Monthly Archives: July 2016

Solar bulk purchasing programs — including the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative (ICSI) facilitate the widespread adoption of photovoltaic power.

When a neighborhood bands together and decides to adopt solar energy as community a, more homeowners have the opportunity to own professionally installed systems.

Leverage the Lowest Prices Available with Solar Bulk Purchasing

Costs for installing a photovoltaic system have been falling for the last few years. In fact,
according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the average price of a U.S.
residential photovoltaic system dropped by 8.3 percent in the first quarter of 2016.

Because photovoltaic system costs are falling, homeowners are playing a waiting game
and plan to adopt solar when the price gets lower. But with bulk purchasing discounts,
no one has to wait for photovoltaic system components to become more affordable. And
they won’t anyway.

Large regional photovoltaic providers, such as Intermountain Wind & Solar, are able to
save homeowners an average of $4,000 to $6,000 on professionally installed
photovoltaic systems. This is due to the power of bulk purchasing.

And the more homeowners who participate, the more the price drops.

Bulk Purchasing Programs Make Adopting Solar Understandable

The concept of solar power is simple enough. Photovoltaic cells absorb light energy
from the sun, which is then converted to usable electricity.

The process of adopting solar, however, is not as easy to understand.

Many homeowners want to install a photovoltaic system, but they don’t have the time to
learn enough about the components and how they work to make informed decisions.

Community programs provide homeowners with all of the information they need to feel
confident about purchasing a photovoltaic system. ICSI, for example, offers educational
workshops on photovoltaic components and how they are used to power a home.

Experienced industry professionals are available at these workshops to answer
individual homeowner questions.

Solar Bulk Purchasing Programs Take Away the Headaches of Going Solar

Did you know that photovoltaic systems often require building and electrical permits?

And if you live in a planned development, you may need approval from your
homeowners association before installing photovoltaic panels. Do you have the time to
handle these issues? And do you really want to?

Community programs like ICSI help take care of these matters.

If you choose to go it alone for your photovoltaic installation, you’ll also have to meet
with contractors and negotiate bids for the installation. This is a hassle you can avoid by
joining a community bulk program.

To find out more about solar bulk purchasing and other photovoltaic system options,
contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today. You also can visit our website to learn more
about ICSI and all the ways that bulk solar purchasing can benefit you.

Photovoltaic panels can power your air conditioner and keep your home cool as the temperatures rise in the summer. In fact, your panel array functions best on days when the sun is shining brightly and no clouds are in the sky.

But while sunny summer days may seem ideal for harnessing energy from the sun, intense temperatures do affect your solar panel system.

High Temperatures Reduce Efficiency of Photovoltaic Panels

We know that temperature doesn’t alter how much solar energy photovoltaic panels take in. However, high temperatures can affect how much power is produced from that energy.

As the mercury rises, your solar panels produce less electricity from the same amount of sunlight. Here’s why:

Heat changes the speed at which the electrons in a solar cell travel, which affects the flow of electricity. According to one experiment conducted in the United Kingdom, solar panel power output begins to drop when the temperature reaches 42 degrees Celsius, or roughly 107 degrees Fahrenheit. And for each degree Celsius the mercury rises above this, panel efficiency decreases 1.1 percent.

Given that solar panels can be up to 20 degrees hotter than the ambient air temperature, this means that solar output may start declining when summer temps hit 87 degrees Fahrenheit.

Determining the Efficiency of Your Photovoltaic Panels

The effect of heat on solar panels can be estimated through the use of complicated scientific equations. But you don’t have to do any math. Just take a look at the specifications for your photovoltaic modules to see how well they will tolerate the intense summer sun.

Solar panels are laboratory tested at a standard temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). On your spec sheet, look for the temperature coefficient Pmax. This figure tells you how much power the panel will lose when its temperature rises above the standard test condition temperature.

Tips to Reduce the Effects of Heat on Your Photovoltaic Panels

If you live in a climate with hot summers, you can take steps to minimize the effect of high temperatures on your solar panels.

Choosing panels that are constructed with lighter materials can help, as darker colors absorb more heat. Locating your inverters behind the array so that they are shaded from the sun helps as well.

Finally, it’s advisable to install your solar panels a few inches above the roof. This will provide airflow all around the modules, which can help keep them cooler.

The experts at Intermountain Wind & Solar understand how to design your system to maximize your output of free solar power. Based in Utah, we provide photovoltaic systems for commercial and residential applications throughout the Intermountain West. Contact us today to request a complimentary estimate for adding photovoltaic panels to your home or business.

According to the dictionary, solar energy is simply radiant energy from the sun. But what does that really mean, in terms of putting the sun’s power to work for you?

Solar technologies allow you to harness the sun’s energy and convert it to useable power, offering independence from the traditional utility grid and saving you money.

Today, you can put solar energy to work for you in three different — and highly effective — ways.

Power Your Home with Photovoltaic Solar Energy

Through photovoltaic technology, the sun can provide you with electricity for your home or business.

A rooftop or ground-mounted solar panel system can capture the AC (alternating current) energy of the sun and convert it to DC (direct current) energy, the type needed to power your electronics and appliances.

With a large enough photovoltaic system and a battery storage bank, you can disconnect and live entirely off the municipal power grid.

Most solar customers choose to connect their systems to the utility grid for a backup source of power, however. And if your system is grid-tied, net metering allows you to earn credits from the power company whenever your photovoltaic panels send excess energy to the grid for use by other customers.

Heat Your Water — and Your Swimming Pool — with Thermal Solar Energy

Most homeowners rely on natural gas or electricity to heat water for household use.

With a thermal solar power system, however, you can heat your water with the power of the sun. According to North Carolina State University, many homeowners are able to supply 50 to 80 percent of their home’s hot water needs with a solar water heater.

Solar water heating technologies are reliable and cost-effective. Photovoltaic panels or evacuated tubes are mounted on your rooftop to collect energy from the sun. They then transfer the heat to the running water in your home.

And of particular interest to our customers in the Intermountain West, a thermal solar power system also can heat your swimming pool.

Have Power on the Go with Mobile Solar Energy

The sun’s power certainly can provide you with electricity and hot water. But did you know that with mobile solar energy solutions, you can use the sun’s power anywhere?

Portable photovoltaic panels can provide you with electricity no matter where you are.

Charge your cell phone or laptop while you’re on the road. Or link a few modules together and add a battery storage pack or portable solar generator for more power. You can take your system along on your next camping trip to keep the lights on at night and to power your electronic devices.

Here at Intermountain Wind & Solar, we believe that our customers should take full advantage of the energy independence and free power the sun provides. We serve commercial and residential customers in Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Colorado.

Contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today for more information on putting solar energy to work for you.

Your photovoltaic panel array is designed to withstand heavy winds, snow, hail and other extreme weather. But what about squirrels?

Can your solar system stand up to these furry little critters?

The squirrels climbing around in your trees may seem harmless enough. They can, however, wreak havoc on your solar panel system.

How Can Squirrels Damage a Photovoltaic Array Panel?

Have you ever seen squirrels scampering around on your rooftop, or perhaps darting under your photovoltaic panels?

If so, they may be building nests.

Solar installers often get calls from customers whose photovoltaic panels are not working properly. When the installers come out for a service call, they discover nesting material under the modules.

Squirrels also are notorious for chewing through electrical wiring around homes and rooftops. This can be quite destructive to your solar panels and other components, and can result in expensive repairs.

Worse, it could create a fire hazard.

Installation Tips to Prevent Squirrel Damage Your Photovoltaic Panels

If you are still in the planning stages of installing a photovoltaic array, installation strategies can help to avoid squirrel damage.

Your solar installer can keep most of the wiring snug against the racking system. Cable trays or other cable protection can be used around module junction boxes. Critters usually target sagging wires, so proper wire management can decrease the likelihood that yours become squirrel chow.

A perimeter screen also can be installed as a part of your solar installation. Attached to both the racking and your rooftop, a heavy, rigid screen can block squirrels from building their nests under your photovoltaic panels.

What if Your Photovoltaic Panel Installation Is Already Complete?

Do you already have a solar panel system installed on your rooftop? You can still install a perimeter screen. Contact a local roofing contractor to learn more about your options.

Or you can attack the problem at its source, so to speak.

Take a look at the trees in your yard. Do any of their branches hang over or near your roof? Squirrels can leap up to 10 feet. If you have overhanging branches, consider trimming them back to keep the critters from jumping onto your roof.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, contact a company in your area that specializes in wildlife removal or pest control.

Taking extra measures to prevent squirrels from damaging your photovoltaic panel system will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

The solar energy experts at Intermountain Wind & Solar consider a variety of factors when designing residential and commercial systems. If you’re aware of problems with squirrels or other damaging pests in your area, just let us know and we will recommend the best solution.

Serving customers in Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Colorado, Intermountain Wind & Solar is the region’s leading expert in the design and installation of photovoltaic panel systems.

The U.S. solar power industry is going strong.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the photovoltaic energy market has seen a compound annual growth rate of almost 60 percent in the last decade. And in early 2016, our country reached the milestone of over 1 million photovoltaic installations.

Demand for solar energy is increasing, as lower prices have made it economically competitive with conventional energy sources. The country is finally beginning to rely less on fossil fuels for electricity.

Solar Electric Generating Capacity Beat Natural Gas for the First Time in 2015

Photovoltaic energy installations have accounted for a large share of the country’s new electric generating capacity additions for the last few years.

In 2013, for example, an impressive 27 percent of additions were solar. In 2014, that number jumped to 32 percent. Yet natural gas still had the edge, with new additions at 47 percent and 41 percent, respectively.

Last year, however, that trend shifted.

In 2015, natural gas accounted for 29 percent of electric capacity additions. Solar power systems exceeded that amount, with 29.4 percent. These figures are momentous, as this characterizes a fundamental shift in the electricity market.

Expected Solar Power Growth in 2016

In 2015, the amount of solar capacity installed was a record-breaking 7.3 gigawatts (GW). Industry analysts from SEIA predict that 2016 will shatter this record, with 14.5 GW of solar capacity to be installed by the end of the year.

This demonstrates a growth rate of 94 percent over 2015!

Utility scale photovoltaic installations will make up the lion’s share of these additions — 74 percent. But the residential and commercial markets also are expected to experience strong growth this year.

Solar Power vs. Other Energy Sources: Which Will Come Out on Top in 2016?

SEIA data shows that in the first quarter of 2016, the solar power industry added more new electric generating capacity than the combined totals of natural gas, coal and nuclear energy. In fact, solar accounted for 64 percent of all new U.S. electric installations brought online.

The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) has a listing of new utility-scale electric generating additions scheduled for 2016. And according to their data, photovoltaic installations lead the pack at 9.5 GW. Natural gas falls in second at 8 GW, and wind is in third at 6.8 GW in new capacity. Keep in mind, too, that these totals do not include rooftop solar power systems.

And in 2015, that accounted for nearly 2 GW of photovoltaic capacity.

Intermountain Wind & Solar is always eager to share the latest news and industry information with our clients, especially when it reflects such promising trends in the solar energy market.

As the leading provider of residential and commercial solar power in the Intermountain West, we have the purchasing power and resources to ensure that you can take advantage of these trends yourself. Contact us today for more information about putting solar power to work for you.

Off-grid solar energy is gaining in popularity in the United States, especially in light of
today’s political climate and economy.

Self-sufficiency and economic independence are more important than ever in our
country, and using the power of the sun allows you to have both. No longer do
customers have to rely on the conventional utility grid for their power needs, especially
in times of emergency.

If you have considered going off the grid, having the right information can help you
decide on the solar energy system that’s right for you and your family.

Consider Passive Design for Off-Grid Solar Heating and Cooling

In an ideal world, your off-grid home will be designed with the sun in mind. If you plan to
build a new home or renovate an existing one, adding passive solar design elements
can provide added benefits.

South-facing windows let more sun in and help heat your home in the winter. Roof
overhangs shield the home from heat in summer, and thermal masonry building
materials increase energy efficiency. But even if you plan to work with the home you
have now, you can take advantage of passive design strategies to maximize your
off-grid energy use.

Having the right windows can make a sizeable difference. Consider replacing yours or
adding treatments like reflective films, insulated panels or mesh solar screens. You also
can install window awnings to allow for solar heating in winter and shade in summer.

Consider landscaping elements, too. When properly placed, fences, trees and bushes
can help maximize the effectiveness of off-grid solar power.

It’s important to note that passive solar strategies are not necessary. In fact, you can
install an off-grid solar panel system to meet the needs of virtually any household or
business.

Install Off-Grid Solar Panels for Home Electricity

With an off-grid photovoltaic panel system, you don’t have the traditional utility grid as a
backup source of power.

Consequently, you’ll want to make sure that your system is sized to meet your
household energy needs. You also will need to add a bank of batteries to store
electricity for when the sun isn’t shining.

Without this storage capability, you won’t have power at night or in bad weather.

Use the Sun’s Thermal Energy for Off-Grid Solar Water Heating

Solar energy isn’t just for powering your lights, appliances and electronics. In fact, it can
provide your home with hot water for bathing, washing clothes, cleaning and cooking.

Most off-grid solar thermal systems use photovoltaic panels or evacuated tubes to
collect heat from the sun and transfer it to running water in your home. In cold climates,
like the Intermountain West, solar water heaters need to be protected from freezing
temperatures.

You can choose between an active, forced-circulation system that uses an electric pump
or an indirect, closed-loop system that uses a non-freezing liquid to transfer the sun’s
heat.

Today, living off-grid can provide all the comforts of modern life. By using passive design
along with photovoltaic systems to provide electricity and hot water, you can enjoy both
comfort and true energy independence. When added to the significant level of cost
savings you will realize, off-grid solar makes sense for many customers.

Intermountain Wind & Solar is the region’s leading provider of residential and
commercial solar energy systems. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of
photovoltaic energy, and to discuss how you can realize all the benefits that come with
off-grid solar.

Are you planning to get a photovoltaic system for your home or business?

Professional solar energy contractors streamline the process to make it easy for their customers. But it’s not as simple as calling a solar company one day and having your system installed the next. Rather, adopting solar energy requires professional planning to ensure that your system is safe, effective and efficient.

On-Site Evaluation to Assess Your Photovoltaic System Needs

Professional solar installers know that your photovoltaic system must be designed to fit the needs of your home or business.

The first consideration is how much power you would like your PV panel array to generate. A review of your current and anticipated energy use will provide the necessary insight to determine your ideal system size.

An assessment of your property is also necessary in order to determine solar panel placement.

Your contractor will evaluate your roof, measuring the available space and tilt. Shading issues also will be considered, as buildings, trees and other obstructions could prevent your photovoltaic system from functioning optimally.

Based on the property analysis, your professional solar installer will create a rooftop or ground-mounted solar panel layout that is both economical and capable of providing the energy you need.

Your Solar Installer Explains Financing Options and Secures Permits

A professional contractor won’t just give you a system price and expect you to find a way to pay. Neither will they expect you to handle the approval and permitting process.

During your home evaluation, your solar installer will talk to you about options for financing. In addition, your contractor will provide you with information regarding available federal, state and local incentives that can reduce the cost of your solar energy system significantly.

Your photovoltaic energy system may require a building permit, and if you live in a planned community, HOA approval.

Professional solar installers are familiar with the process and will usually handle any necessary permits. You may, however, need to apply personally for approval from your homeowners’ association. But your contractor will provide the necessary schematics and related documentation.

Photovoltaic System Installation Day

Many home and small business system installations can be completed in one day. You won’t need to do anything yourself, other than provide access to the PV array’s installation site.

Your professional solar contractor will begin the process of attaching the mounts, flashings and rails. Then, solar panels are attached to the rails and connected into an array. After every component is mounted, the panels will be wired and connected to your inverter.

If your system will be connected to the local utility grid, it will likely require an inspection from the local building department or utility company before it goes online and starts to produce power.

Overall, the photovoltaic system installation process is relatively simple and straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your system goes up, and how quickly you’ll begin saving money.

Intermountain Wind & Solar is the leading solar energy expert in the Intermountain West. We serve commercial and residential customers in Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Colorado. Contact us today to learn more about how a photovoltaic system will benefit you.

Who chooses to install a solar energy system? Liberal-minded consumers who want to go green? Rich people? Or is the typical solar customer someone else entirely?

As it turns out, income and politics are not so important when deciding to adopt alternative energy.

According to research studies from Yale University, along with the University of Connecticut and New York University, a phenomenon known as the peer effect plays a larger part in the decision to adopt solar energy.

What Is the Peer Effect?

Essentially, the peer effect is about keeping up with the Joneses.

In other words, the choices that consumers make are often driven, at least in part, by comparisons we make between ourselves and our peers. If we see our friends and neighbors doing something — anything, really — then we are more likely to do it ourselves.

When it comes to solar energy, peer influence is often associated with how people want to be perceived by their neighbors.

These days, more and more consumers want to be seen as environmentally responsible, but they want even more to be considered as fiscally wise. Installing photovoltaic panels is an eco-friendly choice, but its real value lies with the financial benefits it offers.

In any community, when one homeowner installs a solar power system, others nearby are more likely to become green with envy about all the money their neighbors are saving.

How Peer Influence Affects Solar Energy Adoption

The Yale studies found clear evidence that peer influence positively affects adoption of solar power.

Geographic clustering of photovoltaic installations occurs at the ZIP code level, with every 1 percent increase in the number of installations leading to a 1.15 percent increase in the daily adoption rate.

More impressive is the affect that these installations have on the neighborhood level. Each 1 percent increase results in the adoption rate jumping by 9.28 percent, according to the research.

The Impact of Peer Effect on the Future of Solar Energy

Industry analysts are encouraged by how peers and neighbors influence solar power adoption.

One of the biggest costs for any industry is the acquisition of new customers. If word-of-mouth can help do that job, it results in big savings for everyone, thanks to bulk purchasing discounts. Those savings are passed on to the consumers, lowering the costs of investing in photovoltaic power.

Here at Intermountain Wind & Solar, we work with neighborhoods and communities to develop bulk purchasing programs that facilitate solar adoption. And once we demonstrate to our future customers how much money they can save each month on their power bills, the peer effect takes care of itself.

Are you interested in learning more about how a photovoltaic power system can benefit you? Intermountain Wind & Solar can design a cost-effective, cost-saving solar energy system for your home or business.

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.