Yearly Archives: 2017

The solar payback period — the time it takes to reach the break-even point for a home PV system — is much shorter than you might think. For most homeowners, solar payback takes less than 10 years, and some homeowners are able to recoup their photovoltaic investment in just a handful of years.

If you would like to calculate your return on investment in Utah residential solar power, use our easy formula to figure out your solar payback period.

Average Annual Electricity Costs in Utah

To determine how quickly your photovoltaic power investment will pay off, you need to know how much you’re paying for electricity.

Utah homeowners, on average, pay 11.62 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). And the average household uses 901 kWh of electricity each month, or 10,812 kWh annually. So that means energy costs for most Utah residents total about $105 per month, or $1,256 for the year.

Your electricity bills may be different. To add up your annual energy costs, plug your own numbers in here:

(Utility rate in cents per kWh) × (monthly usage in kWh) = monthly energy costs

Multiply that by 12, and you’ll have your annual electricity total.

Home PV System Costs

The next piece of information you need to calculate your solar payback or return on investment is your total PV system installation cost.

To arrive at your this number, you need to add up your photovoltaic installation expenses. Include the solar panels, inverters, mounting racks, wiring, permit fees, financing charges and labor expenses.

Savings for Installing a Home PV System in Utah

Utah residential solar power systems are also eligible for several lucrative financial incentives that can help shorten the solar payback period.

The federal solar tax credit offers 30 percent back on a home PV installation. The state of Utah also offers a tax credit. If your photovoltaic system is installed before the end of 2018, you can claim 25 percent of the cost, up to $1,600. And if you’re lucky, you might score a rebate through the utility company or local government.

To determine your solar return on investment, you’ll need to add up all your savings, then subtract them from your Utah home PV installation costs. So if you paid $15,000 for a photovoltaic system and your financial incentives total $7,000, your net solar costs would be just $8,000.

Calculating the Solar Payback Period

How many years will it take you to break even on your PV system investment? To get the answer, take your net home solar costs and divide by the amount you’ll save on annual electricity.

Let’s say your net cost is $8,000 and you’ll be saving $1,256 every year on electricity. Here’s how the math looks:

$8,000 ÷ $1,256 = 6.37 years

That means your Utah home solar payback period would be less than seven years — and with net metering, you may be able to reach the break-even point even faster.

Investing in a home PV system pays off quickly in Utah — particularly when you plan your installation with Intermountain Wind & Solar. As Utah’s leading residential solar provider, our professional team knows the ins and outs of designing efficient, cost-effective home photovoltaic systems.

Do you have questions about your return on investment in residential solar power, or are you ready to get started planning your installation? Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free consultations to homeowners throughout Utah. Contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve a speedy solar payback period on a home PV system.

Install a home photovoltaic system, and you’ll have a free, reliable source of power for decades that requires little or no work on your part once it’s installed.

A high-quality PV installation is the key to ensuring that your photovoltaic array produces electricity effectively for many years to come. To reach your goal of securing trouble-free solar power for your home, follow our simple steps.

Choose the Right Photovoltaic System Contractor

Cost is a factor for anyone investing in solar power, but automatically choosing the solar energy system contractor with the lowest price isn’t always in your best interest. Look for a licensed, certified professional photovoltaic installer with several years of experience.

And for a trouble-free system installation, make sure the company you hire doesn’t use subcontractors.

Install Brand-Name Photovoltaic System Components

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for — and brand-name solar components are well worth the price. Large, established companies are known for producing the most reliable solar energy system products, and they will be around to honor their warranties.

If you install solar panels and inverters from an unknown manufacturer, you’re more likely to experience problems down the line, with no guarantee the manufacturer will still be in business.

Keep Pests Away from Your Photovoltaic System

Squirrels, chipmunks and birds like to create nests under solar panels, and rodents are notorious for chewing through electrical wires. Both issues can be destructive to a photovoltaic array.

If you already have critters scampering around on your rooftop, talk to your professional PV contractor about wire management strategies. Installing screening around the perimeter of your solar panels can also help keep rooftop pests from wreaking havoc.

Install a Solar Monitor

A solar monitor allows you to keep an eye on the production of your PV panel system. And just as important, a monitor can be set up to alert you to changes in electricity output. If your photovoltaic array ever has a problem, you’ll know immediately.

Installing a monitor is one of the best ways to ensure that your solar panels operate as they should.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we use only the highest-quality, brand-name solar components, and we never outsource work to independent contractors.

With Intermountain Wind & Solar, you’ll not only have solid warranty coverage, but you’ll also have peace of mind in knowing that your photovoltaic array was designed and installed by licensed, certified professionals with a 10-year history of superior service. If you live in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming or Nevada and want trouble-free solar power, contact us and schedule a photovoltaic system consultation today.

Taking advantage of solar tax breaks puts thousands of dollars back in your pocket, allowing you to recoup your investment much faster.

Tapping into the sun’s power might seem like an expensive endeavor. But with the tax credits, exemptions and rebates available, a solar energy installation can be surprisingly affordable. Thanks to the financial incentives, many Intermountain West homeowners and businesses see savings of 50 percent or more on their photovoltaic investment costs.

Which solar tax breaks can help you save on a PV system installation?

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

If your photovoltaic system is up and running by the end of 2019, you’ll be eligible for a federal investment tax credit (ITC) in an amount equal to 30 percent of your PV component and installation costs. The federal ITC cuts your tax bill dollar for dollar, and the credit has no limit.

State Solar Tax Credits

Individual states also offer tax breaks for residential and commercial solar installations. The savings can be substantial, but unfortunately, state tax credits aren’t available everywhere in the Intermountain West.

State Solar Tax Exemptions

In some Intermountain West states, PV installations are eligible for a full or partial sales tax exemption. This financial incentive reduces the upfront cost of investing in photovoltaic power, as it means you don’t have to pay taxes at the time of purchase.

Property tax exemptions are also available in some areas.

Other Financial Incentives for Going Solar

Money-saving rebates are offered by some utility companies, municipalities and non-governmental organizations in some parts of the Intermountain West. These can help reduce photovoltaic costs by hundreds or even thousands.

In addition, net metering can be considered a strong financial incentive for going solar in some Intermountain West states. Getting paid for excess electricity sent to the utility grid helps businesses and homeowners achieve a quick return on their photovoltaic investments.

How to Find Details on Solar Tax Breaks and Financial Incentives

Finding information on the solar tax breaks, rebates and other financial incentives offered in your area is easy — just check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, more commonly known as DSIRE.

A free resource funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date directory of financial incentives for investing in photovoltaic power. Just click on your state for a complete list of the offers available.

You can also ask your professional photovoltaic contractor for details on your savings opportunities.

Plan your solar installation with Intermountain Wind & Solar, and you’ll get a customized binder with all the paperwork needed to claim all the available federal, state and local tax breaks and financial incentives for photovoltaic adoption. And we can even help you complete the application forms.

As the leading residential and commercial solar provider for Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming, the Intermountain Wind & Solar team knows how to help you make the switch to photovoltaic power more affordable. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to discuss solar tax breaks, financial incentives and savings opportunities for PV installation.

Many homeowners consider installing off-grid solar energy systems, which allow them to sever ties with the local utility company. But while cutting all ties with the power company is certainly possible (and can even be practical) for many people, investing in a stand-alone photovoltaic power system isn’t right for everyone.

If you’re trying to weigh the pros and cons of off-grid solar power, scheduling a consultation with a professional photovoltaic contractor is a great way to get all your questions answered. In the meantime, however, we have put together some basic information about the advantages and disadvantages of going off-grid with solar power.

Advantages of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems

Disconnecting from your municipal power company comes with several benefits — no doubt the following advantages play a part in your desire to install an off-grid photovoltaic system:

• Independence — Go with an off-grid system, and you’re no longer subject to the terms and policies of the utility company. Getting away from the ongoing rate increase may be reason enough to cut ties.
• No Blackouts — When the power is out and everyone else has no electricity, your home will still have full power. This can be particularly important for people with health conditions that require electronic devices or refrigerated medicine.
• No Electricity Bills — You’ll never again have to give the utility company a slice of your monthly paycheck after you go off-grid with solar power.

Disadvantages of Off-Grid Solar Energy Systems

Installing an off-grid photovoltaic system does come with some drawbacks, however. Here are a few reasons homeowners end up deciding against going off-grid:

• Higher Initial Cost — If you disconnect fully from the power company, you’ll need a source of backup power for when the sun isn’t shining. Adding a battery bank and/or generator bumps up your solar costs.
• Limited Solar Energy Storage — Even with backup power, energy storage is limited. Given a few days of cloudy weather, you may run out of stored electricity.
• Energy Efficiency is a Must — When you live off-grid, you have to be careful about your household energy use or you run the risk of not having enough power for your home.

Should You Go Off-Grid with Solar Power?

What is your main motivation for wanting to go off-grid? Answer that question, and you will have a better idea of whether to install an off-grid PV system.

If energy independence, an end to blackouts or eliminating your electricity bills is your primary reason, cutting ties with the power company may be right for you. The same may be true if your home isn’t already connected with electric utility service, as running new lines to a property can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how far the nearest lines are.

If, on the other hand, you simply want to save money by creating your own electricity, you might want to consider a grid-tied photovoltaic system instead.

The professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar provide high-quality, affordable grid-tied and off-grid photovoltaic solutions to homeowners throughout Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-hassle consultation for more information on installing off-grid solar energy systems.

Investing in solar panels is a savvy financial move, as the return on investment (ROI) often rivals that of some traditional investment vehicles.

However, for many homeowners, a high-quality home PV system installation can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000 or more. What’s the best way to cover that expense?

In terms of solar ROI, cash is king. Financing solar panels comes in next, offering an attractive payback period for a photovoltaic installation. As for leasing, the benefits are few.

Leasing Solar Panels

If you don’t have cash available for purchasing a solar panel system, leasing might seem like a good way to make the switch to photovoltaic power. No upfront costs and no responsibilities, just lower monthly electric bills. What’s not to like?

Plenty. First, the finance company owns your home PV system, which means you don’t get to claim the lucrative tax credits and rebates for installing photovoltaic panels. It also means the only return on investment you’ll see is in your lower electricity bills.

In addition, leases come with terms of 15 years or more. If you decide to move before your lease is up and you can’t find a buyer willing or able to assume the lease agreement, you’ll have to buy out the remainder of your contract.

Financing Solar Panels

Unlike leasing, financing solar panels gives you lower monthly electric bills and allows you to own your home PV system. Best of all, many lenders don’t require any down payment.

A secured loan — such as a home equity, FHA or PACE loan — could be an option if you have a favorable debt-to-income ratio and sufficient home equity. If not, an unsecured loan program may be the way to go. Some professional photovoltaic contractors, including Intermountain Wind & Solar, offer affordable unsecured financing programs for home PV installations.

Since you’ll be the owner of your home solar panel system, you’ll be eligible for several federal, state and local financial incentives. Claim these, and you’ll realize your return on investment much more quickly. Most Intermountain West homeowners reach the payback point in 10 years or less by financing their photovoltaic systems and taking advantage of money-saving renewable energy incentives.

Paying Cash for Solar Panels

If you can swing a cash purchase, you’ll see more savings and a faster rate of return on investment.

You’ll avoid monthly loan interest charges, and every penny you save on electricity will go back toward your bottom line. Many Intermountain West homeowners achieve total solar ROI in five years or less.

For more information on home PV system payment options, or for expert advice on making a smart solar panel investment, consult with the professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar. As the leading renewable energy provider for the Intermountain West, we are committed to helping homeowners make an affordable switch to photovoltaic power.

Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free, no-pressure consultations to homeowners throughout Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming. Contact us today to learn more about the best way to invest in solar panels for your Intermountain West home.

Your rooftop solar panel system will not produce energy at maximum capacity if any portion is shaded during peak daylight hours.

When the sun can’t reach your photovoltaic array, the solar cells can’t harness any energy, and that means your PV system can’t make any electricity. So if you have shade problems, you’ll have to lean on the utility company more often — and pay higher power bills.

To see your financial investment in photovoltaic power pay off more quickly, it’s important to avoid paying for grid electricity whenever possible. If you want to increase your energy output and decrease your reliance on the utility company, you’ll have to solve your rooftop solar panel shade problems.

Choose Micro-Inverters for Your Solar Panel System

Your photovoltaic system needs an inverter to convert the sun’s DC energy to useable AC electricity. Grid-tied arrays can use either string inverters or micro-inverters, but the latter is a better choice for solar panel shade problems.

With a string inverter, a little bit of shading on one of the rooftop solar panels can bring down the energy output of your entire photovoltaic array.

Shade isn’t as problematic for a rooftop solar system that has micro-inverters. Each of the solar panels has its own inverter, so the rest of the photovoltaic array isn’t affected if one is shaded. As a result, the overall energy output of the PV system is improved.

Trim Trees That Create Rooftop Solar Panel Shade

Trees can be big shade problems for photovoltaic panels, limiting the energy output of your PV system.

Removing shade-casting trees or trimming their branches can be easy, effective solutions. However, if the offending trees aren’t on your property, you’ll need to get permission first. The same goes if you live in a community with a homeowners association.

If your neighbor or HOA won’t let you remove or trim a problem tree, look into your state’s solar access and easement laws. Once you know your rights, you’ll be in a better position to make an effective argument for getting rid of your shade problem.

Install a Ground-Mounted Solar Panel System

If your rooftop has lots of chimneys and vents, or if the surface has a lot of valleys, solving your shade problems may require a different approach.

When the roof structure makes it all but impossible to avoid shade, installing a ground-mounted PV system is sometimes the best solution. The photovoltaic panels can be placed in at the ideal orientation and tilt to capture the most sun. Rooftop solar is less expensive, but going with a ground-mounted photovoltaic array allows for maximum energy output.

The professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar, the leading photovoltaic provider for Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and Nevada, has nearly a decade of experience designing cost-effective solar systems that provide optimal energy output.

Our expert contractors can work with you to plan a PV system that powers your home or business and cuts your utility electricity costs. Contact Intermountain Wind & Solar and schedule a free, no-pressure consultation for ground-mounted or rooftop solar panel system installation.

Many people with solar homes love being able to save energy — especially during the holidays.

Decorating is a beautiful way to celebrate the season, but holiday lights use a lot of electricity. Fortunately, solar homes can be both festive and frugal. We have put together a few practical tips for saving energy with your holiday lighting displays this year.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Holiday Lights

The idea of investing in new holiday lighting may not be all that appealing if you have loads of lights already. In the long run, however, you’re better off replacing them with LED light strands.

LEDs save energy because they use 70 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. And LED lighting lasts for decades. So while the initial investment might seem a little high, the energy savings will be more than enough to offset the costs.

Put Your Holiday Lights on Timers

Putting energy-efficient holiday lights on timers brings even bigger savings to solar homeowners.

Using timers means you don’t have to remember to turn off the lights each night (or morning) — and who hasn’t forgotten that task once or twice? What’s more, when you put your holiday lighting on timers, you can choose exactly how long to keep the display illuminated. Instead of leaving the lights on from dusk to dawn, you can save energy by setting them to automatically shut off in the late evening or the middle of the night.

Use Fewer Holiday Lights

Everyone loves a Griswold-style holiday lighting display, but using more lights means using more electricity.

A smarter move for people with solar homes is to create displays using fewer lights. Sure, LEDs use less energy and timers can control their use, but the best way to keep your electricity bills in check may be to scale back on the holiday lighting.

Consider Using Flood Lights

If cutting down the size of your lighting display clashes with your sense of holiday spirit, think about using energy-efficient floodlights.

A few flood lights can shower solar-powered homes in holiday color, providing a festive look while using less energy. As a bonus, your decorating work can be done in a flash if you use floodlights. You can even purchase special flood lights that project colors and holiday-themed shapes onto your home.

Get Creative with Your Holiday Lighting Display

Not all holiday decorations require electricity, and the more plug-free décor you use, the more energy you’ll save.

Tinsel and mirrored ornaments reflect light, making spirits bright even at night. Placing reflective items among your lights can multiply the shiny effect. You can also save energy by swapping out some of the holiday lighting for cheerful ribbons, wreaths or garland.

This holiday season, as always, the professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar are committed to helping homeowners save energy and realize their maximum possible solar savings.

If you live in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado or Nevada, the Intermountain Wind & Solar team can help you save money by making the switch to photovoltaic power. For more information on solar homes, or to give yourself the gift of solar energy this holiday season — call us today to request an estimate.

Despite what you may hear, adopting solar power probably won’t require any significant modification of your lifestyle.

Switching to solar power doesn’t mean you must also switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle. You don’t have to be a die-hard environmentalist to invest in a home PV system — and most solar customers today are more interested in saving money than going green anyway.

You Don’t Have to Be Energy-Efficient to Invest in Solar Power

Lights blazing in every room, appliances and electronics running constantly and the heat or air conditioning set at whatever temperature feels comfortable — does that sound like your household?

You don’t have to change any of that to go solar. A home PV system can provide you with enough electricity to power everything. No matter how much energy your household uses, a photovoltaic array can be designed to effectively meet your needs.

Should You Consider Energy Efficiency Anyway?

You won’t have to think about energy efficiency before switching to solar power. But if you have a tight budget or limited space for installing a panel array, doing so will let you accomplish more savings with a smaller system.

So if saving space or money is a priority, you could consider implementing some energy-saving strategies around your home. Most will have no affect on your lifestyle or comfort.

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Simple steps, such as swapping out your incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient ones or sealing around the windows and door frames can make a big difference in how much energy you use.

For advice on worthwhile energy improvements for your household, try the Home Energy Saver audit tool from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Answer a few easy questions, and the tool will give you a list of upgrades to consider. Or if you decide to embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle before switching to solar power, you may benefit from a professional home energy audit.

The Intermountain Wind & Solar team can perform a household energy audit as part of your solar power site evaluation. Just ask, and our professionals can make suggestions for simple, inexpensive steps you can take to boost your energy efficiency. Or if you’d prefer not to make any changes, we can design an effective home PV system to meet your current electricity needs.

The professional PV contractors at Intermountain Wind & Solar are committed to helping homeowners slash their electricity bills and achieve energy independence. For anyone living in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming, we make switching to solar energy easy and affordable. Contact us and schedule your free solar power consultation today.

Commercial solar power has the potential to save almost any business thousands of dollars every year. And since today’s consumers support eco-friendly companies, installing a photovoltaic system offers a powerful marketing advantage.

More and more businesses throughout the Intermountain West are investing in solar, cutting their electricity costs while at the same time demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy.

Data Storage Centers

As the demand for cloud computing technology has continued to surge, many companies are becoming more dependent on data storage centers to keep their information secure and accessible. These facilities require a huge amount of energy to maintain reliable, around-the-clock operations.

To combat ever-increasing electricity costs, many Intermountain West data centers are investing in solar power.

Manufacturing Facilities

Factories require a tremendous amount of electricity to run their equipment, HVAC systems and industrial lighting. More manufacturers are installing commercial solar systems to save money while meeting their energy needs.

In addition, reducing their facilities’ carbon footprint may make these companies more attractive to potential investors.

Gas Stations & Convenience Stores

Many Intermountain West gas stations and convenience stores are turning to solar power as a solution for their high electricity bills.

Commercial solar power systems help offset the costs running gas pumps, food coolers, freezers and lights 24 hours a day. And as gas station canopies offer the perfect location to mount photovoltaic arrays, installation is typically simple.

Hotels

Hotels have consistently high electricity use — and the consistently high costs to go with it.

By investing in solar power, hotels can create much of their own power, drastically slashing their utility bills. And by marketing their properties as eco-friendly, solar-powered hotels are drawing in more consumers. For the same reasons, many restaurants and hospitality-related businesses are also installing solar panels.

Laundromats

Laundromat facilities depend almost entirely on electricity to carry out their services. Heating water and powering banks of commercial washers and dryers requires lots of energy.

Commercial solar panel systems provide power to laundromats, but for water heating, many laundry and cleaning businesses are also installing solar thermal systems to save money on energy bills and reduce the effect of utility rate increases.

Auto Dealers

Energy is also one of the largest overhead expenses for automotive dealerships. With all the hydraulic lifts, pressure washers, vacuums and other electric motors in continual use along with interior and exterior lights, electricity bills can be significant. After installing a commercial solar panel system, auto dealers see a dramatic decrease in their energy costs.

Does it make sense for your company to make an investment in solar energy? Chances are, the answer is yes. Almost any business can save significantly by installing a commercial solar power system. To find out how much you can save, you’ll need to consult with a local professional photovoltaic contractor.

Intermountain Wind & Solar, the leading Intermountain West commercial photovoltaic provider for nearly a decade, offers free, no-pressure consultations to businesses throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado. Contact us today to discuss how commercial solar power can benefit your business.

As solar installation experts for more than a decade, we’ve heard our share of horror stories from our customers. Apparently, some photovoltaic contractors don’t hold themselves to a high standard.

As a trusted industry leader, Intermountain Wind & Solar believes every professional solar contractor should be straightforward and honest. If you plan to install a PV panel system, look out for questionable sales practices.

Using High-Pressure Tactics

Every professional solar installer offers a special deal or promotion now and then. But if a contractor tells you that an offer is ending today — and you don’t see any evidence on their website to verify that statement — they’re probably trying to push you into a quick decision.

Employing Fast-Talking Salespeople

Finding a professional solar installer who’s enthusiastic about photovoltaic energy isn’t unusual. We’re pretty fired up about the topic ourselves. If, however, you meet with an installer who seems like a cheerleader yet doesn’t know much about PV power, you may be wise to find an installer represented by someone more knowledgeable.

Ignoring Simple, Money-Saving, Energy Efficiency Improvements

An ethical solar installer will point out easy and inexpensive things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient, as even small changes can make a big difference in your photovoltaic costs. You don’t have to make any changes to your home or daily activities if you prefer not to, but a good installer should at least advise you of your options.

Performing a Superficial Solar Energy Site Evaluation

You can do your own site assessment online with tools like Project Sunroof, Mapdwell and PVWatts. But a professional solar installer should do much more than that. Look twice at any solar installation contractor who doesn’t consider your roof and potential shading issues.

Selling No-Name Solar Components

Not all photovoltaic components are created equal, and industry experts know that brand-name PV equipment is more reliable and durable. No-name components are often poor quality and likely to degrade faster, so think twice about any solar installer who recommends them.

Tacking on Extra Solar Installation Charges

Some solar installers advertise low prices, then add extra fees later. They may say you have to pay more for photovoltaic installation on a certain type of roof, or they might try to charge you for travel expenses. Read every quote carefully to make sure it doesn’t contain any extra costs.

Intermountain Wind & Solar Has a Solid Reputation

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a place in the top 25 photovoltaic installers in the country from SolarReviews, Intermountain Wind & Solar has a solid reputation for exceptional service at an affordable price. From start to finish, we make the process of installing a PV system smooth and easy. And since we know all the tricks to cutting costs on going solar, we can help maximize your savings.

Ready to start shopping for a solar installer? Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free, no-pressure consultations and estimates to homeowners and businesses throughout Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada. For answers to all your questions and expert advice from a professional solar installer who really cares about your business, contact us today.