Monthly Archives: November 2016

Not everyone understands how great solar power is. Help spread the word by giving some of these useful and unique holiday gifts for the solar power neophytes in your life. Solar Power Gadgets They’ll Use Every Day A wide range of cool solar gadgets is available for the photovoltaic power newbies on your holiday shopping list, and any one of them can help your friends and family members truly appreciate the free energy that comes from the sun. Solar rechargers, for example, are pocket-sized devices that carry an extra cell phone charge — or several charges, depending upon the model. Or, choose a portable flashlight or lantern with a built-in photovoltaic panel to provide power. If your loved one is...

Do you plan to install solar panels on your roof in the next few months? If so, taking part in a solar bulk purchasing program may be the best way to reduce your PV system costs. Community solar programs are springing up across the country as more people choose to reap the benefits of bulk purchasing. If you’re serious about saving money and establishing energy independence, a bulk program — like the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative (ICSI) — might be just what you need. Bulk Purchasing Solar Panels Means the Lowest Price If you’re like most renewable energy adopters, you’re considering an investment in photovoltaic power because it will save you money — after all, the sun’s energy is as...

Solar tax credits greatly reduce the amount of income tax you owe after you install a photovoltaic system. Offered at both the federal and state levels, these financial incentives can significantly cut costs of adopting solar energy. Now that photovoltaic power has reached historically low prices, some states have stopped offering a solar tax credit. Utah homeowners are fortunate, however, because our state’s solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still in place. What Does Utah’s Solar Tax Credit Offer? Utah offers a credit for the purchase and installation of any residential photovoltaic system. As long as the system supplies energy for a single-family home, condominium, apartment or other dwelling that serves as a home for someone, it qualifies for the...

Off-grid solar can serve and protect you and your family in the event of an extended blackout. Increasing problems with U.S. power distribution systems mean that depending on your local power company for continuous, reliable service could be a big mistake. Aging Power Infrastructure Compels Off-Grid Solar Use Did you know that some parts of our utility infrastructure are over 100 years old? According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), many parts of the United States rely on electrical production and distribution systems that date back to the 1880s. As a result, the ASCE gives the U.S. grid a D+ rating for reliability. Investment in new transmission lines and other upgrades has increased over the last decade. However,...

Today, photovoltaic power and other renewable energy sources allow thousands of farms across the country to generate their own electricity. Since the adoption of the 2002 Farm Bill, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has offered grants and loan guarantees to help farmers cover their equipment and installation costs. REAP is now accepting even more grant and loan guarantee applications. The REAP Program Encourages Photovoltaic Power Use on Farms The USDA has funded billions of dollars in renewable energy loans and smart grid technologies, including the construction of more than 185,000 miles of transmission lines to serve 5 million rural customers. Since REAP’s inception, the USDA has helped with more than 2,200 wind and solar electricity generation projects. REAP...

Battles over net metering policies in Nevada have ramped up since December, when state regulators revoked retail rate incentives for solar customers and tacked on exorbitant fees. Now, after months of debate, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a new agreement that brings back favorable rates for solar power system owners. While this is great news for residential and commercial solar customers, many industry experts believe the ruling doesn’t go far enough to protect solar energy’s future in Nevada. What’s Good about the New Net Metering Ruling Perhaps the most controversial aspect of last year’s net energy metering ruling was the lack of a grandfather clause to keep higher retail rates in place for existing solar customers. The...

In Idaho, the solar energy revolution has taken off a little more slowly than it has in other states. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Idaho ranks 41st nationally in terms of installed photovoltaic capacity. But now, the photovoltaic industry has begun gaining ground in Idaho. In 2015, 1.95 megawatts of capacity was installed, which is a 105 percent increase over 2014. And further expansion is planned. It would appear that the sun is beginning to shine more brightly on photovoltaic power in Idaho. Solar Energy Projects Underway in Idaho Idaho’s first commercial solar farm recently came online. Situated on 360 acres just south of Boise, the installation has 174,800 photovoltaic panels. It provides 40 megawatts...