Monthly Archives: August 2017

Over the past several years, the U.S. solar energy industry has grown immensely. At the same time, the costs for adopting photovoltaic power have plunged, making home PV systems much more affordable.

Those widely known facts may not seem all that remarkable. But some lesser-known statistics about solar power might just surprise you.

No. 1: Solar Energy Reaches a Record Low Price

When it comes to global energy prices, fossil fuels have always come out on top. Historically, coal has averaged $0.06 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Fossil fuel steam typically costs roughly $0.05 cents/kWh, and small-scale natural gas may go for as little as $0.03 cents/kWh. As for renewables? Not even close to those prices.

However, at the end of 2016, a bid for a commercial photovoltaic power installation was priced at just $0.029 cents/kWh — less than the cheapest fossil fuel prices.

No. 2: Solar Energy Is the Most Abundant Energy Source

At some point — perhaps sooner than we’d like — the world may run out of fossil fuels. But the sun will still be shining, so solar energy is here to stay.

And actually, solar is now the most abundant available source of power on the planet. Today, we have 89 petawatts (that’s a quadrillion watts) of potential photovoltaic energy production available.

No. 3: Solar and Wind Power Are Major Sources of U.S. Electricity

Most U.S. electricity comes from fossil fuels. However, renewables reached a new milestone this past spring, making wind and photovoltaic power strong contenders in the energy playing field.

This past March and April, more than 10 percent of all the electricity generated in the country was from solar and wind power. In some states, the number was much higher. Iowa got a whopping 37 percent of its electricity from renewables!

No. 4: The U.S. Has More than 1 Million Solar Energy Systems

Near the beginning of 2016, our country had its 1 millionth photovoltaic system installed.

And, according to industry forecasts, we can expect to reach a total of 2 million installations by next year. That’s pretty impressive, especially when you consider the fact that it took 40 years to reach the first million.

No. 5: U.S. Homeowners See Solar Payback in Just a Few Years

The cost of installing photovoltaic panels has been dropping, and rates for utility grid electricity have been steadily rising.

The result? The payback period for adopting solar power is getting shorter. These days, most homeowners reach the break-even point in five to eight years. In states with high utility prices, payback can take as little as three or four years.

Are you ready to explore your solar savings potential? Intermountain Wind & Solar, the leading photovoltaic contractor for Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming, offers free solar energy consultations to homeowners and businesses. To schedule yours, contact us today.

Across the country, commercial solar power is helping increasing numbers of auto dealers save money.

Reducing energy costs is important for dealerships, as electricity is one of their largest overhead expenses. In fact, automotive dealers use about 18 percent more energy per square foot than the average office building.

Efficiency upgrades can help cut energy consumption, but installing a solar power system can make a big dent in dealership operating expenses.

Auto Dealers Save Money with Commercial Solar

Every day, automotive dealerships use HVAC systems, electric motors — including hydraulic lifts, compressed air systems, bay doors, pressure washers, paint booths and vacuums — and massive amounts of interior and exterior lighting.

A building automation system (BAS), or energy management system, can control all of the equipment and boost efficiency. Swapping out or upgrading some of the equipment may also help reduce energy use.

But even auto dealers with the most efficient equipment and a BAS in place to manage operations still have significant energy costs. Installing a solar power system is a great way to see a drastic drop in utility bills — after all, the sun’s energy is free.

The decrease in electricity costs after adding a solar installation can be rather impressive. According to some industry experts, adopting solar power could bring savings in an amount equal to selling two or three more cars per month.

Commercial Solar Installation Options for Auto Dealers

Because of how they are designed, many automotive dealerships are quite well-suited to support a solar power system.

Many auto dealership buildings have large, flat roofs. Flat roofing can be ideal for mounting photovoltaic panels, as the modules can be perfectly positioned to face the sun.

Most dealers also have the space to install solar-powered carports. Carports can shield vehicles (and customers) from the elements and generate free electricity for the dealership.

Commercial Solar Has Marketing Value for Auto Dealers

The automotive market is highly competitive, and the value of installing a commercial solar power system should not be underestimated.

These days, consumers are drawn to businesses that are eco-friendly. Using the power of the sun to create electricity is a smart marketing move for any business, as it demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability.

As many automotive dealers sell similar vehicles, owners need to seek out ways to stand out and get noticed. Shifting to solar power can help achieve that goal. With photovoltaic panels installed, the owner can market the dealership as environmentally responsible.

Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading renewable energy contractor, offers a range of solar power systems designed to meet the needs of auto dealers throughout Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information or to schedule a commercial solar consultation, contact us today.

Solar panels come in a range of sizes and weights, depending on the manufacturer. However, most brands of photovoltaic (PV) modules have similar measurements.

But unless you’ve examined them up close, it can be difficult to understand solar panel size and weight. Before planning a photovoltaic installation, do a little sleuthing to determine whether your rooftop can support PV modules.

How Big Are Solar Panels?

On average, residential PV modules are about 65 inches by 39 inches or 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet. Each module typically contains 60 solar cells.

Commercial photovoltaic modules are slightly larger. Standard models generally measure 78 inches by 39 inches or 6.5 feet by 3.25 feet. Commercial PV panels usually contain 72 solar cells.

Although it may seem arbitrary, the size difference makes sense when you understand its purpose. Smaller PV panels are better for maximizing space on residential rooftops, and the larger size makes sense for commercial projects since most commercial arrays have dozens or even hundreds of photovoltaic modules.

How Much Do Solar Panels Weigh?

Weight is what matters most when trying to determine whether a rooftop can handle a solar panel installation.

Most residential PV modules weigh about 40 pounds each. Some variation exists among photovoltaic brands, however. Weight can range anywhere from 33 pounds to 50 pounds, depending on the manufacturer.

Because of their added length, commercial PV panels are heavier. Most weigh in at 50 pounds or more.

Can Your Roof Handle Solar Panels?

To determine if your rooftop has adequate structural support for PV panels, you must consider the weight load of the entire photovoltaic system.

EnergySage, an online solar information resource, says that the total weight load of the average photovoltaic system — including the PV modules, mounting racks and other hardware components — is about 3 to 4 pounds per square foot.

Both residential and commercial roofs are designed to handle much more weight than that, at least 20 pounds per square foot. However, older roofs and those that have sustained prior damage may not have the necessary structural support for solar panels.

A professional photovoltaic contractor can often determine if a rooftop is capable of supporting PV panels. But solar contractors are not roofing experts, and they cannot guarantee that a roof is structurally sound. If you’re at all concerned about the integrity of your roof, it’s imperative that you schedule an evaluation from a professional roofer or structural engineer.

What if Your Roof Isn’t Ready for Solar Panels?

Just because a roof can support a photovoltaic system doesn’t mean rooftop placement is the best option for you. Some roofs don’t have enough space for a PV array, for example, while others have shading issues that may reduce solar output.

In these cases, your professional photovoltaic contractor can find another mounting solution. For example, ground-mounted PV systems work well for many homeowners and businesses with problematic roofs.

The professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar offer free consultations to homeowners and businesses throughout Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. To explore your options for installing solar panels, contact us today.

Is now the time to go solar?

If you live in Utah, the answer is a resounding yes. Wait too long to plan your photovoltaic installation, and you may miss out on some of the lucrative financial incentives and benefits of making the switch to home PV power.

No. 1: Phasedown of the Utah Solar Tax Credit

The Utah solar investment tax credit (ITC) will give you back up to 25 percent of your total home PV costs, with a maximum tax liability reduction of $2,000 — but only if your photovoltaic system is in operation by the end of 2017.

If you wait to go solar, you won’t be eligible for as much of a tax credit. Each year, starting in 2018, the maximum Utah tax credit is scheduled to drop by $400. PV power systems installed later than Dec. 31, 2021, will not qualify for any state credit.

To save the most on your photovoltaic installation, go solar now, while the Utah ITC is still at its peak.

No. 2: Uncertainty about Net Metering in Utah

No one can really say (at least right now) whether net metering in Utah is doomed. But the policy here could see some dramatic changes soon.

Late last year, Rocky Mountain Power made a motion for rate increases and additional billing charges for solar customers. The net metering proposal was suspended, but public hearings are scheduled for August 2017.

At that point, if the Utah Public Service Commission approves the proposal, new solar customers will see a slower payback on their home PV systems. Go solar now, and you may be able to get in on the current net metering terms.

No. 3: Concern about the Federal Solar Tax Credit

The federal solar ITC is slated to be phased out gradually and will be gone by 2022.

To claim the maximum tax credit amount — 30 percent of your home PV system costs — go solar by the end of 2019. In 2020, the federal ITC drops to 26 percent. If you wait until 2021, you can only claim a 22 percent tax credit.

As if that’s not reason enough to rush your photovoltaic installation, consider how our current administration feels about renewable energy. This past July — not long after celebrating “Energy Week” — the administration proposed a 69 percent cut in funding to the Department of Energy. The administration has also taken other actions that favor fossil fuels over renewable wind and photovoltaic power.

If the administration sets its sights on the federal solar tax credit, it could be repealed. To make sure you can take advantage of the incredible savings offered by the federal ITC, don’t wait any longer to go solar.

Do you have questions about planning your home PV installation? The professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading photovoltaic contractor, offers free consultations. If you’re ready to switch your Utah home to solar now, we’re ready to make the project happen. Contact us today to learn more.

Are you ready to make the switch to solar power?

With an experienced contractor like Intermountain Wind & Solar, the process is simple. However, adopting photovoltaic power requires a little planning. What do you need to do?

Step 1: On-Site Solar Power Consultation

When you’re ready to get serious about adopting solar power, our professional team will visit your home to conduct a free, in-person energy consultation.

We’ll look at your electricity usage, and if you like, suggest easy tips for improving your energy efficiency. We’ll also evaluate your property to determine the optimal space for a solar installation. If the rooftop isn’t suitable due to shading or inadequate support, we’ll consider a ground-mounted PV system.

During the consultation, we’ll address any questions or concerns you may have, including component choices and options for financing.

Step 2: Solar Power Installation Bid

Once our team has gathered all the necessary information, we’ll design an efficient and cost-effective rooftop or ground-mounted solar power system for you. At this time, you’ll receive a bid for installation.

It will include details about all your photovoltaic components as well all installation and related costs. And since we want to make going solar easier and more affordable for you, we’ll also provide information on the available federal, state and local tax credits, grants and rebates.

Step 3: Solar Power Permitting

Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll need the right permits.

Fortunately, the professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar handle this job for you. However, if you live in a planned community, you may need approval from your homeowners association. Rest assured, we will provide all the necessary documents and schematics to obtain HOA approval.

Step 4: Home PV System Installation

After we pull the permits and get the go-ahead from your HOA, we’ll schedule your home photovoltaic installation.

You won’t need to do anything on installation day. Simply provide us with access to the roof or installation site, and we’ll get the job done with as little disruption as possible. In most cases, most photovoltaic installations can be completed in a single day.

Step 5: Solar Power System Activation

After we’ve finished installing and wiring the photovoltaic components, the utility company or local building department will need to sign off on the equipment installation.

A representative will come out to check and make sure your PV installation is ready for connection. At this point, your system will be activated, and you’ll start generating your own free electricity. And, for the first time in your life, you’ll actually look forward to seeing your next utility bill!

Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading residential and commercial renewable energy installation professionals, can answer all of your questions about planning a photovoltaic project in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming or Nevada. Contact us today to schedule a free solar power consultation.

Are you planning a rooftop solar installation?

Your professional photovoltaic contractor will take care of almost everything for you —going solar really couldn’t be much easier. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can streamline the process and start cashing in on the sun’s free energy even faster.

Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Solar Installation

Before scheduling a consultation with a professional photovoltaic installer, have a roofer inspect your rooftop. Is it structurally sound and in good condition?

Solar panels are made to last for several decades, so you need to make sure that your roof will last at least that long. Otherwise you could end up having to remove and reinstall your photovoltaic system just to fix a roof leak — a costly endeavor.

If your roof is damaged, now’s the time to have it repaired or replaced. To make sure yours is ready for solar installation, tell your roofer you’re planning to add a solar array and ask for recommendations.

Make Sure Your Trees Are Ready for Solar Installation

Do you have trees around your home? You may love their shade, but trees aren’t friends to your photovoltaic panels. In fact, they are (in many ways) enemies.

If shade from tree branches keeps the sun from reaching your rooftop solar array, your energy output will suffer. Using micro-inverters instead of a string inverter helps minimize this problem, but for maximum solar electricity production, you need to avoid shading whenever possible.

To that end, before calling a local professional photovoltaic installer, call a landscaper or arborist to trim back any branches that could affect your energy output. Or, if you can safely access the offending branches, you may be able to carefully handle the job yourself.

Check with Your Homeowners Association

Do you live in a condominium or townhome development, or in a planned community or subdivision?

If so, your neighborhood is probably governed by a homeowners association (HOA), and you’ll need its approval before beginning a rooftop solar installation.

In many cases, getting the nod from the HOA isn’t difficult. But sometimes, the board puts up a fight (even though this is now illegal in many states). Knowing what you’re up against ahead of time will help you achieve your goal of adopting solar.

Check the community’s CC&Rs or design guidelines and talk to your HOA about your planned rooftop solar installation. Take note of any objections from the board, but your professional photovoltaic contractor should be able to help you address their concerns and get their support.

Are you ready to enjoy big savings with rooftop solar? The professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading renewable energy system installers, can design an efficient and cost-effective rooftop or ground-mounted photovoltaic system. And we’re here to answer all your questions about planning and financing your project.

Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free consultations to homeowners throughout Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. For expert advice and a high-quality rooftop solar installation, contact us today.

What type of coverage does a solar panel warranty provide?

Most photovoltaic panels perform without a hitch for decades. However, every now and then, a module may have a problem. Issues aren’t common, and a single damaged panel won’t stop your system’s electricity production. But just in case something happens, it’s helpful to know what’s covered under your warranty.

Solar Panel Equipment Warranty

Solar panels actually have two warranties — a product or equipment warranty, and a performance guarantee.

The photovoltaic panel product warranty covers the construction and integrity of the module. If you notice any manufacturing defects or premature wear and tear of the materials, this warranty should provide coverage.

Most manufacturers offer a 10-year product warranty from the date of solar module installation, though some guarantee their equipment for up to 12 years.

Solar Panel Performance Guarantee

The second solar panel warranty is a guarantee of a certain energy output for a specific time period.

All photovoltaic panels degrade over time, because nothing that is continually exposed to the elements can last forever. But solar modules are designed to degrade quite slowly, losing only a tiny bit of efficiency per year (about 0.07 percent, according to research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

The performance warranty ensures that your panels don’t degrade too quickly. In many cases, energy output of at least 90 percent is guaranteed for the first 10 years after installation. And nearly every module performance warranty guarantees solar energy production of at least 80 percent for 25 years.

What About Weather-Related or Accidental Damage?

A solar panel warranty doesn’t cover accidental damage or issues caused by severe weather events.

The good news? Your homeowners insurance will typically cover this type of damage. Because photovoltaic installations are considered home improvement projects, most insurance companies automatically provide coverage for accidental and weather-related damage.

But check with your insurance agent, because not every company offers automatic coverage for photovoltaic panels. And depending upon your policy, your rates could change (many homeowners are happily surprised to see their rates go down after adopting solar power).

If your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover a photovoltaic panel system, you may be able to add a special rider. If that’s not an option, you could either switch to a more solar-friendly insurance company or invest in third-party insurance.

The professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar — the leading residential and commercial contractor for Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado — use only the highest-quality solar modules with superior manufacturer’s warranties. Our photovoltaic panels rarely experience problems, but we’re always available to help, if the need should arise. For assistance in understanding your solar panel warranty, contact us today.

How long will it take your solar energy system to reach the break-even point?

Some people think that the payback period for photovoltaic panels is well over a decade, but it’s not. Though the return on a solar power investment can vary, most installations start earning a profit in just a few years.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. With a little simple math, you can calculate your own solar payback period.

Determine the Total Solar Energy System Cost

First, you need to figure out your photovoltaic system cost.

Add up the price for your solar energy installation — include the photovoltaic panels, inverters, mounting components, wiring costs, labor expenses, financing charges and permit fees. Let’s say your total is $16,000.

Next, add up what you’ll get back from financial incentives for switching to solar energy. Federal, state and local tax credits, rebates and grants can bring thousands in savings. For an easy example, let’s say your incentives total $7,000.

Now, subtract the solar incentives from the total price:

$16,000 – $7,000 = $9,000

So the actual cost for your PV system would be $9,000.

Figure Out Your Yearly Electricity Savings

Before installing your solar energy system, how much did you spend on electricity each year?

Total the amounts of your electricity bills for the last 12 months to get your yearly total. Most homeowners pay just over $114 per month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. So for our example, we’ll use the national average — that’s a total of $1,368 for the year.

Of course, your actual energy savings will depend upon the percentage of your home’s electricity your solar array provides. For instance, if yours is sized to cover 80 percent of your energy consumption, your savings will be 80 percent of your yearly total. Using our example:

$1,368 (yearly energy costs) × 0.80 (generation capacity) = $1,094.40

To determine your annual savings, plug your own numbers for energy costs and generation capacity into the equation.

Calculate the Solar Energy System Payback Period

The last step in figuring when your PV system will begin to pay off in profits involves a bit more math.

Take your total photovoltaic installation cost and divide by your annual energy savings to calculate the number of years for solar payback. Using our example:

$9,000 ÷ $1,368 = 6.58 years 

Or for a system sized to provide 80 percent of the home energy consumption:

$9,000 ÷ $1094.40 = 8.22 years

Keep in mind, however, that everyone has a different set of data. Several factors — including the solar radiation in your location and the exact energy output from your photovoltaic panels — can affect your PV payback period.

The best way to find out the return you can expect on a photovoltaic investment is to consult with a local expert. Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading photovoltaic professionals, offers free consultations to home and business owners throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming.

For answers to all your questions about installing a solar energy system, contact us today.

The Utah solar tax credit is unfortunately coming to an end soon.

Just like the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), this state-level financial incentive for installing a home photovoltaic system is being phased out over the next few years. So that means you have to act quickly if you still hope to take advantage of it.

2017 Is the Last Year for the Maximum State Tax Credit

The Utah solar tax credit allows you to claim up to 25 percent of your total home PV system and installation costs or $2,000, whichever is greater. And you can claim this credit on more than one system, as long as each is used to power a home that you own.

But the only way to qualify for this impressive total is to get your photovoltaic system up and running by the end of the year. Solar installations completed after Dec. 31, 2017, aren’t eligible for the full $2,000.

Utah State Tax Credit Will Be Gone After 2021

Let’s say you miss the deadline. How much will your Utah ITC credit be? Basically, the amount drops by $400 per year.

So if you install your home PV system by the end of 2018, you’ll be able to claim a maximum of $1,600. Wait another year, and the Utah state credit amount falls further. Photovoltaic installations completed by Dec. 31, 2019, are eligible for just $1,200.

And on it goes. Install your solar energy system by the end of 2020, and you can claim up to $800. For home PV installations completed in 2021, the Utah state ITC is limited to $400.

As the policy stands, home solar energy systems installed after Dec. 31, 2021, will not be eligible for a Utah solar tax credit.

Why Utah Residents Who Want to Go Solar Should Act Fast

If you want to claim the maximum $2,000 Utah solar ITC, you’ll need to schedule your photovoltaic installation now. From start to finish, home PV projects can take a few months.

But qualifying for the credit isn’t the only reason to rush your photovoltaic project.

The Utah solar industry has been under fire before. Just last November, the Rocky Mountain Power utility company proposed billing changes for solar customers. Their new rates, demand charges and net metering fees would limit the financial benefits of switching to photovoltaic power.

The Utah Public Service Commission has suspended Rocky Mountain Power’s proposal, but that’s no guarantee the plan won’t be adopted, at least in some form. Install your home PV system now, and you may be eligible for grandfathered rates.

Are you ready to start planning your PV installation? The professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar, the region’s leading home and business photovoltaic provider, can help you claim every available financial incentive, including the Utah solar tax credit. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.