Monthly Archives: August 2016

Photovoltaic solar panels convert the sun’s rays into electricity.

But as is the case with many technological inventions, not all PV panels accomplish this goal in the same way. One of the biggest decisions you face when planning a photovoltaic system is which type of solar panels to choose.

Currently, three types of panels are available: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film, each created using slightly different technology.

To help you determine which type of photovoltaic panel is right to power your home or business, we have put together some basic information on the pros and cons of each.

Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Panels

Monocrystalline silicon technology is responsible for starting the transition to solar power. First commercialized in the 1950s, these photovoltaic modules are made of thin wafers cut from a single crystal of crystalline silicon.

This technology may be decades old, but monocrystalline silicon is still considered to be the most efficient type of solar cell. According to a recent report by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the efficiency of single crystal silicon solar modules has reached 22.9 percent under laboratory conditions.

The drawback to using monocrystalline photovoltaic panels is price. Because they are made with high-purity silicon, these modules are slightly more expensive than other available options.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are also made of crystalline silicon. But this technology, developed in the 1980s, uses multiple crystals of raw silicon. These crystals are melted and poured into square molds to create photovoltaic panels.

The manufacturing process of polycrystalline solar cells is much easier, and therefore, less expensive than that of monocrystalline cells. So choosing these photovoltaic panels will result in lower system costs.

The tradeoff here is that polycrystalline modules are not as efficient. Under Fraunhofer ISE laboratory conditions, their efficiency topped out at 19.2 percent.

Thin Film Solar Panels

Thin film solar modules are created by depositing layers of a photovoltaic element onto glass or steel. Research and development of this technology began in the 1970s. Today, manufacturers use several different types of thin film elements, including amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride and copper indium gallium selenide.

Mass production of thin film photovoltaic panels is quite simple, so these panels can be cheaper. The drawbacks are reduced efficiency, a larger space requirement and a significant reduction in durability.

The average maximum efficiency for thin film modules tested under laboratory conditions at Fraunhofer ISE was only 15.7 percent — significantly less than both monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panels. And thin film panels degrade, or lose efficiency over time, faster than crystalline silicon modules. They are also much more fragile than the other two options.

Choosing the right photovoltaic modules for your home or business will require careful consideration of costs and efficiency ratings as well as other factors, such as power output and manufacturer reliability. At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we only offer monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panels because of their efficiency and durability.

We serve commercial and residential clients in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to telling you more about your options and recommending the best solar panels to suit your needs.

Social media is blowing up with news of consumers’ solar savings, appropriately identified with the #SolarSavings hashtag.

Today, you can save thousands on your photovoltaic system installation by taking advantage of the available government financial incentives. And of course, adopting solar energy cuts your power bills drastically. If you size your PV system properly, you can eliminate the need for grid power altogether.

But did you know that you can boost your solar savings even further by increasing your home’s energy efficiency? If you participate in net metering, this is a great way to earn additional credit toward future grid electricity use.

A home energy audit offers an effective tool for determining how best to boost your household’s efficiency.

Give Your Home a Checkup to Extend Your Solar Savings

A simple walkthrough of your home can identify those areas that could use efficiency improvements.

Lighting uses a large amount of electricity — up to 10 percent of the average electricity bill, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. So look for any older, less-efficient light bulbs and consider replacing them with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some rooms, installing dimmers or sensors could make sense.

Are there any obvious air leaks or drafts in your home? Sealing them could result in energy savings of anywhere from 5 to 30 percent, says the U.S. Department of Energy. And if your heating and cooling system is more than 15 years old, buying a new unit can greatly decrease your energy consumption.

Try an Online Audit to Boost Solar Savings and Energy Efficiency

Need a little help figuring out which efficiency upgrades are worthwhile for your household?

Try the online home energy audit tool developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a division of the DOE.

Called the Home Energy Saver (HES), this tool can give you suggestions on energy improvements to make, based upon your home’s design specifications, electricity prices in your area and other factors.

Just enter your ZIP code and provide the requested information and you’ll be given a personalized report. Follow the advice in the report and you could save up to 20 percent on annual electricity bills, according to HES.

Get a Professional Solar Savings Home Energy Audit

You can conduct your own audit, make energy improvements and increase your solar savings. But if you opt for a professional audit, chances are you’ll save even more.

A professional home audit can detect areas of energy loss and waste in your home that you, as an average homeowner, may miss. And even little tweaks to electricity use in your household could add up to big savings — and bigger net metering credits!

If you have your own strategies for stretching your solar energy dollar, give us a shout out on Twitter and tag us with your #SolarSavings ideas and photos.

If you’re not yet enjoying the financial and energy independence benefits of photovoltaic power, give us a call to schedule a consultation. Intermountain Wind & Solar is dedicated to helping commercial and residential customers in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West realize the maximum possible solar savings.

Commercial solar saves your business money and gets you free publicity at the same time.

Every day, we read about which big companies and businesses across the country have made the switch to solar energy. But make no mistake — these high-profile commercial solar projects aren’t all about saving the world.

What they don’t tell you in the news stories is that these companies are scoring big savings and free PR by investing in photovoltaic power. Your business can score big too, if you make the move to commercial solar energy.

Adopting Commercial Solar Is a Savvy Business Investment

Sure, installing a photovoltaic system large enough to meet your electricity needs requires an upfront investment. However, the costs may not be as high as you think, particularly when you factor in the available federal, state and local grants, tax credits and rebates.

With these financial incentives, many companies save up to 50 percent on their initial commercial solar installation costs.

Installing a solar energy system is a sound business decision because it’s a one-time investment. Once installed, photovoltaic systems will provide free power for decades and require little maintenance. Most solar panels carry a 25-year warranty, but systems can continue to generate energy at near-full capacity for years longer.

Commercial Solar Immediately Cuts (or Eliminates) Electricity Costs

How much is your company’s monthly energy bill?

Wouldn’t you love to pay less — or nothing at all — for your company’s electricity? A commercial photovoltaic system can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. While other companies remain at the mercy of ongoing utility rate hikes, you will be enjoying free energy from the sun instead of relying on the traditional utility grid.

This can mean substantial savings for any business, large or small.

Grid electricity costs have steadily increased over time, and there’s little reason to be optimistic that they will drop in the future. Installing a photovoltaic system locks in savings on your utility bills, allowing you to pay just a fraction of what you pay for electricity now.

As time goes on, those savings add up, and every dollar saved goes directly to your bottom line.

Adopting Commercial Solar Boosts Public Relations

Using solar power means that your business will consume less fossil fuel, resulting in a reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Whether environmental factors interest you or not, the chances are good that they do interest many of your customers. And for those customers who aren’t particularly interested in “green” issues either, you still look like a hero for establishing energy independence and saving your company that other kind of green: money.

A photovoltaic system installation is a powerful marketing and public relations tool. It gives you a great reason to send out press releases and grab a bit of that free media market share that gives other businesses a PR bump every day.

Have you considered installing a solar energy system for your business? It may be time to explore your options. Intermountain Wind & Solar serves businesses throughout the Intermountain West that are interested in solar. Contact us today to learn more about how you can benefit from adopting commercial solar energy.

Adopting solar power means installing a rooftop photovoltaic panel system, at least for most homeowners. But this isn’t your only option. Did you know that you can mount your solar array on the ground instead?

Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can be just as cost-effective and efficient as rooftop solar panels.

Types of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Panel Systems

Two different types of installations are available for ground-mounted solar panel systems: standard mounts and pole mounts.

Standard ground mounts use a metal framework to support the solar panels. A metal rack is installed close to the ground, and the array is attached at a fixed angle. Some systems allow you to adjust the angle or tilt of the array to follow the sun’s path as it changes with the seasons.

Like standard ground mounts, pole mounts also use metal framing to secure the photovoltaic panels.

With this installation option, however, the solar array is supported on a single pole. Some pole mounts also incorporate tracking systems that allow the array to follow the sun as it moves through the sky during the day.

Benefits of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Panel Systems

Solar panels mounted on ground or pole mounts are particularly effective because they can be placed at the perfect angle and direction to maximize energy production. With rooftop photovoltaic systems, the placement of the array is dependent upon the characteristics of the roof, which may not be at an ideal tilt or orientation.

Ground mounts also are easier to install than rooftop systems, and this can reduce labor costs. Plus, their placement makes them easy to access. Cleaning and routine maintenance is a breeze with this type solar installation, but less so with a rooftop photovoltaic array.

Should You Consider a Ground-Mounted System?

Take a look at your rooftop. Which direction does it face? South- and west-facing roofs can work well for solar energy production, but if yours has another orientation, a ground-mounted photovoltaic system may be more efficient.

Does your rooftop have any obstructions, like chimneys or vents? You may not have enough space for an array large enough to produce electricity for your home. And if trees or nearby buildings cast shadows on your roof, rooftop solar panels may be less productive than a ground-mounted photovoltaic array.

Many factors are involved in determining the best installation option for your solar array. Rely on Intermountain Wind & Solar, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, for help designing and installing your solar energy system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss adding a photovoltaic panel system at your home or business.

Both solar power and wind energy can provide electricity for your household, reducing your monthly utility bills and giving you energy independence.

But which type of renewable energy system is the better choice for your home?

Space Requirements for Solar Power Systems and Wind Turbines

A solar panel system can be installed on your rooftop, as long as the roof has enough space, support and access to direct sunlight.

If the rooftop isn’t suitable for whatever reason, photovoltaic panels can be mounted on the ground. Either type of installation will produce enough electricity to handle your household energy needs.

In contrast, a wind energy system capable of generating enough power for your home would have larger space requirements.

A turbine powerful enough meet your electricity needs would have a diameter of between 12 and 25 feet and a height of about 80 feet, or about twice the height of a telephone pole. And for optimal performance, experts suggest turbines be installed at least 30 feet higher than nearby obstructions, such trees and buildings.

Wind power requirements are impractical, if not impossible, for many homeowners.

Maintenance Requirements for Solar Power Systems and Wind Turbines

Photovoltaic systems require very little maintenance.

Most don’t have moving parts, so they can provide energy for years without much attention from you. You may need to brush off some snow, clear away a few leaves or wash off some bird droppings occasionally, but that’s about all your solar power system will ever need.

Wind energy systems, however, do have moving parts.

Due to wear and tear, machinery can fail over time. The high mechanical stress on a wind turbine demands a higher degree of maintenance than a solar energy system. Regular contractor inspections to check fluid levels, blades, cable connections and other components is necessary when you chose to invest in wind power.

Is Your Home Suited for Solar Power or Wind Power?

Wind power is significantly more popular than solar power on a national level, as it accounted for 35 percent of the country’s electricity generation in 2015. That same year, solar made up just 5 percent of the total. Yet most of the wind energy generated in the United States is done at the utility level. For homes, photovoltaic power is almost always a more suitable choice.

Most homes, after all, do not have enough space for a wind turbine. And in many areas, tower heights are restricted by local or state laws, making it impossible to install a turbine tall enough to produce enough electricity. Cost is another consideration, as wind energy installations can be significantly more expensive.

Either way, Intermountain Wind & Solar is the leading provider of alternative energy systems in the Intermountain West. We serve customers throughout Utah as well as Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of both wind and solar power systems.

Interest in off-grid solar power is growing, fueled in part by the contentious political and social climate permeating the United States today.

For those potential clients considering installation of an off-grid photovoltaic system, the prospect of energy independence is eclipsed only by the potential of drastically lower utility costs. But cutting ties with the utility company requires specialized equipment not typically included in grid-tied systems.

Although your specifications may differ depending upon the size and scale of your photovoltaic system, the essential components required for an off-grid installation are fairly standard.

Off-Grid Solar Panels

Photovoltaic solar panels are the foundation of any system installation. These modules harness the sun’s energy.

How many solar panels do you need to power your off-grid home?

An understanding of your household energy consumption is the basis for making this determination. The more electricity you use, the larger your photovoltaic array must be to provide sufficient power.

When planning your off-grid photovoltaic system, you also must consider a variety of other factors, including available sunlight in your area and your usable roof or ground space. A professional solar installer can evaluate your property and energy needs to help determine how many photovoltaic panels you’ll need to produce adequate electricity for your home.

Off-Grid Solar Battery Systems

When the sun goes down, your photovoltaic panels won’t have any light energy to capture. If you don’t want to be left in the dark, you’ll need a battery storage system to attach to your solar array.

During the day, when the sun is shining, your batteries become charged as they absorb excess electricity created by your photovoltaic array. These charged batteries store the electricity, keeping it available for use at night.

A battery system also is good for storing energy to use on cloudy days when your solar panels aren’t as productive. It’s a good idea to make sure your battery is big enough to provide at least a day or two’s worth of energy storage, just in case.

Your battery system also will require a charge controller. This component regulates the voltage and current your batteries receive, helping to prevent overcharging and the potential damage that could cause.

Off-Grid Solar Inverters

The energy that PV solar panels produce and store in your batteries is direct current (DC). However, you will need alternating current (AC) to power your off-grid home, so you’ll need an off-grid solar inverter. Standard string inverter or micro-inverters won’t work for off-grid systems.

Unlike standard models, off-grid inverters also are capable of converting AC power to DC power. This is good for effectively managing solar panel energy output and battery storage.

Many homeowners who prefer off-grid solar power also invest in alternate energy sources, like generators, to provide a backup source of power. Some install tracking devices to allow their photovoltaic arrays to follow the sun as it moves through the sky during the day.

Intermountain Wind & Solar, serving customers throughout the Intermountain West region, offers a wide range of components to meet your needs. Contact us today for more information on installing an off-grid solar energy system at your home.

Although commercial solar energy systems are often mounted on the ground or on poles, many businesses don’t have enough land required for this type of installation.

Intermountain Wind & Solar offers a wide range of photovoltaic array mounting solutions for businesses.

Rooftop Commercial Solar Systems

Most businesses that adopt photovoltaic power opt for rooftop arrays.

Commercial building roofs often have ample space, and with this type of installation, the energy is produced right where it is needed. Consequently, little need exists for additional infrastructure to transport electricity, which would add to the up-front equipment costs.

Placing photovoltaic modules on the roof also can provide for optimal energy production, as the area is naturally exposed to the sun. Arrays can be mounted using ballasts, which do not penetrate the roof, or with attached tilt-up or flush racking systems.

Commercial Solar Shade Awnings

Not every rooftop is well-suited for a photovoltaic installation, however. Some lack the structural support necessary for the modules, and others have obstructions such as vents and exhaust fans that block the sun, limiting energy production.

In cases such as these, solar shade awnings can provide a workable alternative solution.

Retail stores and other commercial businesses frequently install awnings made of acrylic, fiberglass, canvas or other materials to shade their buildings. Choosing solar awnings instead can provide the same benefit, while at the same time providing a source of free power.

Depending upon a building’s characteristics, these awnings can generate a sizeable amount of electricity. However, to maximize energy output and reduce reliance on the traditional utility grid, some commercial solar projects install solar awnings in addition to roof-mounted arrays.

Commercial Solar Parking Lot Canopies

Facilities like shopping malls, medical centers and office buildings often require large parking lots or multi-level parking structures. Covering the top level of parking structures with solar canopies can turn these areas into power plants, and at the same time provide welcome covered parking for employees and visitors.

Installing solar parking lot canopies can be more expensive than other options, such as rooftop or ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, simply because of the canopy material and fabrication costs. However, they make good use of an otherwise wasted space. And through their electricity output, they can help businesses become energy independent.

For space-strapped properties, photovoltaic panel canopies actually may be the ideal installation choice in terms of energy production.

Intermountain Wind & Solar has the experience and expertise to design an efficient and cost-effective commercial solar system for any business. We serve commercial and residential clients in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss adding a commercial solar power system for your business.

When selecting a professional solar installer for your home or business, it’s important to research your options thoroughly.

You will likely look at various companies’ websites, check their ratings with the Better Business Bureau and read customer reviews. Eventually, when you have narrowed your
choices down, you will begin requesting estimates for your photovoltaic energy system.

Before making a final decision, however, it may be best to request an onsite consultation.

Contrary to what you may have heard, onsite visits aren’t for the purpose of giving you a sales pitch in person. Reputable solar installers and contractors recognize the importance of an onsite consultation prior to finalizing the design and pricing a photovoltaic system.

An onsite evaluation provides a wealth of information that will allow you to make an informed decision about powering your home or business with photovoltaic energy.

Online Solar Calculators May Not Be Accurate

Online solar calculators can tell you — in general terms — the potential of a photovoltaic array on your rooftop.

PVWatts, from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Mapdwell from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Google’s Project Sunroof are all trusted online calculators that can help estimate the optimal size and configuration of a photovoltaic panel system for your home.

The problem with using online calculators, however, is that they are only as accurate as the information you put in. Also, some of the terms they use — such as system losses, roof azimuth and solar radiation — are a mystery to many potential solar adopters.

Without a solid understanding of how photovoltaic arrays work, it can be difficult to design a productive system using the estimates generated by online tools. And, until a solar installer visits your location, they may be using similar tools to prepare your preliminary price quote.

An Onsite Solar Installer Consultation Provides Accurate Information

Online tools can be helpful, but they are no substitute for a professional site consultation from a qualified solar installer or contractor. By visiting your home or business and conducting an in-person evaluation of your property, a contractor can factor in details that may not be apparent to the online calculators.

A professional onsite evaluation of your home’s solar potential involves a thorough analysis of your rooftop, calculating its pitch and orientation as well as obstructions such as skylights, chimneys and vents.

Also, the solar installer will evaluate the condition of your roof thoroughly to determine whether it can provide the necessary support for a photovoltaic array. A qualified solar contractor also will determine if any shading issues exist, as they could affect the output of your system.

An Onsite Solar Contractor Answers Your Questions

Can a photovoltaic system fit into your budget? What are your financing options? How much can you save by adopting photovoltaic power?

Online calculators and remote estimates can’t provide specific answers to questions like these, but a professional solar installer can. The return on investment for photovoltaic power can be incredible, but it varies for each homeowner and business owner. Understanding yours requires the advice and opinions of a qualified solar installer with knowledge and experience of current incentives, rebates and financing options.

With an onsite consultation, you will also have the benefit of expert answers to all of your questions about using photovoltaic power.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we are happy to provide you with a preliminary estimate for your photovoltaic system installation. However, before finalizing your price breakdown and system design, we believe that a site visit is highly beneficial.

If you would like to learn more about how solar energy can benefit you, contact us today. Serving commercial and residential clients in Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming, Intermountain Wind & Solar is the premier solar installer in the Intermountain West.

The photovoltaic panels — also known as PV panels — and inverters used for residential solar power systems must be mounted on a structure that is durable and stable, capable of withstanding exposure to the elements for decades.

Homeowners have three options for mounting photovoltaic systems: the roof, the ground or on solar trackers.

Each approach offers specific benefits, but which one is right for you?

Rooftop Residential Solar Installations

Most residential photovoltaic systems are mounted on rooftop racks. Rack mounts tilt the solar array to the optimal angle for capturing the most energy from the sun. Often, rooftop placement is the ideal choice because it provides the best access to sunlight.

Rooftop rack mounting is strong and easy to install, but it isn’t right for every homeowner. Some roofs may not have the space or sufficient support for photovoltaic panels, for example. Others may be poorly angled or shaded by nearby buildings or trees.

In that case, you may want to consider a ground-mounted system.

Ground-Mounted Residential Solar Systems

If rooftop mounting isn’t practical, ground mounting can provide an ideal solution.

Residential photovoltaic systems can be installed in any yard area that gets a good amount of direct sunlight throughout the day. Depending upon the placement and configuration of your yard, photovoltaic panels can be mounted flush to the ground or on specially designed poles.

Some ground mounts are fixed in one position, angled to face the sun, but many have tilting or adjustable legs.

Ground-mounted residential solar systems can be highly efficient, as they usually have sufficient air flow to keep the photovoltaic cells cool, which can lead to increased energy output from the solar panels. Mounting at ground level also allows homeowners to easily make adjustments and keep a better eye on their systems for any issues that may develop.

Residential Solar Tracking Systems

Rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can be placed on solar trackers, rather than at a fixed angle on racks or poles.

Tracking systems move the photovoltaic panels throughout the day as the sun moves through the sky, to maximize the amount of energy they produce. Single-axis trackers follow the sun from east to west, but dual-axis systems also change the tilt of the photovoltaic panels.

Mounting photovoltaic panels on trackers can boost the energy output of a residential solar system by up to 40 percent over a fixed-tilt array. But solar tracking systems are typically more expensive than fixed-tilt racks. In addition, installation is more complicated. Also, over time, the motorized components may require repairs.

Consequently, it may be cheaper to increase solar energy production by installing a larger photovoltaic array, rather than opting for trackers.

Which type of mount makes sense for your photovoltaic system? The experienced professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar can recommend the optimal placement and design for your residential solar power system. This ensures that you enjoy the maximum cost savings from your photovoltaic panels.

We serve business and residential customers throughout the Intermountain West region, including Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming. Contact us today to learn more about how residential solar can benefit you.

Photovoltaic solar power is highly cost-effective, in large part because the sun’s energy is free and abundant, especially in the Intermountain West.

Every home and business owner who installs a solar array will realize significant — and immediate — cost savings. However, some homeowners are able to achieve a faster payback (and therefore, bigger savings) than others on their solar installations.

With a little research and attention, you can learn from these penny-pinching homeowners how to shorten the time it takes for your photovoltaic panels to pay for themselves.

Check out our tips for maximizing your energy output, and get the most from your photovoltaic solar panels.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency

Your residential solar system will be sized to satisfy your energy needs. The greater your energy needs, the larger — and more expensive — your system must be.

Consequently, you can shorten your payback period by reducing your overall energy consumption.

You can achieve this goal through big steps, such as upgrading to Energy Star appliances or installing new windows, as these will have the biggest impact on your energy consumption. However, even smaller measures — like sealing around window and door frames, switching to LED light bulbs or turning off power strips when not in use — can quickly add up.

Consider this: Industry experts estimate that every dollar you spend toward increased energy efficiency can lower your overall photovoltaic solar costs by $3 to $5.

Choose the Best Photovoltaic Solar Panels and Equipment

You’ve heard the old expression, “you get what you pay for,” right?

Well, this phrase definitely holds true for photovoltaic solar panels and other system components. Rock-bottom prices on photovoltaic panels and inverters may sound tempting, but choosing high-quality equipment will provide a much larger payoff in the long run.

Choose photovoltaic panels, inverters and mounting components that are manufactured by a well-established company with a proven track record. After all, reputable companies are more likely to be around to honor their product warranties if a problem should arise in the future.

Make sure also that your photovoltaic components have the necessary certifications to qualify for government rebates, tax credits and grants.

Hire a Professional Photovoltaic System Installer

As you might imagine, a professional system installation will provide the maximum financial benefit from your photovoltaic solar investment. So it should come as no surprise that industry experts recommend hiring a professional solar contractor to complete your PV system installation.

Take the time to research local installers and request estimates before making your choice, as this will allow you to make a truly informed decision. Be sure to select a qualified photovoltaic contractor with local experience in designing and installing systems.

Don’t hesitate to check references, so that you have a clear picture of an installer’s work history, and learn all you can about their equipment and installation warranties.

Serving Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado, Intermountain Wind & Solar understands the importance of quality standards and exceptional customer service. Our goal is to help you achieve the maximum level of cost savings and energy independence. Contact us today for a complimentary estimate for adding photovoltaic solar to your home or business.