Monthly Archives: February 2017

Is it better to hire a local solar contractor, or is a national photovoltaic installer a better idea? A handful of large, national contractors handle the lion’s share of photovoltaic installations across the country. This isn’t surprising, since the industry behemoths have much larger marketing budgets and brand recognition. However, working with a professional local or regional photovoltaic contractor offers several advantages. Local Solar Contractors Understand Regional Rules and Conditions Photovoltaic installation regulations vary widely across the United States. Each city or municipality has its own set of rules that govern permitting, connection and inspection. In addition, weather patterns and climate conditions vary significantly across the country. No two states have the same solar energy potential. Because regional installers have...

Are you ready to go solar, but wonder if the timing is right? You’re not alone. Countless homeowners throughout the Intermountain West are debating this very issue. Perhaps you’re waiting to see whether photovoltaic panels will become more efficient or less expensive — or both. After all, the media keeps telling us that the next big innovation in the renewable energy industry could be “right around the corner.” While that may be true, the facts tell us that it makes much more sense to go solar now. Go Solar Now for Maximum Savings If you think you’ll spend less by waiting to go solar, think again. While the prices for photovoltaic modules might continue to decline slightly, equipment costs aren’t...

Solar energy systems are a natural fit for schools. And thanks to the many benefits that renewable photovoltaic power offers, educational installations are on the rise. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), U.S. schools collectively had 303 kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity at the end of 2003. By the end of 2013, that number increased to a whopping 457,000 kW. Image courtesy of NREL Schools in the Intermountain West states are following this trend. The SEIA report says that 147 Nevada schools are powered by photovoltaic energy. Utah follows with 98, and Colorado has 84. Idaho has 23 solar-powered schools and Wyoming has 3, but PV installations are on the upswing in both states. So what is it about...

Gas stations running on commercial solar power is a growing phenomenon in the U.S. In 2013, a downtown Salt Lake City gas station installed photovoltaic panels to provide power. Soon after, Oregon and Vermont also became home to solar-powered gas stations. Now, a multinational oil and gas company has announced plans to add 200 megawatts of commercial photovoltaic capacity to 5,000 of its fuel stations around the world. Clearly, gas stations are increasingly becoming a meeting ground between fossil fuels and renewable energy. Commercial Solar Power Cuts Electricity Costs Electricity bills can be expensive for service stations, especially those that include convenience stores. In fact, running multiple freezers, refrigerators and lighting 24 hours a day can cost thousands of dollars...

Solar panel glass is incredibly strong. Photovoltaic modules are fabricated using commercial-grade tempered glass, which is much more resistant to breakage than normal glass. However, although the glass is designed to withstand heavy use, it can break. This doesn’t happen often, but understanding what can compromise the integrity of your solar panels could help you prevent potential damage. Thermal Shock Can Crack Solar Panel Glass Have you ever poured cold liquid into a hot glass or placed a straight-from-the-oven glass dish into a sink filled with cold water? If so, you likely ended up with cracked, broken or shattered glass. This is referred to as thermal shock damage, and it happens as the result of a sudden change in temperature....

Can a new solar panel manufacturing process revolutionize the photovoltaic energy industry? Bill Nye, widely known as “The Science Guy,” recently put his name behind an advanced solar technology that promises to drive down prices and create less waste. The goal is to make photovoltaic systems cost-competitive with other energy sources. This technology is interesting, but will this innovation change the future of the U.S. photovoltaic solar panel market? Why People Are Excited About these Solar Panels Silicon is the main component of photovoltaic panels, and it isn’t cheap. Plus, conventional manufacturing methods waste up to 50 percent of the silicon. The high cost of silicon and the waste ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers. The new manufacturing technology...

Do you know how the federal solar tax credit works? If you’ve researched rooftop photovoltaic systems, you’ve probably read that you can save 30 percent just by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC can dramatically lower your overall photovoltaic system costs. However, some information online paints the wrong picture of how this program works to provide those savings. By understanding some of the most common misconceptions about the federal ITC for home photovoltaic systems, you can be sure to take full advantage of this amazing program while it lasts. No, the Solar Tax Credit Program Doesn’t Issue You a Refund Check Let’s say your installation costs for a rooftop photovoltaic system total $24,000. By...

Your home solar battery bank may be one of the more expensive components of your photovoltaic system. And unlike most other solar components, your batteries will eventually need to be replaced. However, with proper maintenance, you can squeeze some extra life out of your battery storage bank and reduce the overall cost of your photovoltaic system. Follow these tips to keep your batteries up and running longer. Don’t Drain Your Home Solar Battery Bank Home solar batteries are designed to store excess energy for use at a later time, like at night or when it’s cloudy. But the more you use your battery bank, the sooner it will begin to run down. The first key to longer-lasting batteries is to...

Switching to an off-grid solar lifestyle can be a bit of a shock if you’re not familiar with it. Although energy independence and freedom from utility bills are compelling reasons to go off the grid with solar power, this lifestyle may not be right for everyone. Will “pulling the plug” turn your life upside down, or is it the right choice for your family? Renting an off-grid solar home could help you decide. How to Find Off-Grid Solar Homes to Rent More and more U.S. residents are opting to live year-round without utility-provided power, but some families own energy-independent properties as vacation or second homes. Owners of remote hunting and fishing lodges and ski cabins in the backcountry may use...