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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...

In many parts of the country, including much of the Intermountain West, rooftop solar array installation requires a building permit. Fail to get a permit for your project, and you may face fines – or you could even have to take down your solar panels. Fortunately, that won’t happen when you work with a reputable photovoltaic contractor. Here at Intermountain Wind & Solar, we handle the permitting process to make installation easier on you. But if want the scoop on permits for rooftop solar arrays, read on. Why Permits Are Necessary for Solar Arrays Rooftop solar systems require permits for the same reason other home improvement projects do – to meet quality and safety standards. Building codes govern the design...

Going solar can drastically reduce your monthly electric bills and, after installing a home PV system, you might even see the amount due drop to zero. Savings on electricity is one of the primary reasons people adopt photovoltaic power. And with expert system design and installation, a solar array can save you thousands over the course of its lifetime. If eliminating your electric bills is your goal in going solar, keep the following in mind as you plan your project. Your Household Energy Consumption According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average home uses 867 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy every month. And, monthly electric bills in the Intermountain West can be upwards of $125. Before going solar, consider...

Solar panel installation pays off with big energy savings, and most projects reach the break-even point in ten years or less. But, adopting photovoltaic power doesn’t come cheap – your investment costs could be in the tens of thousands. Fortunately, you have several options to cover the expense. Here’s a look at the various ways you can pay for your solar panel installation. Solar Purchasing Do you have enough money in the bank for an upfront purchase? If you can afford to pay in cash, doing so offers the speediest return on investment. With the available local, state and financial incentives, solar purchasing might be more budget-friendly than you think. For details on how you can save the most, ask...

So, you already installed a solar power system, but your energy usage has increased. Can you expand your photovoltaic array in order to meet your household electricity needs? Most likely, the answer is yes. However, adding more solar panels to an existing photovoltaic array can pose a few challenges. Here are five factors to consider before making plans to expand your solar power system. No. 1: Space for Solar Panels Do you have room for more solar panels? If your photovoltaic array takes up most of the available rooftop space, expanding the system might mean looking for another installation spot. A carport, shed or gazebo could suffice, or you might want to pair your rooftop panels with a ground-mounted array....

When you install solar panels, you’ll save money on your utility bills, gain energy independence, improve your home’s value and enjoy a fast return on investment. Sounds great, right? While the benefits of going solar are undeniable, certain factors can affect your energy production and home PV system cost. Here’s what you need to consider as you plan your photovoltaic power project. Rooftop Structure Can your rooftop accommodate solar panels? Your home PV system will produce electricity for decades. Your roof needs to be in good condition before installation, as addressing problems later on will be both challenging and costly. If you’d rather not budget for roof repairs or replacement when you install solar panels, look at alternate placement options....

The federal solar tax credit offers huge savings on PV installation. Claim it, and you can reduce your income tax liability by 30 percent of your photovoltaic system costs – and the incentive has no cap on value. But if you want to take advantage of the full 30 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), you’ll need to act fast. Put off your PV installation for too much longer, and you won’t save as much with the solar tax credit. Projects Must Begin By December 31, 2019 Thanks to a recent change in the ITC rules, you have a little more time to qualify for the full 30 percent solar tax incentive. The requirement to have your photovoltaic system in...

Are you looking for a solar contractor? Take care when making your choice of which professional to hire. Installing a home PV system is a sizeable investment in your home and your future, and you want to spend your money wisely. If you’re not sure where to start, this step-by-step guide should help you find the right photovoltaic provider to meet your needs. Step 1: Compile a List of Local Solar Contractors First of all, do a Google search for local solar providers. Include your city and state to ensure the results offer service in your area. Chances are, you’ll come up with quite a few options, so make a list. Step 2: Examine Solar Contractor Credentials Next, check the...

How big should your solar panel system be? Figuring out what size photovoltaic array to install isn’t easy. On the one hand, you want your PV system to produce enough energy to meet your household needs and eliminate your monthly electricity bills. But on the other hand, you’re concerned about costs – and though prices for solar panels have dramatically dropped in recent years, you don’t want to pay for more than you need. As you make plans to install a new solar panel system, you’ll need to consider the following to determine the right size for your photovoltaic array. Examine Your Electricity Bills Pull out your electricity bills from the past year or take a look at them online....

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...