Solar Power and Idaho Winters: Do They Mix? Yes!
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 winter, Idaho gets a lot of sun. Many of us tend to think of winter as nearly half the year, but its actually just about three months when the chance of overcast skies is most likely.
But Idaho Winters Get Pretty Cold...
They do indeed, but that shouldn’t be justification for passing on a Boise or Twin Falls solar power system. While the sun is necessary for solar power, heat is definitely not. It may seem counterintuitive because solar power uses sunlight. But remember, it’s the light—not the heat—that produces energy. After all, solar panels are electronics, and generally, electronic devices are happier being cold than hot.
What About the Snow?
One way in which snow could interfere with solar power production is if snow accumulates on the solar panels, blocking the sunlight. But, if you’ve ever seen solar panels installed on or near a home before, you may have noticed that they’re slanted. Just like a slanted roof, the idea is that snow falls off easily. If snow does accumulate on panels, however, there are plenty of tools such as “snow rakes” to brush away snow.
Why Solar?
Two of the big reasons for solar power adoption have already been mentioned: saving money and saving the planet. But there are several financial benefits as well. Solar power can lower your monthly power bill, and solar panels often increase a home’s value. Not to mention, state and government incentives, tax credits, and rebates can cut costs significantly. As for the environmental benefits, people travel from far and wide to enjoy our state’s natural beauty—it’s worth protecting.
About EvenGreen Technology
During their nine years serving Idaho, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) has built an unmatched reputation as Idaho’s premier solar energy provider. In fact, they are Idaho’s largest provider of solar energy by installation volume over their business history. EvenGreen Technology’s level of success stems from their commitment to client communication and transparency. That means ensuring that every client is sufficiently educated to make informed choices about their energy strategies. From their home base in Meridian, Idaho, EvenGreen Technology works to build an informed, cleaner, greener, more solar Treasure Valley, more solar Boise, and a more solar Gem State. That commitment has resulted in EvenGreen Technology being placed on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list for four years in a row.
Keep Idaho clean, green, and solar with EvenGreen Technology, at Evengreentechnology.com
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 winter, Idaho gets a lot of sun. Many of us tend to think of winter as nearly half the year, but its actually just about three months when the chance of overcast skies is most likely.
But Idaho Winters Get Pretty Cold...
They do indeed, but that shouldn’t be justification for passing on a Boise or Twin Falls solar power system. While the sun is necessary for solar power, heat is definitely not. It may seem counterintuitive because solar power uses sunlight. But remember, it’s the light—not the heat—that produces energy. After all, solar panels are electronics, and generally, electronic devices are happier being cold than hot.
What About the Snow?
One way in which snow could interfere with solar power production is if snow accumulates on the solar panels, blocking the sunlight. But, if you’ve ever seen solar panels installed on or near a home before, you may have noticed that they’re slanted. Just like a slanted roof, the idea is that snow falls off easily. If snow does accumulate on panels, however, there are plenty of tools such as “snow rakes” to brush away snow.
Why Solar?
Two of the big reasons for solar power adoption have already been mentioned: saving money and saving the planet. But there are several financial benefits as well. Solar power can lower your monthly power bill, and solar panels often increase a home’s value. Not to mention, state and government incentives, tax credits, and rebates can cut costs significantly. As for the environmental benefits, people travel from far and wide to enjoy our state’s natural beauty—it’s worth protecting.
About EvenGreen Technology
During their nine years serving Idaho, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) has built an unmatched reputation as Idaho’s premier solar energy provider. In fact, they are Idaho’s largest provider of solar energy by installation volume over their business history. EvenGreen Technology’s level of success stems from their commitment to client communication and transparency. That means ensuring that every client is sufficiently educated to make informed choices about their energy strategies. From their home base in Meridian, Idaho, EvenGreen Technology works to build an informed, cleaner, greener, more solar Treasure Valley, more solar Boise, and a more solar Gem State. That commitment has resulted in EvenGreen Technology being placed on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list for four years in a row.
Keep Idaho clean, green, and solar with EvenGreen Technology, at Evengreentechnology.com
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