EvenGreen Technology

You may have read the “doomsday” articles back in February 2018 describing a cloudy future for the solar industry. Headlines recounted the “billions” of shelved U.S. solar projects due to the tariffs, or the “scramble” within the solar industry to finish projects ahead of the tariff deadline. There were some good reasons for these dire warnings. Just as the 2018 tariff on foreign-manufactured solar panels was set to go into effect, the federal solar Investment Tax Credit was also starting to sunset, and the price of solar PV was on a continued decline, signaling that solar was gaining parity in the energy market. However, even with higher panel prices, declining tax credits, and cheaper electricity costs, the solar industry is starting to see clearer skies up ahead, at least in the short-term. So what does this mean for solar Boise customers or the future of Idaho solar power in general? According to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), the tariffs are ...

If you’re pondering this question, you likely already know the benefits of photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. Solar PV, which converts light photons from sunlight into electricity, is an increasingly popular way to generate electricity from clean, renewable sources. Idaho currently ranks 21st in the country for solar energy production, and energy management Boise companies have so far installed approximately 414 MW of solar across Idaho. Additionally, 57,475 homes in Idaho are currently powered by solar. And although only 3.47% of Idaho’s electricity comes from solar, the production, manufacturing, and installation has created 654 solar jobs in Idaho. While there are many social, environmental, and economic benefits associated with solar, financing an entire PV system can be cost prohibitive. If you’re interested in going solar but don’t have the cash to pay for a system up front, you have several financing options, though laws and policies are different in each stat...

Idaho currently ranks 21 st in the country for solar energy production, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Although Idaho fell several spots from 2017 (Idaho was listed 16 th in the country last year), Idaho solar companies have so far installed approximately 414 MW of solar, and 57,475 homes are currently powered by solar, according to SEIA. SEIA also reports that: Roughly 3.5% of Idaho’s electricity comes from solar. Solar production, manufacturing, and installation has created 654 jobs in Idaho. The state has invested $490.78 million in solar, as of 2018. Idaho is also home to a couple large solar farms. The Grandview PV Solar Two farm generates enough electricity to power 18,000 homes. And the American Falls Solar I and II farms produce enough energy to power 7,000 homes. Solar photovoltaic, or solar PV, is a conversion process where photovoltaic cells capture light photons from sunlight and convert it into electricity. T...

Idaho’s solar industry has been on an upward trend over the last several years, producing over 200 MW of new solar energy in 2016 alone. Solar power can generate a range of environmental and economic benefits for utility companies, homeowners, local governments, and communities as a whole, making it an increasingly viable alternative to traditional energy sources. Residential homeowners interested in installing solar power have different financial incentives at their disposal to help offset the costs of purchasing and installing a solar project. Those incentives can be enjoyed across the state, from installations in downtown Boise to Twin Falls solar projects. Residential Tax Credits and Rebates Idaho Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction: The state of Idaho allows you to deduct up to 40% of the cost of a solar installation from your annual income taxes. You can make the 40% deduction in the first year of installation, and then deduct an additional 20% ...

As summer transitions into autumn, leaves start to fall, rain is more frequent, and chillier temperatures spread across the Northwest. This sweet period between the brutal heat of summer and the bitter chill of winter is a great time to prepare your home or small business for the change of seasons. While the solar industry focuses on the importance of transitioning your solar panels between summer and winter, there are some things you can do to maximize your solar energy capture during autumn. Here are a few tips for efficient Idaho solar power during fall months: Fall Cleaning If your PV solar panels are covered by leaves or debris, that can affect your system’s ability to charge throughout the day efficiently. Clearing PV solar panels of seasonal outdoor debris is a good way to ensure your panels are able to receive enough sunlight to convert the energy you need. Professionals often suggest waiting until mid-autumn to clear panels. However, if you see t...

Individuals, businesses, and groups who intend to pursue more sustainable energy usage in their private or professional lives should consider the zero energy building initiative. While several entities have defined what a zero energy building means for their purposes, the World Green Building Council definition is more realistic. “The World GBC definition of a net zero carbon building is a building that is highly energy efficient and fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources.” Achieving this feat varies depending on local resources, geographic location, weather, and budget. Here are several ways to upgrade current systems and transition towards a sustainable energy lifestyle: PV Solar Photovoltaic solar (PV solar) is the most popular solar electric panel to transform the sun’s energy into electricity. This energy can be transferred to your home or business easily and supplement or support your energy consumption from day-to-day. Th...

Between Idaho’s stellar growing economy and copious days of sunshine every year, solar power is becoming the definite future of energy in Idaho. From homes to business, schools to state buildings, innovative solar techn ology has gradually infiltrated traditional power systems in the past ten years. While ten years ago there were a handful of solar energy companies, now there are dozens in southern Idaho alone. Governor Butch Otter even promoted Idaho’s growing renewable energy industry as a key attraction for those moving here or starting businesses.  Idaho’s history as a conservative-leaning state, due to its rural nature and reliance on agriculture, makes Idaho solar energy an undeniable transition towards greater independence. Being able to generate power without relying solely on a power grid hundreds of miles away is liberating, especially for those small towns and rural communities. Not only does it save money, but sustains independence and self-relia...