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You have probably seen “wind farms” with giant turbines at the mouth of a canyon or out on the plains, and perhaps wondered if wind energy would be a better investment than solar to power your home. While both offer renewable energy for residential areas, they’re not exactly created equal. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each before you decide which is best. The Pros & Cons of Wind Turbines Two of the benefits of wind turbines are the ability to capture energy any time of the day or night, and to generate power on a very large scale. However, any renewable energy source is potentially unpredictable, and wind can be particularly so. Even if it seems...

One of the primary goals for most homeowners interested in solar power is the desire to have a renewable source of energy without being tied to the cost fluctuations and monthly bills of your local utility company. Unfortunately, many people have a misconception that in order to do that, they need to go “off the grid” and get a battery installed with the system to store solar power. For most people, the option to have a grid-tied solar system will achieve the goals of generating your own power and ditching the utility company, but without the huge expense of battery storage. Here’s a quick overview of what that means and whether it’s the right choice for you. How Solar Systems...

The inverter is a crucial component of a solar energy system, as it takes the direct current (DC) power captured by the solar panels and turns it into alternating current (AC) power – which is what you need for your home appliances and electronics. When you make the switch to solar energy, you’ll need to decide whether you want to install micro-inverters or a string inverter. And chances are, your professional photovoltaic contractor will recommend the former. Here’s why. Faster Installation With a string inverter, the solar panels must be wired together for the component to function. Micro-inverters attach easily, one to each panel, speeding up the photovoltaic system installation process – and that results in savings on labor costs....

For anyone who sees the advantages of adopting solar power, the question isn’t whether to make the investment – it’s when to take the plunge. The media headlines make it seem like amazing new technology and drastic price cuts are close at hand, so many people think they should put home PV system installation on hold. But is waiting really a smart move? Obviously, as a solar panel installation company, we encourage homeowners to go solar sooner rather than later. But leaving our self-interest aside, we do have good reasons for saying that you shouldn’t wait to adopt solar power. Improvements in Efficiency are Slowing Down Yes, solar power technology has been steadily improving. But the increases in efficiency are...

Though grid-tied solar panel systems are more popular among Intermountain West homeowners, many are choosing to go off-grid instead. And we’re not surprised -- cutting ties with the utility company is certainly appealing, and who doesn’t like the idea of freedom from monthly electricity bills? However, installing a stand-alone solar array isn’t the right choice for everyone. Before you decide to take that route, consider the following. Off-Grid Solar Panel System Design Considerations If you don’t plan on hooking your solar panels up to the utility grid, the photovoltaic system must be capable of completely meeting your household electricity needs. In addition, it will need to be able to handle the inevitable fluctuations in energy production and usage. With today’s...

Though the popularity of rooftop solar power has exploded in recent years, many people are still skeptical about the benefits of installing a photovoltaic system. Numerous myths perpetuate the media, and separating fact from fiction isn’t always easy. Here, we debunk the most persistent myths about switching to solar power. Myth: Rooftop Solar Panel Systems are Only for the Rich Fact: Photovoltaic system costs have plunged over the last several decades, and many lucrative financial incentives are currently available. And with the wide range of financing options, people of all income levels can afford to install solar panels. Myth: Recouping an Investment in Solar Power Takes Decades Fact: As the prices for photovoltaic components have drastically dropped, reaching the payback...

Preparing for rooftop solar panel installation doesn’t take much time or effort on your part – your professional photovoltaic contractor will handle almost everything. However, to streamline the process and ensure your solar power project doesn’t hit any snags, take the following steps. Check the Integrity of Your Rooftop A reputable photovoltaic contractor will let you know if your roof has obvious damage or doesn’t appear to be in good enough shape for solar panels. However, only a roofer, structural engineer or certified building professional can determine if your rooftop can accommodate the weight of a solar power system. Before you proceed with the installation, find an expert and schedule an inspection to make sure your rooftop is structurally sound....

If the utility grid goes down, will your solar energy system continue to provide your home with power? Or will you be without electricity like everyone else in the neighborhood? Most home PV systems don’t work during power outages. However, if you want to turn your back on blackouts and ensure you have a steady supply of electricity, you do have a few options. Buy a Backup Generator Investing in a generator is one way to shield yourself from the inconvenience of utility grid blackouts. A gas-powered model can provide you with electricity – if you keep it fueled up. With a solar generator, on the other hand, you won’t have to worry about buying gas. Energy from the sun...

A commercial solar power site evaluation can help you understand the advantages and challenges of photovoltaic system installation. And, getting advice from an expert won’t cost you a dime – most professional PV contractors offer complimentary consultations to business owners who are thinking about going solar. At the end of your commercial solar power site evaluation, you will have a clear idea of the potential of a photovoltaic system at your location. Here, we explain what to expect when you schedule a free consultation with the professional team at Intermountain Wind & Solar. Property Assessment Our experienced PV contractors will evaluate your business property, examining the rooftops and grounds to determine the potential for harnessing solar power. We will consider...

How much will going solar cost? That’s one of the number one questions people have about home PV system installation – and unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. The price of switching to photovoltaic power varies, as every project is unique. The best way to determine your solar costs is to consult with a professional PV contractor. Most, including Intermountain Wind & Solar, offer free, no-obligation consultations. But, you may find it helpful to understand the factors that can affect the cost of your home PV system installation. No. 1: Home PV System Configuration How many solar panels do you need to meet your home energy needs? Are you planning on installing a rooftop PV system, or a ground-mounted array? Will...