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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....