Monthly Archives: October 2015

Decreasing solar installation costs and increasing incentives are helping businesses throughout Idaho, Utah, Nevada and other Intermountain West states benefit significantly from the sun’s power. In many cases, businesses can use solar for some or all of their energy needs. Installing a photovoltaic (PV) panel system can be expensive, but is an extremely affordable investment today. In very little time, your solar power system can become profitable for you, and that’s something the power company will never tell you! Cutting Monthly Energy Bills Depending upon the nature of your business and your energy requirements, converting to solar power could save you thousands of dollars every month. Businesses with substantial energy costs, such as manufacturing facilities, schools and office parks, have...

Today, solar power allows you to easily and affordably run your entire house, letting you go off of the grid completely. Aside from the cost of the initial solar panel system installation, which is amazingly affordable today, going solar involves virtually no cost or effort at all. After all, solar energy is free, and with proper planning, an effective system can be designed to accommodate the needs of any home. Passive Solar Power Strategies If you are building a new home, incorporating passive solar energy techniques can easily help to make the most of the sunlight that falls on your property. The home’s orientation, roof construction and window placement can be optimized to capture and use the maximum amount of...

Mobile solar power has many uses for individuals as well as for industry. Whether you plan to spend a week camping in the desert with your family or you just want the security of being prepared in an emergency, you can find a solution that’s the perfect size and scope for your needs. Mobile solar comes in all shapes and sizes, from hand-held portable generators to trailer-mounted systems and everything in between. Solar Power Systems for Recreational Use Whether you have a large motor home or a modest tent trailer, you can choose the perfect photovoltaic system to meet your needs. If you plan to take a trip in your RV, do you really want to tote around a generator...

Today, residential solar panels can provide sufficient energy to power buildings in remote locations, eliminating the need to connect to the electrical grid. Living in a secluded area often used to mean living without power, as installing new utility lines to isolated areas can be extremely challenging, and therefore, quite expensive. Now, with today’s affordable and effective PV energy systems, people can have reliable, inexpensive power in even the most far-flung locations. Remote Applications of Solar Energy When utility service is not available or practical, PV technology can be used to take care of a building’s power needs. Solar powered systems have the capacity to provide enough electricity for lighting and appliances used in a remote home or vacation cabin....

Photovoltaic solar technology provides a wealth of perks for consumers as well as businesses, but many people don’t think about a valuable side benefit: peace and quiet. Throughout Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and the rest of the Intermountain West, solar energy users are enjoying true energy independence and its significant financial advantages, as well as the drop in noise pollution that results from shunning traditional methods of generating electricity. PV panel technology is quiet, especially when compared to traditional diesel or gas-powered versions. In fact, it’s being used in other countries today to dampen traffic noise from the freeways! Excess Noise from Traditional Power Industrial operations of all types typically generate a lot of noise, but electric plants are some of...

Solar energy can be the key to lowering production costs of any agricultural or horticultural operation. Dairy, poultry or sheep farming, growing grains or other crops — every type of farm, including vineyards, orchards and other specialized operations — involves many energy-intensive practices. Putting the sun to work makes sense as a practical solution to lowering farming energy use and expense. Uses for Solar Technology on the Farm Dozens of high-tech options are available today for using photovoltaic systems in agriculture and horticulture. Passive solar techniques, such as staging the crop rows and designing or updating buildings to take advantage of the sunlight, often come at little cost but offer the capacity to boost a farm’s productivity. PV panel systems...

The goal of all solar technology is to capture the heat generated by the sun and convert it into usable energy. Solar energy can be harnessed to effectively power residential and industrial heating and cooling systems, and any other system that currently relies on electricity for its power source. Technology to harness the power of the sun can be either passive or active in design, and either can be effective in making a home or business more energy-efficient. Passive Solar Energy Passive solar technology does not require the use of specialized mechanical devices or equipment to convert the sun’s energy to power. Greenhouses and sunrooms are examples of passive designs. The sun’s rays pass through the windows, and the structure’s...

Rotating solar panels are getting a lot of media attention lately, and at first glance, they seem to have some benefits. Tracking systems move the panels throughout the day in order to keep them facing the sun. The longer they are aligned with the sun, the more energy they can produce – or at least that is the idea behind them. In reality, however, moving solar panels may not be the most practical choice for many homes and businesses. Tracking Systems Cost More than Fixed-Tilt Systems In a direct comparison with fixed-tilt solar installations, rotating systems will virtually always be more expensive. This is due to a few factors. First of all, tracking panels have parts and machinery which are...

Solar energy is a popular topic of conversation today. Across the United States, both residential and commercial customers are finding a lot to love about this powerful form of alternative energy generation. Despite its growing popularity, however, some potential customers continue to hold out because they aren’t sure yet that a photovoltaic solar energy system is right for them. An informed consumer is a happy consumer, so read on to learn about the pros and cons of today’s solar technology. The Pros and Advantages The biggest advantage of today’s solar power systems is financial. The cost savings are so significant, in fact, that many individuals and businesses have turned to solar as a financial investment vehicle. Not only can you...

Residential solar energy generating systems are gaining popularity across the United States. If you live in the Intermountain West, you probably have noticed the rapid increase of residential solar panels in your neighborhood. This is a trend throughout the region, including in Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Wyoming. The following are just a few great reasons so many people are having solar panels installed on their homes. Save Money on Utility Bills The main reason to go solar, regardless of the state you live in, is to save money. If you are tired of your local power company’s steep bills and constant rate increases, consider adding a PV solar panel system. Not only can it bring your bill down to the...