Monthly Archives: September 2015

Solar technology is quickly gaining favor among small business owners in the United States. To date, many business owners, large and small, have discovered the benefits solar energy offers. If you have not yet committed to adding solar panels to your commercial building, have a look at some of the best reasons small business owners are getting in line to do just that. Save Money with Solar One of the main reasons people switch to solar, whether for home or business, is the staggering potential for cost savings. When you run a business, your monthly electricity bill can get out of hand fast, especially when it’s hot out and you have customers and employees to keep cool. Installing PV panels...

A solar inverter is the critical piece of equipment needed to transform the sun’s energy into usable electric power. An inverter is necessary to convert DC electricity to AC power for use in your home or business. You have a few options when it comes to this important component of your solar energy system, depending on your goals and requirements. Read on to learn some of the pros and cons of different inverter options. String Inverter The most common type of solar inverter is the string version, which can be used in both residential and commercial applications. This grid-tied option is known for being particularly efficient, which is what most people seek when they adopt solar technology. It’s also durable...

The concept of net metering is important to understand if you are considering adding solar panels to your home or business, and it is one of the many benefits of going solar. For a better understanding of how alternative energy and PV solar can benefit you, check out the facts about net metering. An Explanation of Net Metering This process makes it possible for municipal or private electric utility companies to properly credit customers for any energy their PV solar power system may generate. When your home converts the sun’s rays to electricity but doesn’t use it all, the meter runs backward, and you are given a credit on your bill. You will see this credit on your bill as...

State-specific solar incentive programs are designed to assist residents in adopting the newest solar power technologies in their areas. Utah’s programs are some of the best in the country, and one of these provides rebates to home and business owners for installing new PV panels. If you are considering adding an alternative energy system to your home or commercial facility, read on to learn more about the Utah Solar Incentive Program. How Solar Incentive Programs Work The Utah Solar Incentive Program is open to owners of both residential and commercial buildings. Utah electric companies, including Rocky Mountain Power, allow state residents to register for the lottery-based offering each year. The enrollment period traditionally begins in January and ends several weeks...

Solar power has become increasingly popular among new home buyers throughout the Intermountain West as well as the rest of the United States. Consequently, this increased consumer interest in alternative power generation is making solar energy extremely popular with homebuilders as well. If you are in the market for a new home, it will be easier than ever to find a one with photovoltaic solar panels already installed and ready to go. Take a look at this growing phenomenon and how it can benefit you. Many New Homes Offered with Solar Panels Builders across the country now include solar panels throughout their new subdivisions. KB Home, Pulte and Nexus Energy are just a few popular examples. Though some builders still...

As more residential solar systems go online in Idaho and other intermountain states, homeowners association approval is easier to obtain than ever before. Nevertheless, some HOAs still will not approve solar panel installations, or at least not without a fight. If you are worried about whether your HOA will let you install solar panels, read on to find out how to navigate the potentially arduous approval process. Be Aware of the Rules and Your Rights Begin by checking the rules, or covenants, conditions and restrictions, for your neighborhood. Many HOAs restrict solar panels in several ways, usually by making rules regarding their placement, color and how far they can extend above the roof. Once you know the rules for your...

Information about solar energy seems to be everywhere these days, so it’s easy to assume you know all there is to know about this subject. But you might be surprised to learn some things you don’t know. Check out some of the most common questions about solar energy, and find out if you know the correct answers. Can Solar Panels Provide Electricity Even at Night? The short answer to this question is no. One way to meet your after-dark power needs is to use electricity from your local utility company. However, many alternative energy customers install a battery backup system that will store the electricity your panels generate during the day. Efficient backup technology is a fairly new development and...

If you are looking for a sensible investment, look at solar power. The alternative energy industry is rapidly turning into one of the most lucrative areas for U.S. investors of all types. Investing in solar technology makes good financial sense for several reasons. Before you decide where to invest next, take a look at the benefits of investing in solar, especially if you live in the Intermountain West. The Solar Industry Is Growing One of the most persuasive reasons to invest in alternative energy is that you know this technology is the way of the future. In fact, it’s in an aggressive growth cycle with no hint of faltering. More and more businesses and homeowners alike are opting to install...

Solar energy solutions are helping Americans comply with newly implemented RPS standards for energy generation. A Renewable Portfolio Standard, or RPS, is a law that requires electric companies to derive a certain amount of their energy from renewable sources, including solar, wind, geothermal and more. Although the United States has not yet adopted federal RPS laws, more than 30 individual states have adopted the standards. Many other countries around the world have approved similar standards, though they refer to them as Renewable Electricity Standards, or RES, laws. No matter what you call them, these laws benefit the public in numerous ways. Cost Savings One of the main advantages of RPS laws is their ability to save consumers money on their...

Financing individual solar energy systems can be daunting, but you may be able to get help from the C-PACE program, a relatively new concept designed to provide commercial enterprises and business interests an alternative funding method. PACE stands for “property assessed clean energy,” and these programs are rapidly becoming a favored method for financing alternative energy system purchase and installation. Read on to learn more about these exciting programs. The Purpose and Origin of PACE Financing The original model for PACE originated in California more than a decade ago. It was so successful that cities, counties and states have replicated it all across the country. To put the program into action, a city or state sells municipal bonds and uses...