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Rural Small Towns Escape Grid-Lock with Solar Power Solutions

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Clean energy is a growing conversation topic in small town America. Unlike global warming, clean energy is supported across the board by every party, demographic, and various communities. Solar power is one of the clearest solutions for rural towns in a period of crisis over jobs and population decline. Some of the greenest areas in America are small towns and rural communities who embrace renewable energy for its cost-effective and micro-grid advantages. From Idaho solar communities to clean energy Colorado towns, environmental stewardship is becoming increasingly popular amongst individuals and businesses alike. While coal energy was a massive employer of the rural and blue-collar demographic for decades, it has steadily decreased overall in the past decade. And it doesn’t look like it will return anytime in the near future. Renewable energy jobs have replaced coal mining jobs, employing almost five times more people than coal industry. Long-term s...

Advantages to Choosing Solar Energy for Small Businesses

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What is solar energy? Solar energy often makes people think of massive black reflective panels, spotty power, and expensive installation. However, the solar energy of today is much less touchy than the previous technology of the past few decades. Fueled by the sun’s radiation, solar energy harnesses the natural (and free) power of sunlight on a daily basis. Due to high demand in a decade dedicated to renewable resources, the technology surrounding solar energy solutions has improved considerably in the last decade, with less expensive and more reliable options. Local companies have established themselves throughout the United States for providing clean and holistic technology to communities, from solar Boise small business clients to Northwest consumers.  Pros to Installing Solar Energy Systems: Reduce Electricity Bills The electricity bills for business offices, warehouses, and other large spaces can be expensive month-over-month. Solar energy can dr...

Innovative Solar Power Solutions for Everyday Home Care

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From the attic to the basement, there are many ways to introduce effective energy solutions to your home. Solar powered energy is the most energy effective and cost-friendly approach, but is often forgotten when searching for alternatives to traditional power and lighting. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home with solar solutions. Solar Attic Fans Attic ventilation is important to maintaining the integrity and quality of home structure and simultaneously saving energy. Venting your attic lets moisture dissipate and works against mold growth and wood rot. Having continuous air circulation also prevents moisture from entering the space, keeping it cool and dry. Idaho solar attic fans harness free energy from the sun and don’t need any extra wiring or structural changes to your house. Since Idaho summers can get extremely hot during July and August, installing a solar attic fan can reduce temperatures up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only great in the summertime, but attic ...

Solar Energy Provides Reliable Power to Off-the-Grid Idahoans

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The majority of Idaho’s population lives in rural communities throughout the state. It is one of the most sparsely populated areas in the United States, with 37 rural counties clearly outnumbering the seven urban counties growing exponentially by the year. For off-the-grid and rural Idahoans, having a connection to a power grid may not be as convenient. Turning to solar energy solutions is becoming a popular choice amongst these communities and individuals.  In a recent interview with Solar Power World , Bryan Lawley, president of solar solutions and energy management Boise company EvenGreen Technology, discussed the growth in rural clients over the last decade. Interestingly, the prepper market has become a growing clientele in recent years. "A lot of people in rural areas are asking for that. It’s not so much an issue with the utility here with power quality or grid capacity being a major issue or driving force with that, but it’s more personal viewpoints and stan...

Solar Power in Idaho: Challenges and Possibilities

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With all of the news in recent months about solar panel tariffs and changes to how Idaho Power charges solar users, people might understandably wonder if solar Boise power is a viable option. Despite any current difficulties or complications, solar power should stay on the rise both in Idaho and across America. Solar Power in the US Back in January 2018, President Trump imposed a 30% tariff on imported solar panel components. At the time, some worried that this would cripple the industry. NPR noted that while some domestic manufacturers believed that the tariff would help them compete, workers who focused on solar panel installation felt “that making imported solar components more costly will likely dampen demand for solar panels.” However, the negative impact of the tariff has apparently not been as great as people feared. In April, Bloomberg contributor Brian Eckhouse reported that new solar industry jobs might actually go up in 2018. Not only that, the number of s...

Idaho Solar Power and Energy Management: A Bright Future?

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Twin Falls solar power or Boise solar power may not strike everyone in Idaho as an altogether plausible concept. However, it is much more real possibility than you might think. Not everyone may realize it, but much of the Gem State’s power already comes from renewable energy. According to the US Energy Information Administration, renewable energy typically accounts for more than 75% of Idaho’s net electricity generation. Much of that comes from hydroelectric sources—Idaho Power currently operates 17 plants located on the Snake River and its tributaries. With this in mind, solar power in Boise or Meridian might seem less ridiculous. And soon, its benefits might be even more apparent. On May 9, 2018, the Idaho Public Utility Commission ruled that the 2,000 Idaho Power customers who generate their own electricity—most of whom are solar power customers—would be separated into a new class. The PUC also ruled that Idaho Power would study the costs and benefits of these custome...

Why Should Boise, Meridian and Twin Falls Use Solar Power?

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Twin Falls solar power—is it really worth it? Recently, a lot of people have put in their two cents about using more solar energy in Idaho. Here are some reasons why someone might add solar power to their home or business if they live in Boise, Meridian or Twin Falls. 1. More Stable Energy Costs Solar energy users can keep their energy expenses consistently low over the long haul. After the initial installation expenses, the costs for solar power stay the same. Conversely, regular utility costs are expected to increase annually by approximately 4%. The upfront costs to set up PV solar panels were considerable in the past. However, they have gone down significantly in recent years. A recent study conducted by the Solar Energy Industries Association found that average costs for installing solar energy systems had decreased by over 70% between 2010 and 2017. Also, first-rate solar solution providers can help people transition to solar power without straining their finances. Solar ...