Monthly Archives: July 2015

The power grid in the United States is frighteningly vulnerable today, and that poses a real threat to our society. Being without power is not an experience anyone wants, especially on an extended basis. Power interruptions are not only inconvenient, they can be costly and potentially devastating. The most pressing threat to your continued access to undisturbed power today may be computer hackers. The possibility of power grid hacking is no longer the stuff of Hollywood blockbusters. This potential threat to our power and security will continue to increase unless we eradicate the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.

The Risk of Long-Term Power Outages

You have probably experienced power outages due to weather, or in some areas, outdated or faulty infrastructure. Consequently, being prepared for a brief period of downtime is nothing new. Short-term power outages can be potentially disruptive, with risks ranging from lost communication capabilities to spoiled food in your refrigerator. But are you prepared for an indefinite outage? Water, fuel, food and communication may be unavailable for weeks or months, and civil disruption is the inevitable outcome. It is vital to prepare and protect yourself against this risk.

The Growing Vulnerability of Electrical Infrastructure

Several factors contribute to security risks in the power supply, but the most pressing is outdated equipment and infrastructure. It is difficult to upgrade systems because of the cost and downtime required to perform the work. Older equipment is difficult or impossible to safeguard. The recent switch to digital metering, while cutting some costs, has created countless access points for computer hacking. Another serious complication is the lack of power source localization. Today, entire regions are serviced by one central system that depends on the continued operations of other main stations. Taking down one small portion of the grid can cause a snowball effect, eventually disabling the entire country’s power supply. The more diversified the country can become in where and how it get its energy, the less appealing the smaller targets become. Today, unfortunately, the onus of diversification is on the individual.

Protecting Yourself, Your Property and Your Family

Solar arrays with battery backups are an extremely effective method for achieving energy independence, especially if the power grid fails. Imagine the freedom of knowing that no matter what, you and your family will remain safe and secure with solar energy. With solar, you can become part of the diversification solution while providing yourself with peace of mind for the future. Residential solar arrays are the personal protection and the community answer to thwarting hackers. The bottom line for a prepared household is this: Even if hackers take out the power grid in your area, you and your family will experience the potentially life-saving benefits of solar energy. You will never have to worry about heating or cooling, food spoilage or your family’s safety.

Intermountain Wind and Solar, serving customers in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada, understands the importance of establishing your energy independence. Contact them today for more information on protecting your home and family from threats to the power grid.

Customer questions about solar installation often come back around to roof-related issues. Although solar-powered energy-generating systems have become extremely popular throughout the western United States, many potential customers are still unfamiliar with the requirements for installation. The majority of solar energy systems are roof-mounted, so this concern is well-founded. Following are a few basic facts about system installation and requirements.

Must My Roof be Fully South-Facing?

The ideal orientation involves a sufficient portion of the roof with a due-south exposure; however, there are always exceptions to this guideline. While south is best, many systems can be installed with a modified orientation. Your roof does not necessarily have to be sloped either — many systems are installed on flat-roofed buildings with great success. In fact, a roof or building is not even necessary for installing solar panels. If your roof is unsuitable due to orientation or shading from vegetation or neighboring structures, solar collecting panels can be mounted on an independent framework set up separately from your home. If you’re committed to adopting solar energy, you can find a way to make it work.

Will My Roofing Material Be a Problem?

Most of today’s popular roofing surfaces make an ideal base for solar panels. Cement tile and metal roofing products are considered to be the most solar-friendly. Clay tile and slate roofing do well too, assuming the installers are proficient in their work. Experts recommend having your tile roof inspected prior to installation, so that any damaged tiles can be replaced ahead of time. Traditional asphalt tab shingles are the most problematic, simply because the life expectancy of shingles is often less than that of solar panels. Because re-roofing in the future will mean moving the panels, experts recommend having your roof inspected and repaired or replaced prior to solar panel installation.

How Much Space Will I Need for Solar Panels?

The answer to this question depends on the size of your building and how much power you would like to produce. The general calculation is approximately 100 square feet of roof surface for every kilowatt you plan to generate. The average effective array requires between 200 and 500 square feet of roof space. Remember that any roof penetration or architectural feature reduces the area that can hold the panels. Before installation, remove as many obstacles as you can. This may mean removing old TV antennas or relocating air vents, if possible.

Intermountain Wind and Solar will visit your home and examine all the relevant issues related to your roof prior to providing you with a price quote for your solar energy system. Contact them today to learn more about the process and requirements for solar installation.

Is solar energy saving you money? If it isn’t already doing so directly, you are realizing some cost savings indirectly as an American taxpayer. The federal government recently set forth a requirement that, by 2025, every federal agency must derive at least 25 percent of its power needs from renewable sources. As the nation’s largest power consumer, the federal government racks up some hefty electric bills each year, all of which are paid for with tax dollars. The U.S Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program reports that, between 2009 and 2011, the government saved taxpayers $3.5 billion through the use of solar power* and other alternative energy generating systems, and it looks like that number will keep growing.

Department of Defense Solar Generating Projects

In California’s sun-rich Mohave Desert, the U.S. Navy broke ground on a 118-acre solar array project in 2012 for the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. The China Lake project, with a 13.78 megawatt capacity, is estimated to save a minimum of $13 million in power costs in its first 20 years of operation.

Fort Irwin, also in the Mohave Desert, has a solar plant approximately the size of Manhattan, with plans to expand for a total of 1,000 megawatts of capacity. The SolarStrong project is building more than $1 billion in solar generating equipment, designated to power military housing projects for American service members. In addition to the large energy cost savings SolarStrong will provide, the project also has generated thousands of jobs.

In Fort Bliss, Texas, a 20-megawatt solar farm is nearing completion, designed to serve the Army Corps of Engineers. The Department of Defense is endeavoring to make Fort Bliss the first “net zero” government site, producing as much energy as it consumes.

The Solar Powerhouse at Nellis Air Force Base

Closer to home, Nellis AFB in southern Nevada is proving to be a prime example of this trend, hosting one of the largest solar arrays in the United States. Covering a mind-boggling 140 acres, the Nellis system boasts 70,000 photovoltaic panels. The system serves 12,000 people on base and contributes more than 25 percent of its total annual power needs. The best part? The Nellis energy savings is estimated to exceed $1 million every year. The system’s installation required no out-of-pocket cost for the Air Force, which will no longer have to endure fluctuating power costs or rely on local electrical utility providers.

Intermountain Wind and Solar, serving customers throughout the U.S. Intermountain West region, is committed to helping home and business owners alike end their dependence on electric utility providers. Contact them today to get started, so you too can take advantage of renewable solar energy, saving money all the while.

Got power? If not, you need the G.O.O.D. Wagon. What’s a G.O.O.D. Wagon, you ask? It’s the power you need, right at your fingertips.

Americans have become used to having power whenever they need it, not only in their homes, but in their vehicles and outdoors as well. That low battery signal sends users running for the closest charger so they don’t lose their beloved connections to the outside world. But what happens in a true blackout? Even if you have an alternative power source, unless it’s a hybrid, you can’t use it when the grid is down. Many people who live in an area prone to power loss, whether due to snow, wind, flooding or other types of disasters, rely on a backup generator to power their necessary equipment. A generator can be a good solution in a power outage, but the G.O.O.D. Wagon provides energy without the inconvenience and expense of gasoline, and without the accompanying noise.

Alternative Power Source

The G.O.O.D. Wagon (Get Out of Dodge) runs on solar energy, which can be stored to use on a moment’s notice. The wagon can also be left plugged in to an electrical power source when not in use to keep the battery at a maximum charge.

A backup power source provides peace of mind that your needs will be met in an emergency, but the G.O.O.D. Wagon is also a convenience. It can be used to provide energy for power tools, or to charge one tool while you are using another. If you are planning to build a cabin or other structure out in the great outdoors where extension cords don’t reach, the G.O.O.D. Wagon can be invaluable, providing not only power for your tools, but heat and light as well.

Some people love to go camping and get away from it all, but if you want to get away from only some of it, take the G.O.O.D. Wagon with you. It will power those conveniences you can’t do without, like a radio, hot shower or lights. This type of power source can also allow you to go backcountry camping in comfort without being at the mercy of commercial campgrounds.

Three Choices

Three models are available: the YoYo (You’re on Your Own), compacted into a trailer of six to eight feet, a medium-sized version in a 10-to-12-foot trailer, and the largest, the Command model. All are equipped with a 4,000-watt inverter and a 24-volt battery bank. The medium-sized models are outfitted with storage capacity inside, as well as space on top for a solar array to keep the power coming. The largest models are often used by emergency preparedness teams as their command centers. With extra space for solar cells, storage and equipment, they can’t be beat as a go-to power source when it’s most needed.

Intermountain Wind & Solar can provide for your mobile power needs in an emergency and all year-round. Call them to find out how to get your own G.O.O.D. Wagon so you always have access to the power you need.

Solar shingles are getting a lot of press these days. Heralded by the environmental contingent as a way of bringing renewable energy to the masses, some of the news coverage seems to indicate that these products are the way of the future for renewable energy generation. But are solar shingles, sometimes known as solar roof tiles, all they’re cracked up to be? Read on for a brief comparison between energy generating shingles and traditional solar panels.

What are Solar Shingles or Solar Roof Tiles?

In traditional rooftop panels, multiple photovoltaic cells are integrated in one plane, usually covered with a sheet of protective material such as glass. To make PV shingles, “thin film” technology is used to maintain the flexible nature required for roofing applications. Thin film technology, as compared to standard panel composition, is less effective at generating energy and has a shorter expected life, but it is less expensive to produce. Photovoltaic shingles were first introduced in 2005, but the technology has continually changed since their inception.

How Do Solar Shingles Differ from Panels?

Energy-generating roofing products are applied directly to standard underlayment materials, just as normal roofing materials are. Although they mimic the look and size of standard roof products, they are produced in strips generally about 12 by 86 inches, rather than in individual pieces. Installation can often be completed in less time than can panels, resulting in lower installation costs, but installation requires a highly specialized set of skills. Whereas panels can be oriented for maximum efficacy even if your home isn’t perfectly oriented, shingles cannot be adjusted in a similar manner or relocated, once installed. Solar roof tiles generate a high level of heat at the roof underlayment and substrate.

Are Solar Roof Tiles Right for Your Home or Business?

While PV panel technology has been in existence since the 1950s, with successful system operations reaching into the 40-year range, solar roofing products are a new and still-developing technology. PV roof tiles are indigo in color, not exactly a match for changing architectural styles or exterior color palettes. Some types of PV shingles cannot be configured to work with backup power systems, an important feature for many consumers. Finally, if your building does not have a large span of roof oriented clearly toward the south, unimpeded by any sun-blocking structures, you may not be able to use them. Today, few alternative energy providers offer RV roofing products, choosing instead to wait for future technology developments and more evidence of long-term efficacy.

Intermountain Wind and Solar, serving customers in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada, is the region’s leading provider of alternative energy systems, custom fit to match every client’s needs. Contact them today to learn about all the benefits of solar panel systems compared to solar shingles.

Customers often ask how long solar panels last. Solar energy systems represent a significant investment, but in return pay for themselves many times over, thanks to their durability and reliability. The actual life expectancy of solar panels depends on the type of system you choose. Although solar systems do diminish slightly in efficiency over time, the amount is negligible. Even better, renewable energy systems using solar panel technology usually require little or no maintenance.

The Type of Panel You Select Matters

Renewable energy system technology has evolved over the years, and, as such, so have the types of panels from which you have to choose. The first type, known as thin film, is less expensive but less efficient than the more popular alternative. Thin film systems also have a shorter life span, but this type of system is not widely used. The second type of panel, crystalline silicon, is the typical type of system used in most applications. Although more costly than thin film systems, crystalline silicon panels are significantly more durable and reliable, typically lasting 25 to 30 years or longer.

Expected Decrease in Efficiency

On average, most crystalline silicon systems see a nominal drop in efficiency each year, only about ½ of 1 percent. At the end of a 25-year warranty, the panels will still generate close to 90 percent of their original capacity. By that point, the initial equipment investment will have paid for itself potentially many times over. At the same time, emerging technology is constantly improving the energy efficiency of home systems, electronics and appliances, resulting in an average reduction of energy requirements each year in the typical American household.

Maintaining Your Solar Panels

Some renewable energy system providers set forth a list of maintenance tasks that are necessary to keep your warranty in place. In truth, panels require little or no maintenance because there are no moving parts to wear out or components to rust. The only task you should ever need to do is periodically clean and inspect the panels. A buildup of dust, leaves or bird droppings can potentially block their ability to collect solar energy, reducing the system’s effectiveness. Most customers clean their panels only on an as-needed basis.

Intermountain Wind and Solar, serving Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada, is proud to offer a 25-year warranty on solar panels. The peace of mind that comes with this warranty is exceeded only by your power bill savings, which will pay for the original investment many times over. Contact IWS today for a complimentary consultation. Their experienced technicians will answer all your questions about renewable energy systems and how long solar panels last.

Solar energy development is finally getting the hand it needs from the government. Different states have varying laws regulating solar power, and individual states can provide tax credits for investing in solar panels as well. But federal tax credits are also available to those interested in solar panel installation. Currently, taxpayers may claim up to 30 percent of installation costs for solar energy systems. At a recent speech at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, President Barack Obama spoke out in favor of solar energy, and announced the federal government’s intention to train 75,000 people, including veterans, to work in the industry.

Military to Set Example

“We’ve got to lead by example, invest in the future, (and) train our workers for good, new jobs in the clean-energy economy,” Obama said. Solar panels fuel 20 percent of energy usage at Hill Air Force Base, one of 10 military bases across the country that will host training programs for members of the military who are preparing to leave the armed forces. Obama said he believed this was a win-win-win situation, since this type of job training would help the economy, the job market for veterans and the planet all at the same time.

Utah Is Industry Leader

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Utah is at the forefront of the clean energy industry. “[Utah] is an example of a state that has made smart investments in clean energy and has yielded great benefits for the economy,” Earnest said. The Obama Administration has expressed frustration with Washington’s slow acceptance of this economical, clean, viable energy source. Earnest said Obama’s efforts in Washington to expand solar power nationwide has met with resistance from Republican lawmakers there, even though Utah Republicans have embraced it and made it work. Not only has the progress in Utah been good for maintaining the state’s clean air and scenic vistas, it has given a boost to the economy, providing needed jobs in a burgeoning industry.

Next Big Thing

Intermountain Wind & Solar installs residential and commercial solar energy systems throughout Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. The company started small, in 2008 with only three employees, and has grown exponentially ever since. Alternative energy sources are the wave of the future — customers want solar panels not just to save money, but also to do their part in curtailing this country’s usage of and dependence on dangerous fossil fuels. For more information about how you can join the movement and save money on energy bills while earning tax credits, contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today.

If you think solar energy is only good for saving money on your power bills, think again. The alternative energy industry is putting U.S. military veterans back to work. Veterans often have trouble finding work after their service to their country ends. Although many individuals and agencies fight to solve this problem, the system has been slow to change. Encouraging veterans to enter the solar field is one solution that is making a real difference. Read on to learn more about how this industry is giving back to veterans.

Government-Sponsored Programs

Over the past several years, the U.S. government has increased its efforts to make sure that veterans find sustainable jobs after they are done serving in the military. One of the most recent initiatives was the Solar Ready Vets program, which involves 10 military bases. One of them is Utah’s Hill Air Force Base. At this and other bases across the United States, veterans have been learning to install PV panels in a training course that lasts four to six weeks. They also learn about local building codes so they can ensure safety and high quality during every installation. This way, they have the option to become not only installers, but also solar inspectors and sales representatives, depending on their specific strengths and interests.

Special Skills Make Veterans Ideal for the Industry

Many people in the military have technical skills that are of use in the solar industry, which is why this line of work is ideal for them. For example, many veterans are used to working with their hands, usually on complex or highly technical equipment. Veterans also work well in teams, an important component of solar installation projects. They are interested in making the world a better place — when they leave the military, veterans often look for specific opportunities to help others, and helping Americans adopt solar technology certainly meets that ideal. Consequently, even those who are not familiar with the solar industry can be good candidates for this field.

A Rapidly Growing Industry

Due to the sheer number of veterans, any industry that is going to welcome them has to be large enough to provide lots of jobs. After all, more than 190,000 veterans leave the military every year. Luckily, the solar industry is growing rapidly. In fact, it is among the fastest-growing fields in this country, so it makes sense that one out of every 78 new jobs generated in the United States in 2014 was in the solar field. And, as solar panels become more popular, even more installers, sales specialists, customer service representatives and inspectors will be needed.

If you need yet another reason you should adopt solar, consider that you’ll be putting our former service members back to work, as well as saving tons of money and establishing your energy independence. Contact Intermountain Wind and Solar today for more information about solar energy.

Wind power technology, also known as wind energy, is a form of solar energy, plentiful in many parts of the U.S. Geographic regions across the country are rated based on their wind power-generating potential. Wind speed is the most important factor for the generation of power. Fortunately, northern Utah ranks well on the U.S. Department of Energy’s wind energy scale. Read on for some basic information about how wind power technology works and how it can save you significantly on your home energy bills.

What Makes Wind

Wind energy is considered a type of solar energy because the sun helps to create the wind. Atmospheric pressures vary greatly between the Earth’s poles and the equator. The difference in atmospheric absorption of solar energy leads to differing air buoyancy in different locations. Air moves from high pressure areas to low pressure areas, based on its buoyancy, creating winds of varying speed. Planetary rotation also exerts some influence on atmospheric patterns, other than at the equator.

How Wind Power is Generated

Wind power is generated by a turbine or windmill. But whereas a windmill uses generated energy to pump water or mill grain, today’s turbines create power. Turbines consist of large, stiff blades (also called rotors) situated around a hub, mounted on a rotor shaft or drive train (typically involving a gearbox and generator) and mounted on a tower. As the blades spin, the turbine converts that kinetic energy into mechanical power. The generator creates electricity by converting and storing the mechanical power.

Is Wind Energy Right for Your Home?

In your travels, you may have seen wind farms along the highway, with dozens or hundreds of huge, spinning turbines working together to help meet the country’s power needs. For the individual residential property, small turbines are used to produce electricity that is tied to your municipal grid. Any excess power generated by your system is supplied to the grid, earning you credits to be used at a later date. Because your system ties to the power grid, no battery backup system is required. Consequently, a residential turbine system is very affordable for most homeowners living “on the grid.” Systems are also available for off the grid energy production but a backup battery is needed.

Intermountain Wind and Solar would be happy to provide a free wind assessment for your property to see if a grid-tied power generation system is right for you. In addition to sufficient air speed, you also need ample space for the turbine(s) and no zoning or HOA restrictions that would prohibit its construction. If a turbine energy system won’t work for your property, a solar system can also help you achieve your energy cost savings goals. Contact us today so we can help you wipe out your energy bills for good.

Mobile solar generators can be mounted today on many types of vehicles. Common uses include both commercial and personal applications of virtually any scope, from disaster response to family outings in the wilderness. Although recreational vehicles and commercial transports are popular conveyances for alternative power generators, trailer-mounted generators offer the most versatility and scalability to meet your needs.

Mobile Solar Applications

The use of solar energy systems for RV power is growing in popularity. Scalable and flexible, photovoltaic panels can power anything from a small pop-up trailer to a luxury bus or fifth wheel. In the transportation industry, photovoltaic energy is used to power lift gates, cool large passenger vehicles, and to extend the delivery range of refrigerated transport trailers. Solar generators are also used by the military and in school buses. Arguably the most versatile application for these generators is custom trailers.

Trailer-Mounted Solar Generators

Trailers of all sizes can be outfitted with photovoltaic panels and a battery bank that is scaled to fit your needs. Unlike a gas-powered generator, solar equipment produces no noxious fumes or noise. In disaster situations, gasoline, propane or diesel fuels may be not be available. Able to generate a significant amount of power with input only from the sun, trailer-mounted solar generators are perfect for any situation in which a traditional generator is impractical or impossible to use.

Uses for Mobile Solar Trailers

Trailer-mounted photovoltaic generators are used in both commercial and personal applications. Disaster response teams use these power plants on wheels to operate medical equipment and critical communications systems. Solar trailers are used for special events to power lighting, sound equipment and concessions. They are used in agricultural, ranching and construction applications as well, wherever traditional electricity is unavailable. For personal use, PV generators are perfect for camping, but you can use it as backup power for your home as well, with the addition of a dedicated circuit and transfer switch. Solar systems can be mounted on small 6-8-foot trailers for easy transport. If you want to transport more than just the PV panels and battery bank, try a 10-12-foot trailer instead to haul camping gear, tools or equipment.

Intermountain Wind and Solar designs and builds G.O.O.D. wagons (Get Out of Dodge), multipurpose mobile solar generators. From the compact 10-17 model to the full-scale functionality of the 10-77 dual axle model, these mobile solar generating stations will be there when and where you need them.