Monthly Archives: September 2017

Entering into a solar contract is a big financial decision, one that requires careful thought. You’ll be living with your home PV installation choices for a long time, and you don’t want to get burned by a bad deal. To make sure you get exactly what you want at the right price, check out the solar contract tips below before you sign on the dotted line. No. 1: Get More than One Estimate Industry experts recommend getting estimates from at least two professional photovoltaic contractors before hiring one. Consulting with different home PV installers is the best way to make sure you get a fair price for a high-quality solar power system that meets your needs. For an apples-to-apples comparison of your photovoltaic system...

Are you confused by solar energy terminology? The terms commonly used in the industry can sound jargon-y if you aren’t hip to the lingo. Check out our photovoltaic glossary for easy-to-understand definitions of 10 of the most common technical terms. No. 1: Balance of System Photovoltaic systems need more than solar panels to generate electricity. The balance of system (BOS) refers to everything else involved in a PV array installation. Design, mounting and wiring components, battery storage, operations and all related costs are considered part of the balance of system. No. 2: Conversion Efficiency Solar panels aren’t capable of harnessing all the sun’s energy. The conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic panel tells you how much of the solar energy hitting a PV array is converted into useable...

Professional solar contractors typically mount PV modules on fixed-tilt racks. But since the modules face the sun for just a portion of the day, a fixed solar array can result in energy production that is less than optimal. Will your photovoltaic system create more electricity if your solar panels rotate to follow the sun’s movement? Perhaps, but energy output isn’t the only consideration in choosing a mounting system. How Do Solar Trackers Work? Solar trackers move throughout the day in order to stay aligned with the sun’s position in the sky. Single-axis trackers follow the sun as it moves from east to west. Dual-axis sun tracking systems have two pivot points which allow them to change both the tilt and orientation of the...

Do you need to hire a professional solar installer? Or can you just do the job yourself? Going the DIY route may seem like a good idea — after all, if you don’t have to pay a photovoltaic contractor, your rooftop solar project will be less expensive. And if you have the right skills, you may be able to handle the job. But for the average homeowner, hiring a professional photovoltaic contractor is a more practical choice. Why? No. 1: General Safety How much time have you spent working on ladders and rooftops? Climbing up and down a ladder, hauling heavy photovoltaic panels and racks, walking around on a sloped surface high above the ground — all these activities can be quite dangerous. Hiring a professional solar installer...

Commercial solar power is a valuable investment for any Intermountain West business. Going solar cuts electricity costs and improves property value — and going green is a powerful marketing and public relations tool. So what’s involved in making the switch to photovoltaic energy? The professionals at Intermountain Wind & Solar make it easy. Meet with an Intermountain Wind & Solar Contractor Give us a call, and our professional photovoltaic contractors will come out to your business for a complimentary, in-person consultation. We’ll discuss your business’s electricity needs and evaluate your property for effective placement of a photovoltaic array. If you like, we can also perform an energy audit and recommend measures you can take to reduce your company’s energy consumption. We’ll also give you an...

The Idaho solar tax credit can make a big dent in the amount you have to pay Uncle Sam at tax time. If you’re an Idaho resident who’s been thinking about adopting solar power, this incentive makes it much easier and more affordable. Not every state offers a solar investment tax credit (ITC). Many states have ended their programs, in response to the dropping costs of investing in a home PV system. But if you live in Idaho, you’re in luck. How Much Can You Save with the Idaho Solar Tax Credit? Of the state-level solar incentive programs, Idaho’s — called the Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction — is one of the strongest. The first year after installing your home PV system, the Idaho solar tax credit allows you to deduct...

To design a home PV system with optimal solar power output, professional contractors need to consider a number of factors. Orientation, tilt and shading are of special importance, as they all have a major impact on the amount of sunlight that reaches the photovoltaic panels. Orientation and Solar Power Output For home PV systems installed in the Intermountain West, due south is the ideal orientation for harnessing maximum solar power. But what if your roof doesn’t face south? Can rooftop solar panels produce enough energy to power your home? That depends upon your rooftop’s orientation. According to the Department of Energy, photovoltaic panels can face up to 45 degrees east or west of due south without a noticeable drop in energy production. What if your rooftop faces too...

What if you install solar panels to offset your energy use and bring down your monthly electricity bills, but a few years down the line, your energy needs increase? Is it possible to add more solar panels? Generally speaking, as long as you have additional rooftop or ground space, you should be able to expand your photovoltaic system. But the project may bring a challenge or two. Contact Your Original Home PV System Installer First of all, if you’re planning to add extra solar panels, you’ll need to contact the photovoltaic contractor who installed your original components. Your installer is your best resource for information on expansion options. More important, however, is the fact that working with a different contractor could void your solar panel system warranty. But what if...

Have you ever wondered how solar panels store energy for later use? The short answer is that solar modules don’t store energy at all. But that doesn’t mean homes with solar PV systems are left in the dark when the sun goes down. How Solar Panels Work Solar panels have one job — to harness light energy from the sun. The dozens of photovoltaic cells inside the panels generate an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight. However, photovoltaic cells produce direct current (DC) electricity, not the standard alternating current (AC) used for appliances and electronics in the United States. To convert DC to AC, you must connect solar modules to an inverter. How Energy from Solar Panels Can Be Stored When the sun isn’t shining,...