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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.

More and more homeowners are deciding to go solar every day, but many people continue to put off making the switch to photovoltaic power.

Now is definitely the time to move forward with home PV system installation. Wait much longer, and you may miss out on some big-time savings. If you’re going to go solar, 2019 is the year to make it happen.

No. 1: Earn the Maximum Federal Solar Tax Credit

The federal solar tax credit is the most lucrative financial incentive available to homeowners who go solar – but after this year, the impressive perk loses some of its punch.

If you install a home PV system and put it into operation by December 31, 2019, and you’ll reduce your income tax liability by 30 percent of the total costs. Wait, and that amount drops by 4 percent each year – and the tax credit expires at the end of 2021.

No. 2: Save Thousands on Home Energy Bills

The moment your home PV system begins harnessing the sun’s energy and providing power, you’ll start saving money.

How much cash will stay in your pocket? That depends upon where you live and the design of your photovoltaic array, but suffice it to say that you’ll likely save at least a thousand dollars in energy costs every year. The sooner you go solar, the sooner you’ll see savings!

No. 3: Enjoy a Quick Return on Investment

Switch your home over to photovoltaic power, and the investment will reach the payback point pretty quickly – probably faster than you expect.

How speedy will the return on investment be when you go solar? The exact time frame varies, but most homeowners who install PV systems in 2019 will start earning a profit in just a few years.

No. 4: Boost the Value of Your Home

Go solar now, and your home value will go up. Homes with PV systems often sell for up to 17 percent more than comparable properties without photovoltaic installations – that’s a significant boost!

What’s more, when it comes time to sell, your home won’t stay on the market for long. Properties with photovoltaic power tend to get snapped up, with many selling up to 20 percent faster.

No. 5: Become Energy Independent

Another benefit of going solar this year is energy security. The sun isn’t going anywhere, which means you’ll always have a source of home power. And with rates for grid electricity continually on the rise, relying on the utility company less makes perfect financial sense.

Have we convinced you to go solar in 2019? If you’re ready to install a home PV system and you live in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Nevada or Wyoming, call on the expert photovoltaic contractors at Intermountain Wind & Solar.

A solar industry leader throughout the Intermountain West for more than a decade, Intermountain Wind & Solar offers high-quality PV components and professional photovoltaic system installation. With us, you can count on exceptional workmanship and affordable pricing.

Don’t wait to go solar – contact Intermountain Wind & Solar and schedule a no-cost, no-obligation to discuss installing a home PV system today.

How much time and effort does rooftop solar system maintenance really require?

With all of the misinformation online, it’s no wonder many homeowners think solar panels and other photovoltaic components need a great deal of care and attention. This, however, is not the case at all.

Keeping a home PV system running strong is actually pretty easy. For the facts on rooftop solar system maintenance, read on.

Regularly Cleaning Rooftop Solar Panels Isn’t Necessary

Contrary to popular belief, solar panels really don’t get all that dirty very often.

Rain and melting snow work to wash dust away and keep the photovoltaic modules clear. And besides, the glass surface is slick, so debris usually slides off on its own. So, rooftop solar panels certainly don’t require regular cleaning.

You Don’t Need a Professional to Clean Grungy Solar Panels

On the rare occasion when photovoltaic modules have stubborn, stuck-on grime, hiring a professional for cleaning is not necessary.

Homeowners can get rid of the grunge themselves, using a squeegee or soft brush on an extension pole. However, it is important to avoid spraying cold water on warm solar panels, as that can crack the glass and violate the terms of the warranty.

Periodically Checking Rooftop Solar Array is a Good Idea

Once or twice a year, homeowners should visually check for damage or deterioration of their photovoltaic components.

Climbing up on the roof is not necessary – or recommended, for that matter. Instead, experts advise using a pair of binoculars or a drone equipped with a camera. During the inspection, look for defects, including burn marks, cracks and discolorations in the glass and loose connections in the wiring. If any damage is found, homeowners should contact a professional photovoltaic contractor and schedule immediate repair.

Annual Professional Inspections Optimize Photovoltaic Power Output

To ensure optimal performance and trouble-free home PV system operation, experts advise scheduling an annual professional inspection.

An experienced contractor can examine every photovoltaic component for issues that could affect the system’s integrity or energy output. At the same time, the data monitoring equipment can be tested to confirm the accuracy of the information it provides.

Do you have questions about rooftop solar system maintenance, photovoltaic power installation or home PV system operation? For the straight truth, you can always trust Intermountain Wind & Solar.

As the leading professional photovoltaic contractor in the Intermountain West for over a decade – and recognized on the 2018 Top Solar Contractor List – Intermountain Wind & Solar is known for providing top-notch PV system equipment, exceptional workmanship and stellar customer service.

To schedule a complimentary consultation anywhere in Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho or Wyoming, or for more information on rooftop solar system maintenance, contact Intermountain Wind & Solar today.

So, you’ve decided to pull the trigger on solar panel installation. What does the process of adopting photovoltaic power involve?

This is a common question – and a good one, we think. With any home improvement project, you need to know what you’re in for before you begin. And, making the switch to solar energy is no exception to the rule.

For an understanding of what to expect, check out the following step-by-step guide to the solar panel installation process.

Step 1: Consulting with Local Photovoltaic Contractors

First, contact a few reputable and highly-experienced local PV contractors and ask them to come out to your home or business for a professional estimate. Ask for the total gross cost for solar installation, and compare the price per watt (PPW) as you weigh the bids.

Step 2: Signing the Solar Installation Contract

Once you identify the PV contractor you want to work with, it’s time to sign the contract. But before you do, make sure it specifies the component brands and models to be installed as well as information on system performance, warranty terms and financing costs.

Step 3: Completing the Logistical Paperwork

After signing on the dotted line, the next step to solar installation is obtaining the building and electrical permits. Then, there’s filling out the forms for the available financial incentives. Fortunately, most PV contractors will handle these tasks for you.

Step 4: Ordering the Photovoltaic System Equipment

Once everything is a go, your PV contractor will order the solar panels, inverters and other photovoltaic power components your project requires. At this point, you’ll schedule a day to begin the system installation.

Step 5: Installing the Solar Panel System

On installation day, you’ll need to sign some paperwork. Other than that, you won’t have to lift a finger – but you can expect a bit of noise. Depending upon the size and complexity of your photovoltaic power system, the work may take a single day or several days to complete.

Step 6: Turning on the Solar Panel System

The last step to solar installation is to connect the system to the local power grid. This requires signoff from the city’s building inspector and, in many cases from the utility company. Your PV contractor will schedule the necessary inspections and make sure you get the green light to begin generating your own electricity.

Ready to Start the Solar Panel Installation Process?

If you’re all set to adopt photovoltaic power and your home or business is in the Intermountain West region, consult with a long-time leading local professional PV contractor — Intermountain Wind & Solar.

We can explain your options for grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid photovoltaic power, and our expert team can design an efficient, cost-effective solar panel system that provides you with a reliable source of electricity for decades to come.

Intermountain Wind & Solar offers free consultations and estimates to homeowners and businesses in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming. To discuss your solar panel installation with our friendly and knowledgeable PV contractors, contact us today.

Intermountain Wind & Solar Blog – Leading Solar Contractor

According to the 2018 Top Solar Contractors List presented by Solar Power World, the industry’s leading source for technology, development and installation news, Intermountain Wind & Solar was recognized as one of the leading solar contractors. Intermountain was ranked 153 out of 450 solar companies and third in the state of Utah.

The purpose behind The Top Solar Contractors List is to recognize and highlight the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year.

“Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016’s huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year’s high. We’re happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets.”

The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016 with more than 15,000 MW installations. In 2017 there was a drop bringing the installations down to 10,608 MW due to projects rushing to meet the anticipated expiration of a 30% federal tax credit that was eventually renewed. However, the non-residential solar market grew 28% year-over-year in 2017, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar.

The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth compared to the first quarter of 2017 and by 2023 more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually.

Intermountain Wind & Solar employs 105 workers who installed 5,388.8 KW of solar power in 2017. Since the company was founded in 2008, it has installed a total of 29,727 KW of solar.

Call Intermountain Wind & Solar, one of the largest residential installers in the Intermountain West to get started on your solar power project.