Our Blog

Why pay a professional solar contractor when you can buy a solar panel kit and install it yourself? Wouldn’t that cost less?

Perhaps, but sticker price isn’t the only consideration. When you consider the bigger picture, paying a little less upfront and going the DIY route really isn’t a smart financial move. In the long run hiring a professional solar contractor can actually save you money.

Time is Money

How much do you know about installing solar panels? If you plan to handle your own photovoltaic installation, you’d better be ready to spend many, many hours reading manuals and watching instructional videos. The skills and knowledge you need to attain before embarking on the project include:

• How to evaluate a rooftop for adequate structural support
• How to properly size a photovoltaic system
• How to attach solar panels safely and securely to a rooftop
• How to place a rooftop array to maximize energy production
• How to wire the system and install the inverter

Time is money, as the saying goes. And this is just a partial list – and the less you know now, the more time you need to spend studying. If you don’t do your research, you might miss a crucial step. Don’t want to invest the time? Hire a professional solar contractor.

Mistakes are Costly

Let’s say you already know quite a bit about installing solar panels, or you don’t mind spending the time to learn. Why not handle your own project and skip hiring a professional contractor?

You can, but remember this – if you mess up even a minor part of the photovoltaic system installation process, you’ll bear the full weight of fixing the problem. Mistakes can be expensive to repair, and any you make could cancel out the initial savings of taking the DIY approach.

Mistakes can cost you in another way, too. You expect your solar panels to produce a certain amount of electricity, but if you get the orientation, tilt or placement wrong, you can count on a loss in energy production. In the hands of an experienced solar contractor, this won’t happen – you’ll see optimal energy savings from the start.

DIY Solar is a Gamble

DIY solar panel kits don’t come cheap – many cost tens of thousands of dollars or more. Do you really want to take any risks when spending that kind of money? Can you afford to shoulder the costs if your DIY installation goes sour?

With a professional solar contractor, you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your photovoltaic system installation was completed with expert care and masterful workmanship. You’ll gain maximum energy production, while enjoying problem-free operation and the security of warranty coverage.

If you live in Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada or Wyoming and are looking for an experienced professional contractor to handle your solar panel installation, call on the team at Intermountain Wind & Solar.

We can answer your questions, explain your options and design a cost-effective photovoltaic array that meets your electricity needs. Contact Intermountain Wind & Solar and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and find out how a leading professional solar contractor can save you money today.

Solar trackers can boost the output of a PV system by as much as 20 to 40 percent. Trackers allow photovoltaic panels to follow the sun as it moves through the sky, which maximizes their exposure to sunlight and allows for optimal energy production.

As a concept, tracker technology sounds great. Creating electricity is the goal, after all, and your solar panels will make more if they always face the sun. So, you might think that adding a solar tracker to your PV system is the right choice.

Why, then, do professional photovoltaic contractors recommend fixed-tilt racks for most PV system installations?

Solar Trackers Cost More than Fixed-Tilt Racks

Fixed racks come at a fraction of the cost of solar trackers. The price difference can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending upon the size of the PV system you’re installing.

Plus, installing a sun tracking system is a complex task – much more so than mounting photovoltaic panels to fixed-tilt racks. As such, the labor charges for professional installation tend to be significantly higher.

Investing in trackers for a boost in energy production might have made sense decades ago when solar panels were much more expensive. Now that panel prices are much lower, a sun tracking system usually isn’t worth the cost. If you need a greater amount of electricity, it’s almost always more cost-effective to install more photovoltaic panels.

Solar Trackers Require Routine Maintenance

Higher upfront costs aren’t all you’ll get if you choose to install solar trackers. You can also count on spending more for maintenance.

Sun tracking systems have motorized parts and, without routine professional maintenance, the machinery can fail. Regular maintenance ensures ongoing operation, but the added expense brings down the overall energy savings.

In comparison, fixed racks rarely need maintenance or repairs. For optimal PV system output, experts recommend annual professional inspections – but the likelihood of a problem is low.

Should Your PV System Include Solar Trackers?

As you can see, fixed-tilt racks provide a clear cost advantage. Sun tracking systems offer increased solar energy production, but the extra electricity doesn’t usually compensate for the expenses of installation and lifetime maintenance.

There are some installations where photovoltaic contractors recommend adding a sun tracking system, especially for commercial and industrial projects that need maximum energy output in a small amount of space. If there isn’t room for more solar panels, using trackers may be the only way to create the amount of electricity required.

If you’re planning to install a PV system, it’s always wise to compare your options. The professional contractors at Intermountain Wind & Solar can help you weigh the pros and cons of sun tracking systems and fixed-tilt racks to determine which type of mount makes better sense for your solar power project.

As the leading photovoltaic provider in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming, Intermountain Wind & Solar designs efficient, cost-effective PV systems that provide optimal energy production. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss solar trackers and other types of mounting systems for your photovoltaic system.

Install a rooftop solar array, and you’ll have a steady supply of free electricity. Your PV panels will power all of your home appliances and electronic devices, slashing – or even eliminating – your monthly energy costs.

But how does all of this actually happen?

Solar Panels Capture Energy from the Sun

Sunlight contains energy. When light from the sun hits something here on earth, this energy usually turns into heat – think of the warmth of your skin when you’re outside on a bright sunny day and you’ll get the picture.

When the sun’s rays hit a rooftop solar array, however, the energy creates an electrical current instead of heat. Certain materials – including crystalline silicone, the main component of most PV panels – produce electricity when struck by sunlight.

This phenomenon, known as the photovoltaic effect, is the reason you can rely on a solar array for a reliable source of power.

Inverters Transform the Energy into Usable Electricity

As the sun shines down on a rooftop solar array, the PV panels produce direct current (DC) electricity – which, despite the name, cannot directly power your appliances and electronic devices.

Here in the U.S., we use alternating current (AC) electricity in our homes. To transform the current from DC to AC, solar arrays always include inverters. Some rooftop systems have a string inverter to handle the power conversion for all of the PV panels. Other arrays have separate micro-inverters attached to each solar module.

In a nutshell, the PV panels generate power from sunlight, then the inverter converts that power into electricity you can use in your home.

What if Your Rooftop Solar Array Produces Too Much Electricity?

Depending upon the size of your solar array, your PV panels may produce more electricity than you need. The excess won’t go to waste, however.

If your rooftop PV panels connected to the utility grid, that’s where the extra power will go. Your meter will keep track of how much electricity you send to the grid, and you’ll see a credit on your utility bill.

If yours is a hybrid solar system, the excess energy will charge your batteries to provide you with a source of power in the event of a blackout. Once the batteries are full, any extra electricity your PV panels create will go to the utility grid.

If you install an off-grid solar array, the energy you don’t immediately need will be stored in your battery bank. You’ll use this electricity for home power at night and during cloudy weather.

Are you considering powering your Intermountain West home with solar energy? If you have questions about PV panels or solar electricity – or anything else having to do with photovoltaic power — the experienced professional contractors at Intermountain Wind & Solar are happy to provide answers.

Intermountain Wind & Solar, a leading photovoltaic provider serving Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon and Nevada for over a decade, offers free consultations to give homeowners an opportunity to easily explore their options. If you’re interested in installing a rooftop solar array and need expert advice, contact us today.

Although you may have heard talk that roof leaks can develop after installing solar panels, this definitely isn’t the case. Leaking almost never happens – at least when a highly-experienced licensed solar contractor handles the installation.

When a photovoltaic array is mounted properly, the integrity of the rooftop is not compromised. And, although the mounting hardware might require penetration of the roofing materials, an expert contractor – like the team at Intermountain Wind & Solar – always takes precautionary steps to prevent roof leaks.

How Solar Contractors Guard Against Roof Leaks

No reputable solar contractor will agree to install a photovoltaic array on a roof that appears to be in poor condition. If the rooftop is already compromised and likely to leak, adding solar panels could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, so to speak.

To further prevent the possibility of roof leaks, contractors surround the mounting bolts with flashing and then completely seal the rooftop penetrations. Sealant is applied to both the flashing and the areas around the drilled holes, and this works to block water from getting through.

How Solar Panels Help Prevent Roof Leaks

It may sound counterintuitive, but mounting rooftop solar panels can actually protect the roofing surface and decrease the chance of roof leaks.

Normally, your rooftop is constantly exposed to the elements, and years of harsh weather can cause the surface to deteriorate. When that happens, leaking becomes more likely. But a rooftop with a photovoltaic array is less exposed to the elements and the often harsh Utah weather. This lessens the amount of damage the roofing material experiences over time. And, with less damage, roof leaks become less probable.

Is Your Roof Ready for Solar Panels?

As we mentioned above, installing a rooftop photovoltaic array almost never causes leaking. But occasionally, leaks occur and, when they do, it’s because the roof wasn’t structurally sound at the time of installation.

Qualified solar contractors can spot clear signs of damage, but problems in the roof deck, frame and sheathing aren’t always obvious. For that reason, if you’re at all concerned about leaking, you should consult with a professional roofer before scheduling the installation of your photovoltaic array.

If your rooftop needs extensive repairs to handle solar panels – or, worse, the roofer says you need a new roof – you can explore other options. Mounting the photovoltaic array on a different property structure, such as a carport or garden shed, could be the perfect solution. Or, you may want to install a ground-mounted solar system. Either way, producing enough energy to power your home won’t be a problem.

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, the leading renewable energy provider serving Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming, we take great care with every photovoltaic installation. Choose us, and our in-house staff will design and install a cost-effective rooftop or ground-mounted solar array that maximizes your energy savings.

Intermountain Wind & Solar makes it easy for Intermountain West homeowners to make the switch to photovoltaic power. To schedule a free, no-pressure consultation to chat with our expert team about installing solar panels, contact us today.

Installing a solar panel system is a smart way to increase your home value. Renewable energy is a huge selling point, and buyers are often willing to pay more for properties with photovoltaic arrays. What’s more, solar-powered homes typically sell up to twice as fast as comparable homes without PV installations.

However, to ensure these results, you need to purchase – not lease — your home solar system.

If You Lease Solar Panels…

When you sign a solar lease, you commit to making payments for 15 to 20 years. That responsibility doesn’t go away if you decide to sell your home. So, this leaves you with two options — either find a buyer with excellent credit who’s willing to take over your lease agreement or buy out the remainder of your contract.

Quite often, home buyers balk at the idea of assuming a lease. And, a contact buyout can be rather expensive – plus, after paying off the lease, you still won’t own the solar panels.

In the end, leasing solar panels can actually be a hindrance – rather than an advantage – when it comes time to sell.

If You Purchase a Solar Panel System…

Financing or paying cash for your PV installation allows you to realize the benefits of selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

In addition, when you purchase a photovoltaic array, you get to claim the lucrative federal solar tax credit – which is equal to 30 percent of your total system installation costs. State and local financial incentives are also yours to claim.

If you opt to lease instead, you don’t get to pocket these savings – the leasing company does.

How to Determine the Value of a Home Solar System

On average, solar-powered homes sell for up to 17 percent more than similar properties without photovoltaic arrays.

Want a more specific idea of how much of an increase in home value you can expect after installing a solar panel system? The PV Value® tool, developed through the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, can tell you. Simply input some basic information about your property, photovoltaic array and utility costs, and you’ll be given an accurate assessment of the value of your PV installation.

If you want to make your Intermountain West property more attractive to home buyers, installing a photovoltaic array is a smart plan. To ensure the investment pays off, work with a skilled PV contractor with extensive expertise – like the professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar.

A leading photovoltaic provider serving Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon, Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free, no-obligation consultations and solar panel system estimates to homeowners and businesses. To schedule yours, contact us today.

Deciding which solar energy installer to hire requires careful consideration. Choose wrong and, instead of a high-quality, trouble-free source of home power that quickly pays for itself, you may end up with a photovoltaic system that’s plagued with problems.

So, how do you choose from the dozens of solar installers that provide service in your area?

To find the right photovoltaic company to handle your installation – which, we hope, is Intermountain Wind & Solar — consider these factors.

Choose a Local Solar Energy Installer

National providers tend to focus on the bottom line. Local solar installers, on the other hand, are committed to quality service and customer satisfaction. Plus, local PV companies have an in-depth understanding of the region’s financial incentives, weather conditions and installation regulations – so, by going local, you’re bound to save more and have a smoother, easier experience.

Select a NABCEP-Certified Photovoltaic Provider

Voluntary certification from NABCEP*, or the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, is a crucial qualification for a photovoltaic installer. This impartial organization ensures that providers have the knowledge, training and skill to successfully complete solar energy installations. Hire a NABCEP-certified installer, and you’ll have a highly-capable professional handling your project.

* (Mike Allen—Cert# 032611-04 and Mike Telford—Cert# 092411-142)

Consider Solar Energy Installation Experience

Experience makes a difference when it comes to designing and installing an optimized PV system. When evaluating photovoltaic providers, find out how long they have been in business. Choose a solar installer with a solid history of success and plenty of positive reviews, and you’ll likely have a better overall experience.

Make Sure the Photovoltaic Installer Doesn’t Outsource Any Work

Some photovoltaic providers don’t actually complete their equipment installations – they outsource the work. This can be problematic, as it means the people who install your PV system may not have sufficient training or experience. Worse, they may not even be licensed to perform work in your state! In any case, when it comes to solar energy installations, outsourcing is always bad news

Intermountain Wind & Solar, founded in 2008, is a locally-owned photovoltaic provider serving Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon. Our professional solar energy installers have NABCEP certification, and our company never outsources – our in-house staff completes every part of every installation.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a spot on the 2018 Top Solar Contractor List, Intermountain Wind & Solar has a reputation for providing high-quality photovoltaic components and an exceptional installation experience at a cost-effective price. Choose us, and you can count on a home PV system that optimizes your solar potential and maximizes your savings.

To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the leading solar energy installer in the Intermountain West, contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today.

When you picture yourself going solar, thoughts of installing a rooftop solar array likely spring to mind. And, in most cases, that’s a cost-effective approach.

However, due to shade or structural concerns, your rooftop may not be well-suited for solar panels. And, if you live in a planned community, subdivision or townhome development, your homeowners’ association might be against the idea of rooftop placement for a photovoltaic system.

What then? Is installing a rooftop solar array impossible? Fortunately, you have other options.

Install Rooftop Solar Panels on an Alternate Structure

If the rooftop of your home isn’t right for a photovoltaic system, or if your HOA won’t allow the installation, you could install solar panels on the roof of another structure on your property.

A solidly-constructed garage, carport, shed, barn or patio cover can support a solar array, and as long as the structure is in a sunny spot, it can produce enough power to meet your home energy needs. Don’t have a suitable structure? Build one.

Install a Ground-Mounted Solar Array

Building a shed, carport or other structure doesn’t always make sense. If you don’t want the added expense, you could install a ground-mounted photovoltaic system.

Mounting your solar panels at ground level can be as cost-effective as installing a photovoltaic system on the rooftop. And, since the array can be placed at the perfect angle and orientation for harnessing the sunlight, you can count on optimal energy output.

Invest in a Portable Photovoltaic System

If installing a photovoltaic system on an alternate rooftop or at ground level aren’t options for your property – or if you’re a renter – consider investing in a portable system.

Since mobile solar panels stand on their own and can be easily moved at any time, they can work for anyone. A range of options are available, and a large array with batteries for energy storage – and, perhaps, a generator to provide a backup source of power – can supply enough electricity for your household.

Are you ready to determine whether a rooftop solar array will work for your location? For expert advice and assistance in exploring all of your photovoltaic system options, turn to the professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar.

A leader among Intermountain West photovoltaic providers for over a decade, Intermountain Wind & Solar offers expert-level residential and commercial PV installation at a cost-effective price. With us, going solar in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming or Oregon is easy – we’ll handle every detail, providing you with an exceptional experience.

For a free, no-pressure consultation to discuss rooftop solar array installation, contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today.