Solar Power: Know the Facts

Solar power systems produce safe, clean electricity. And most important, using photovoltaic energy provides significant savings on monthly utility bills.

Despite the proven benefits, some would-be solar energy customers continue to put off adopting this amazing and cost-effective technology. Why?

Objection 1: Solar Power Systems Don’t Always Produce Energy

While the output of a solar energy system can be predictable on an annual basis, the same is not true for day-to-day yield.

By their very nature, photovoltaic panels only produce energy when the sun is shining. Therefore, they will not work if the sky cloudy or the weather is bad. And not even a weather forecaster can accurately predict how much the sun will shine on any given day. The solution?

Use a backup power source.

Connect your solar panels to the utility grid, and you can use their power whenever you need it. And if your photovoltaic system produces any extra electricity, the excess flows back to the grid and you get a net metering credit on your utility bill.

But what if you want to stay away from the traditional utility grid? You can get a battery backup system wired to your photovoltaic panels, allowing you to store electricity for use at night and during inclement weather.

Objection 2: Installing Solar Power Systems Can Be Expensive

Looking at base pricing for installing a photovoltaic energy system scares some people away, as average costs are around $25,000.

Today, however, you can take advantage of a variety of financial incentives that make adopting solar power affordable for almost everyone.

Federal, state and local grants, tax credits and rebates can greatly reduce the cost of installing a solar energy system. Many homeowners and business owners are able to save up to 50 percent with these incentives.

Once you calculate your potential energy cost savings and consider the value the system adds to your residential or commercial property, the costs aren’t actually that high at all, especially in exchange for peace of mind and energy independence.

Objection 3: Some Roofs Aren’t Suited for Solar Energy Systems

Not every rooftop is an ideal location for photovoltaic panels.

Some roofs are in poor condition and unable to support the panels. Others are shaded by tall buildings or trees, which means the sun wouldn’t reach the panels much of the time. But that is no reason to rule out switching to photovoltaic power.

In fact, you can choose from several solutions.

Consider a ground-mounted system, placed in a location that gets direct sun throughout the day. Mounting solar panels at ground level can be highly efficient, because air flow around the modules keeps the photovoltaic cells cooler, boosting energy output.

Also, a south-facing roof surface is not required in most installations. In fact, a professional solar energy installer can design your system and orient your panels in such a way that most roofs will successfully accommodate a panel array.

Like any technology, solar energy has some limitations. However, with proper planning, almost all homeowners and business owners can use it to great advantage.

For more information on putting the sun to work for you, contact the solar power systems experts at Intermountain Wind & Solar. We serve residential and commercial customers in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado.

Contact us today to find out how effective a solar power system can be for you.