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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.

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.