Monthly Archives: October 2016

Installing a photovoltaic system requires a sizeable investment, even after the huge drop in costs over the last few years. If your bank account can’t take the hit, you’ll need to seek out financing. Several options are available, but you may be wondering — is going solar really worth the effort and expense? Absolutely! In fact, installing solar panels is a great way for homeowners to save big while reducing their dependence on the power grid. Financial Incentives Sweeten the Deal on Photovoltaic Energy First, let’s talk costs. The average home solar power installation comes in at around $25,000. Some homeowners worry that they won’t recoup their costs. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend that much. The federal solar tax...

Recently, IWS donated a complete 10 kW solar energy system to the South Davis Recovery Club in Bountiful, Utah, which provides critical recovery services to area residents battling alcoholism and addiction. Utah ranks No. 4 in the United States for drug overdose deaths. Last year, more than 365 people—one person per day— died in our state, as the result of a drug overdose. The Utah Department of Health cites chronic and binge drinking as widespread health concerns, and the number of drunken driving deaths doubled in our state last year. The compassionate services South Davis Recovery Club provides have never been more important for Utah.  About the South Davis Recovery Club The South Davis Recovery Club is a nonprofit dedicated...

IWS is Utah’s leader in the solar revolution, and we are proud to announce another milestone: We are the only Utah rooftop solar contractor to have installed more than 20 megawatts of solar power! This comes on the heels of having been named last year’s top Utah solar installer — and one of the top 100 solar companies in the nation — by Solar Power World. And based on this year’s growth, we’ve outdone ourselves once again.  In Utah, Solar Energy Experience Matters  As of this writing, we have installed 21,880,275 watts of solar power … almost 22 megawatts. That’s more than 85,800 solar panels! Intermountain Wind & Solar is the largest, most well-known commercial and residential solar installer in...

To most of us, solar power is synonymous with energy efficiency. After all, the sun’s energy is virtually limitless, and sunlight doesn’t have to be mined or pumped from the ground. Plus, using the sun to create electricity doesn’t create harmful emissions or toxic byproducts that attract onerous governmental regulation. That said, solar energy can still be wasted, although not on an end-user level. Today, the only area where waste is a challenge for photovoltaic power systems involves — surprise — U.S. government-guided infrastructure. How U.S. Solar Power Systems Waste Energy In the U.S., building solar farms in the plains and deserts is cost-effective. The land is inexpensive, and government tax credits, rebates and grants encourage growth in these areas....

Solar panels, much like air conditioning, two-car garages and granite countertops, are quickly becoming a standard feature in new home designs. Consumer demand for photovoltaic power is soaring, and home builders throughout the country are responding by incorporating photovoltaic systems into more new communities. Solar Panels Are Now Required in Some Locations Did you know that home builders in some California cities are required to install photovoltaic arrays? Lancaster was the first city to mandate solar energy systems on new single family homes, back in 2013. Sebastopol quickly followed suit, passing similar legislation. Then in June 2016, two much larger cities, San Francisco and Santa Monica, passed laws that require new homes to include photovoltaic panels. These laws mirror similar...

Homeowners often install off-grid solar panels to power remote homes and backwoods cabins, but that isn’t the only use for an off-grid system. Why not get one for your workshop or garden shed? If you have an outbuilding that isn’t wired for electricity, it isn’t good for much except storage. Add a solar panel system, though, and the space becomes much more useful — without increasing your monthly utility bills. Photovoltaic power will let you transform an unused space into your own workshop, man cave or she-shed. Off-Grid Solar Panels Turn Your Shed into a Workshop Where do you work on home improvement projects? If you’re like many of us, you probably have an area carved out in the basement...

Have you considered rooftop solar as a part of your retirement planning? If not, perhaps you should. Achieving your dream of a stable, financially secure retirement will require a mix of smart investments. A rooftop solar system can be one of the most worthwhile retirement investment options available. Oct. 16-22, 2016, is National Save for Retirement Week, a time to think about and work toward a sound financial future. Installing a photovoltaic system can be a solid investment strategy for your retirement. Rooftop Solar Offers High Investment Return Potential To establish financial security for your retirement, experts recommend investing in low-risk options like government bonds and money market funds. A rooftop solar power system is just such a low-risk investment,...

Solar energy systems produce plentiful, free power anywhere and anytime the sun is shining. As a whole, the United States has strong solar potential. That’s why homeowners and businesses throughout the country can harness the sun’s power to slash their energy costs. Even though photovoltaic power systems can produce electricity and save money in every state, some states have better resources than others. Is your state among the most solar-friendly in the U.S.? Are Naturally Sunny States Better for Solar Energy Systems? Areas with more solar energy available during the day, known as peak sun hours, are well-suited for photovoltaic power systems. More daily sunlight means more time to generate electricity. The southwest is the sunniest region of the country....

Could a new solar farm transform the Chernobyl nuclear site into an abundance of renewable energy? The Chernobyl nuclear plant exploded 30 years ago, and the wasteland is still unsafe for humans and wildlife. Today, however, plans are underway to put the area to use as a solar farm. Scientists say that the land won’t be suitable for living for at least 20,000 years, but the site could work well as a large-scale photovoltaic power station. The Ukrainian government is still in talks with investors, but the first step, installing a four-megawatt solar energy system, should be completed by the end of 2016. Ideally, this innovative photovoltaic concept will become a model for nations around the world. Advantages of Turning Chernobyl into...

Solar shingles are, essentially, small photovoltaic panels constructed to look and function like conventional roof tiles. These roof tiles are designed to blend in with the rest of your roof, boosting your curb appeal while at the same time providing you with a free source of energy. What’s not to like? As great as they sound, solar roof tiles have several disadvantages. Consequently, they aren’t the best choice for most homeowners. Solar Shingles Are Less Efficient than Photovoltaic Panels Solar shingles are installed the same as the rest of your roofing tiles. So if your roof doesn’t face south or west and the slope is not ideal, they won’t be oriented for maximum photovoltaic output. Photovoltaic panels, on the other...