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The Benefits of an Idaho Solar Power System—Besides Saving You Money

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The economic benefits of Idaho solar power pretty much speak for themselves. With the available tax incentives, rebates, and credits, and more efficient production methods, solar energy is more affordable than ever. Installing solar means savings month after month on your power bill. However, a more solar Boise , a more solar Idaho, and a more solar world, comes with a set of benefits beyond the financial for us both individually and collectively. More Energy Independence At first, when solar was less efficient and affordable than it is now, one of the chief benefits it offered was electricity to those off the power grid. That meant virtually exclusively homeowners in very rural areas. Since then, increasing fossil fuel prices, and a better understanding of the consequences of their use, have been changing the urban and suburban energy dynamic. People recognize the benefits of solar as an alternative or supplementary power source. A power source to save money on ri

Three Facts About Idaho Solar Energy You Should Know

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The benefits of solar power are becoming more well known. With the cost of fossil fuel-based energy increasing, and a better understanding of the consequences of pollution, the world is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like solar. Many Idahoans, however, remain unaware of many of the benefits of solar power. Additionally, some Gem Stater residents may not even realize that Idaho solar power is a viable option. If you’re unfamiliar with how well Idaho and solar power work together, read on. Idaho Is Perfect for Solar Power One of the most common misconceptions about solar power in Idaho, and places like it, is that we’re not well-suited for solar. There’s a tendency to associate effective solar energy exclusively with sun-drenched parts of the country further south. It’s an unfortunate misconception since Idaho’s climate is actually ideal for solar. Solar cell panels certainly require the sun to work, but they don’t require additional heat. In fact,

Solar Power and Idaho Winters: Do They Mix? Yes!

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Installing a photovoltaic (PV) solar system for your home helps lower your power bill and lightens your carbon footprint. Power savings are a big draw, but the importance of the environmental benefit shouldn’t be overlooked. In a state as rich in natural beauty as Idaho, doing one’s part to preserve that beauty is a benefit to everyone. A more solar Meridian , Twin Falls, Boise, or any other region is great for Idaho. Many people, however, wonder if our state is really an ideal climate for solar power, especially since our winters can be notoriously harsh. As it turns out, yes, solar power and Idaho’s winters can exist together. Don’t Solar Panels Need Sun to Work? Solar panels do indeed need sun to work. However, even when it’s overcast, the solar panels are still producing power—just not as much of it as they produce when receiving direct sunlight. Plus, while Idaho winters are undeniably cold, they’re not necessarily overcast. And during both the summer and winte

Saving Energy During Idaho Winters: Tips Big and Small

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Idaho is a beautiful, friendly, wild, all-around amazing state, but our winters are not for the faint of heart. For those who brave the snow, our uniquely spectacular winter landscapes and world-class winter sports are plenty reward. However, the last thing any Idahoan needs during the colder months is a freezing house or sky-high power bill. So, consider the following energy-saving and efficiency tips, big and small, from an Idaho solar power setup to the direction of your ceiling fan. After all, action taken now in the late summer can help circumvent issues later in the year. The Bigger Energy Saving Upgrades Get an HVAC Service and Update or Upgrade Perform an audit of your home’s HVAC system, and get it serviced or upgraded where necessary. Keeping your HVAC running smoothly is one of the single most important steps you can take to increase your home’s energy efficiency. If you have an outdated, leaky, or inefficient heating system in your house, saving energy

Solar Power in the City of Trees? Why Solar Makes Sense in Boise

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There is a whole lot to love about Boise. It’s a beautiful city full of incredibly friendly people. It’s got enough culture and history to keep it interesting without the crush and congestion of a bigger city. It’s also got a whole lot of trees. Being the City of Trees, named for them even, that makes sense. However, it raises a question about the strategies for alternative and renewable energy management Boise residents are increasingly choosing—does solar energy make sense in Boise, considering the shade from all those trees, and in general? Why Boise Is Perfect for Solar Considering how terrific Idaho’s capital is, it’s no wonder that Boise is constantly landing on national lists (often among the top 10). In addition to the various “Best Places to Live in the U.S.,” and “Best Places to Raise a Family” sort of lists Boise makes, it’s also consistently included among the top 50 sunniest cities in the U.S. That’s obviously a big check in the “Pros” column for solar but it’s actua

Why Solar Energy Is the Perfect Solution for Rural Areas

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When solar power was first gaining traction as a home power solution here in Idaho, it was often thought of as a rural solution rather than a means to a more solar Meridian or Boise. At the time, that was a matter of necessity. Solar power systems were considerably more expensive to buy and install, and less efficient than they are today. For rural residents, it was still the option that made the most sense. Today, solar power is far less expensive and far more efficient. It is being increasingly adopted by suburban and urban residents to decrease their power bill and do their part for the environment. Those changes also mean that solar power is much more accessible for the people who can benefit the most from it: rural Idahoans, or residents of any rural region. Benefits of Rural Solar One of the chief benefits of a solar power system in rural areas is space. Rural areas simply have more of it. Unlike in the cities or even suburbs, rural homeowners are rarely hemmed in by nei

What Is the Best Renewable Energy Option for Idaho?

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It’s pretty clear that the days are numbered for wide-scale energy-production relying on fossil fuels. Not only has the detrimental environmental impact become increasingly clear, it’s literally impossible for fossil fuels to remain a viable energy option indefinitely. The reason for that, of course, is that fossil fuels are a finite resource. So they’re necessarily not going to last and they’re also inevitably going to become increasingly more expensive as their scarcity increases. That means that the strategies for energy management Boise residents, or any Idaho residents, rely on will have to include renewable power sources. So which of those are best for Idahoans? Geothermal and Hydroelectric Energy Depending on where you live in Idaho, you may already be getting some percentage of your energy from geothermal. However, there are some obvious drawbacks. For starters, most Idahoans don’t live in areas with enough geothermal activity for that to even be an option. There are als