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 a music lover, gift them a Bluetooth-enabled mobile solar speaker.

Photovoltaic gadgets like these are practical, but they’re also fun to use. What more could anyone ask for in a holiday gift, especially for the person who has everything?

A Portable Solar Power Kit They Can Take on the Road

Would you prefer to step it up a notch and give a more substantial holiday gift? How about a portable photovoltaic kit?

These handy kits are available in several configurations, but most contain a flexible or foldable photovoltaic panel and a battery power pack to store the sun’s energy. The best feature of a solar kit, though, is its portability.

A portable solar kit can provide power anywhere your loved ones want to go. They can take it camping, hunting, fishing or on any other outdoor adventures, and they’ll always have a free source of energy for their electronic devices.

Are They Ready for Full-Scale Solar Power? How About a Home Energy Audit?

If you know your friends or family members have considered making the switch to solar power for their home, why not give them a professional home energy audit? It’s like gifting them with big savings on a photovoltaic system.

How so? A home energy audit can detect steps your loved ones can take to boost the energy efficiency of their household. Sure, they’ll have to spend a little to make the recommended energy improvements, but that money will go directly to their bottom line. Solar industry experts estimate that every dollar spent toward lowering electricity consumption brings down the installed cost of a photovoltaic system by $3 to $5.

When you wrap up your gift of renewable energy, tuck an Intermountain Wind & Solar business card in the box. After all, if they’re serious about reducing (or eliminating) electric bills in the new year, installing a photovoltaic solar energy system is the gift that keeps on giving, year after year.

Are you ready to do some holiday shopping for energy independence? Intermountain Wind & Solar offers a variety of photovoltaic products that make great holiday gifts, and we also provide professional home energy audits. Give us a call or visit our website today to explore your solar power gifting options.

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 free as it is plentiful. Also, the cost of installing PV solar panels has dramatically dropped over the last several years.

Today, many financial incentives are available to reduce PV energy costs even further. The federal solar tax credit, along with state and local rebates and grants, can save you more than 50 percent on a rooftop photovoltaic system.

But did you know that bulk purchasing programs can save you even more?

By coming together with other homeowners in your community, you can get a large-volume discount on photovoltaic panels. A bulk program can save you thousands on a single home rooftop installation.

Joining your neighbors in the purchase of solar panels will give you the best possible price on your PV system.

Solar Bulk Purchasing Programs Benefit Busy Homeowners

These days, we’re constantly on the go. Who has time to learn how photovoltaic power systems work, or to study the components thoroughly enough to make an informed decision about choosing your solar panels?

Of course, anyone can do the research, but most of us are simply too busy.

Community bulk purchasing programs provide homeowners with everything they need to know, offering workshops and other resources to answer questions. Join one, and you’ll only need to carve a little bit of time out of your packed schedule to get your photovoltaic project underway.

Switching to PV Power with the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative

Homeowners who join the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative save an average of $4,000 to $6,000 on their solar panels. And thanks to the power of buying in bulk, the savings grow when more people participate.

How do you get started? ICSI offers free educational bulk purchasing workshops that explain the basics of photovoltaic power and spell out the options for homeowners. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to get your questions answered. These online classes are available to anyone with an internet connection, or you can listen to a photovoltaic workshop over the phone by calling (415) 697-0350.

Homeowners throughout Utah and Idaho are eligible for the ICSI program. For more details or to sign up for a bulk purchasing workshop, contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today. We look forward to helping you save even more money on your solar panels and equipment.

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 Utah solar ITC.

The solar ITC in Utah isn’t limited to one photovoltaic system, either. You can claim the state credit for more than one system, as long as each one is installed on a residential unit that you own or use.

So, the big question is — how much can you save with the Utah solar ITC?

For each qualifying system, you can claim up to 25 percent of the costs, with a maximum claim of $2,000 per residential unit.

Can You Claim Both the State and Federal Solar Tax Credits?

Absolutely! In fact, you should claim both the state and federal solar ITC. The federal tax credit offers 30 percent back on residential installations, so together, these can reduce the cost of your photovoltaic system by 50 percent or more.

When applying, be sure to calculate these credits on your net system cost after subtracting any rebates, grants and installer and utility bonuses. Otherwise, Uncle Sam could see your photovoltaic system as a profit-making venture, in which case you could end up owing income taxes on the incentive amounts.

What if You Don’t Owe Enough to Claim the Full Solar Tax Credit?

Let’s say you install a residential photovoltaic system at a cost of $20,000. Utah’s solar ITC is for 25 percent of that, but you can only claim up to $2,000. What happens if you only owe $1,500 in taxes?

While the remaining $500 won’t be issued to you as a refund check, you can carry it over to the next year. You can do this for up to four taxable years. Our state’s solar-friendly statutes allow most homeowners to claim the full benefit of the Utah solar tax credit.

Of course, we aren’t CPAs, so we strongly recommend consulting with a tax professional. If, however, you simply need help filling out the forms, let Intermountain Wind & Solar help. We can tell you more about all of the financial incentives available for Utah photovoltaic power systems. Give us a call today to find out how much you can save with the federal and state solar tax credit.

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, the utility companies simply don’t have the financial resources to replace all the aging equipment. In addition, problems with siting and permitting present constant challenges to the companies that are trying to improve the power distribution system.

This dire scenario isn’t likely to change anytime soon. In fact, the ASCE estimates that population increases after 2020 are likely to exacerbate these problems.

Opt for off-grid solar power, however, and you won’t have to rely on our country’s D+ utility infrastructure.

Increasing Blackouts Mean Going Off-Grid Makes Sense

Because of our aging infrastructure, power outages are increasing. Inside Energy compiled data from the Department of Energy for the last 15 years of blackouts across the country, and it reveals some disturbing trends.

The number of outages is doubling every five years. Between 2000 and 2004, an average of 44 blackouts occurred in the U.S. each year. From 2005 to 2009, however, that number jumped to 100 per year. Every year thereafter, we’ve had about 200 power outages. Clearly, the electrical infrastructure is strained and becoming more so each year.

If you choose a grid-tied solar power system, you’ll still feel that strain — your system won’t function in the event of a blackout. The only way to have electricity when the grid is down is if you have off-grid solar power.

Potential Power Grid Attacks Make Off-Grid Solar More Attractive

Although it may sound like the movie plot, foreign hackers could easily infiltrate our utility grid and take control. Cyber warfare is a real concern, and analysts believe that some countries already have the ability to shut down the U.S. power grid for extended periods of time.

And it wouldn’t necessarily take a big strike to take down our utility grid. A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) report suggests that a coordinated small-scale attack on just nine of our country’s 55,000 electrical substations could cause a nationwide blackout.

Choose to take your power needs off-grid, and you won’t be vulnerable in the event of an attack on our national power supply. Your standalone solar power system won’t be at risk of being hacked, and as long as the sun shines, you will continue to generate your own free power.

The alternative energy professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar design and install residential and commercial photovoltaic power systems throughout the Intermountain West, including Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada. Contact us to learn more about the security and energy independence you can achieve with off-grid solar.

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 provides loan guarantees and grants in an effort to increase the country’s energy independence, and to guide the shift away from reliance on fossil fuels. Guarantees of up to 75 percent of project costs are available for loans, and the rates and terms are negotiable. In addition, grants can cover up to 25 percent of project costs.

How to Use REAP Funds to Reduce Photovoltaic Power Costs

Does this mean that eligible farmers and ranchers could cover the entire cost of their renewable energy systems? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Each applicant is expected to contribute at least 25 percent of their project cost, regardless of whether they seek a loan guarantee, a grant or both.

However, these rural systems may also qualify for the federal income tax credit, which may reduce overall system costs significantly.

Farmers, ranchers and owners of rural businesses can use REAP funds for the purchase and installation of both small and large-scale photovoltaic power systems. REAP funding can also go toward energy efficiency improvements to reduce electricity usage on the property as well as several other types of renewable energy systems.

For consideration under the next round of funding, interested farmers, ranchers and rural business owners must contact their state’s USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator.

Installing Photovoltaic Power Systems on Farms

Farms and ranches have a variety of options to choose from when installing solar energy systems. Photovoltaic panels can be mounted on the rooftops of barns, livestock sheds, stables and other agricultural buildings to provide electricity where it is needed. Or a solar array can be ground-mounted on unusable farm land.

Some farmers using REAP funding also install solar thermal systems, using the sun’s power to heat water for farm operations.

Are you interested in learning more about how solar energy can benefit your farm or rural business? The professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar are experts in the design and installation of cost-effective photovoltaic and solar thermal systems for rural properties throughout Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado and Idaho. Contact us to schedule a free photovoltaic power consultation today.

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 PUC applied the new fees and lower reimbursement rates to everyone, without notice.

A Nevada district court found this to be a violation of the rights of photovoltaic system owners, as the promise of retail rate net energy metering was a large factor in their decision to adopt solar energy. Consequently, the PUC will grandfather eligible customers under the previous rates.

Roughly 32,000 solar customers in Nevada will have their full retail net energy metering rates restored.

Nevada’s Net Metering Policies Still Need Help

The new ruling is a step in the right direction for the solar industry in Nevada. It will hopefully also discourage other states from trying to apply unfair rate changes to photovoltaic system owners.

The problem now is that the PUC’s net metering reform does not apply to anyone who hasn’t already made the switch to photovoltaic power. Customers who installed their solar arrays after Dec. 31, 2015, and those interested in installing systems in the future must do so under the revised rate and fee structure.

Net Metering and the Future of Solar in Nevada

The recent ruling provides reason to celebrate. However, this alone will not resolve all the challenges that the photovoltaic industry and its customers face in Nevada. To support solar industry growth, further revisions to state policies will be necessary.

The good news is that those revisions appear to be in process.

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval has convened a New Energy Task Force to work toward a new plan. A draft proposal has recently been approved, calling for the reinstatement of full, retail-rate, net energy metering for new photovoltaic customers, at least until state regulators can complete a comprehensive value-of-solar analysis.

As part of the plan, solar customers will have a $25 minimum bill. This is intended to help offset utility costs, and it will essentially return Nevada’s net energy metering policy almost back to where it was before last December’s change.

Two of the PUC commissioners who voted to end net metering last year have also been replaced. So although more reform is necessary, the future of solar power in Nevada is beginning to look much brighter.

Intermountain Wind & Solar monitors industry news to keep customers in Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming up to date on important developments. Give us a call today for more information on solar incentives and net metering policies in your area.

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 of energy each day to the Idaho Power utility company — enough electricity to power roughly 29,000 homes.

Building on that success, Idaho Power has scheduled eight other photovoltaic projects for completion by the end of 2016. The installations are spread throughout the southern part of the state, with projects in Ada, Elmore, Owyhee and Power counties.

Together, these solar energy systems are expected to produce a combined capacity of 200 megawatts of power.

Idaho Community Solar Energy Programs

Idaho Power developed a community solar pilot program to make it easier for Idaho residents to save money using the sun’s energy. Ideal for apartment-dwellers and others who are unable to install rooftop photovoltaic arrays, the program gives customers a monthly price break on electricity costs based upon their system’s photovoltaic output.

Intermountain Wind & Solar also offers a community program to Idaho residents. The Intermountain Community Solar Initiative (ICSI) makes photovoltaic systems more affordable through the power of bulk purchasing. By banding together with neighbors, homeowners can save thousands on their individual photovoltaic system costs.

Financial Incentives for Solar Energy Installations in Idaho

Idaho doesn’t offer any solar rebates or grants. It also doesn’t require its utility companies to offer net metering. But it’s not all bad news — Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power all have their own net metering programs.

Plus, there’s a residential alternative energy tax deduction for photovoltaic system installations. The first year your system is operational, you can get an income tax deduction of 40 percent of your total installation costs. For each of the next three years, you can deduct another 20 percent. Every year, you can deduct up to $5,000 for a maximum deduction of $20,000.

Idaho also has a low-interest loan program to help more homeowners switch to photovoltaic power. And don’t forget the federal solar tax credit, which gives you back up to 30 percent of your costs when you file your income taxes.

Compared to most other states, the solar financial incentives available for Idaho homeowners are impressive. It’s no wonder the enthusiasm for photovoltaic energy is growing. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your electric bills and assert your energy independence, Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you take advantage of these impressive benefits. Contact us to schedule your free Idaho solar energy estimate today.