise to read posts on forums or other sources of information. Often, it’s possible to develop a solid grasp of the overall etiquette of a given society. Simple things like small gestures say giving someone the thumbs up might mean something different in another culture.

Pitfalls in understanding can quickly sour relationships. This is especially true if you’re meeting people for the first time. Not only might they not understand what you’re trying to say or imply, but you may also misunderstand what they’re trying to tell you. As with most life activities, empathy goes a long way.

Gunawan Jusuf Says It’s All About the Laughs

Want to get to know another culture? Study their humor.

“They say that people who can detect sarcasm in a secondary tongue possess a very high comprehension of that language,” says Mr. Jusuf. “Ditto for jokes. To understand the unspoken messages of a language, you need to have a very high ability to comprehend that language.”

With that in mind, it’d be wise to watch comedy movies or stand-up shows. This could help folks learn more about the language and how people think and view various issues. A high grasp of humor may not only make folks laugh now, but it could also help them relate to people.

Don’t Forget the Company’s Culture

Cultures often vary from country to country. In some cases, the overall culture can be quite similar but also different in nuanced ways. Canada and the United States share a lot of aspects of their respective cultures, but at the same time, there are many subtle differences. Likewise, regional differences can result in cultural misunderstanding. Increasingly, different companies also have their own unique culture.

“Want to enjoy your job or business? If so, it’s smart to find a company that offers a culture that meshes well with your personal preferences,” suggests Gunawan Jusuf. “If you prefer a more buttoned-up environment or a laid-back environment, you should try to find companies that offer such cultures.”

Finding a great cultural fit may help you excel in your career. Likewise, a poor fit could lead to challenges and perhaps even shortcomings.

How to Choose a Solar Battery

Kivo Daily Staff on February 15, 2023

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Alternative sources of electricity are one means of getting electricity into people’s homes. With their help, you can not only take care of the environment but also receive financial benefits.

But there are many different models of solar panels on the market now, and it is necessary to understand which of them is the best to choose. To do this, users compare different indicators and study the reviews of other customers. Let’s break down how to choose the right batteries for solar panels, what their benefits are, and what Solar Battery Storage should be so that they last as long as possible.

Why it is important to choose the right solar panels

Technologies with the ability to alternatively generate electricity are very valuable. Especially when it comes to battery technology that can store light, and maintain the same voltage throughout the day. Solar panels are one such option. They store electricity and work even at night.

Installing solar panels is not the cheapest project. However, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, owners of such projects can get an investment tax credit at reduced interest rates. The average solar panel installation will cost $10,000 to $20,000.

When users make any investment, they would not want their money to be wasted. Therefore, they strive to choose high-quality batteries that will last long enough to bring the project not just to pay for itself, but to earn extra money. And it is quite possible. All you need to do is choose the right solar panels.

Parameters for selecting solar panels

Solar panels are created according to different principles. Some manufacturers use robots in their work, while others are used to assembling them themselves. Also, the form of quality control can affect the final result.

Some manufacturers use large amounts of lead and weighted mesh. This can affect the performance of the panels. Moreover, some organizations do not control the safety of the products at all and do not check how efficient they are in operation.

Thus, batteries with the same parameters can provide different results and lifespans. When choosing a solar panel, it is recommended to pay attention to the following indicators:

the capacity of the panels;
service life;
the number of operating cycles;
type of batteries used;
power output at the peak;
the temperatures at which they function.

Each of these parameters can help you decide on a battery for your panels and increase their service life by years. This will save the buyer a lot of money.

Battery capacity

The capacity of a battery must be estimated in amperes. Sometimes it happens that it takes far more than one full discharge cycle to reach full capacity. Detailed calculations are not necessary for users. Batteries with a capacity of 100 amp-hours can deliver 1 amp of electricity for 100 hours.

The solar panel chosen by the user should be of such capacity to cover the electricity needs with reserve. Therefore, it is important to look at panels with long heating cycle batteries. They will last much longer and initially have a high capacity.

Operating time and number of cycles to complete discharge

This is the main factor that affects the performance of solar panels and the choice of users. Manufacturers are trying their best to increase this indicator. This will help ensure their long-term performance and increase their lifespan. This indicator may be affected by:

the battery’s depth of discharge;
cyclic life (on average 300-700 cycles, lithium batteries up to 200 cycles, gel batteries up to 5000);
the temperature inside the battery (install in a place where the temperature can be regulated).

When choosing batteries, check these indicators, otherwise you will buy a product that will need to be replaced faster than you expected.

Types of batteries

The most common are flooded and sealed batteries. The first type is standard batteries. They are used for standalone installations. They are cheap, easy to maintain, and last longer for users.

The second kind roughly speaking works until the first breakdown. Since they are sealed, they cannot be subdued. That’s why it’s most appropriate to choose batteries with flooded batteries.

Peak Power Output

Solar batteries have their power ratings. The user needs to be as careful as possible with the choice of panels. If their capacity will greatly exceed the needs, then will accumulate energy that needs to be redirected.

But this situation has its advantages. The higher the peak power, the better the battery is for the customer. With it, he will be able to saturate his system quite well and the surplus can be resold to the government to pay off the project faster. So choose batteries with a high peak power output.

Operating temperature

Batteries function as efficiently as possible at optimum temperatures. Each panel should indicate at what temperature mode they will operate. Users should analyze the maximum possible deviations in winter temperatures for those who live in hot regions.

It is especially important to choose the right panel for those who live in regions where there may be extreme weather conditions. After all, if you buy a panel that does not work under your climatic conditions, the batteries will wear out quickly and then the project will be unprofitable.

Ignore universal solar panels

There is an opinion among users that it is best to take universal batteries because they have long been on the market and are the cheapest. But this is not correct, because:

they are not made using the most reliable technology;
they are quite bulky and will take up a lot of space;
they don’t have a lot of capacity for storing energy;
do not always work at full capacity.

So it is better to analyze the options with lithium-ion or flow-through batteries. They have a longer life span and capabilities. If you take a battery with sodium chloride and nickel, they won’t last long, but they work at extreme temperatures. So choose batteries based on your needs and capabilities.

Day: February 15, 2023