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Reasons Why Switching to Solar in Idaho Is Worth It

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Investing in a solar energy system is a big step (although not as big as is often assumed), and like any big step it can be an intimidating one. For most homeowners, however, it’s also an investment with a terrific ROI in a whole variety of ways. Additionally, installing an Idaho solar energy system is one of those relatively rare dynamics that’s a time- and money-saver that actively contributes to the world being a better place. And those are only a couple of the benefits of going solar. Monthly Energy Savings That the installation of a solar energy system will typically save a homeowner a considerable amount of money on their power bill is generally the most common reason for going solar. That makes sense, as everyone likes a deal, but just as the process of installing a solar energy system is less of a time and money investment than people often assume, the savings can be more considerable than they would have thought as well. For instance, according to Project...

Solar Energy as the Centerpiece of a More Efficient (and Far Cheaper) Idaho Winter Heating Strategy

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Winter in Idaho and solar energy may not be concepts that necessarily seem like a natural fit. The disconnect makes sense: it’s cold and the days are shorter, meaning that there’s typically less sun out than during the summer months. However, it turns out that these often pretty harsh Gem State winters may be the perfect time to switch over to solar. That a solar energy system will provide winter savings on energy costs is a virtual certainty. The fact is, sunlight is free and virtually all of the other sources of heat and energy for homes are not. And while there are a number of reasons for going solar in the winter months, beyond solar being a clean and renewable energy source, the one that seems to inspire the most interest in solar is the savings. The money saved on energy bills, however, can be negated when heating efficiency is being lost elsewhere. Which is why investing in solar, be it Twin Falls solar energy or elsewhere in the state, should be just one pie...

Survey Finds Bipartisan Support for Solar

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National survey results released by the firm Global Strategy Group found that a bipartisan majority would like to see more solar investments from their utilities and greater action from government agencies to support solar development. Specifically, when asked which source respondents would like to see their utility get more electricity from, 76% of registered voters said solar, followed by wind power (71%), natural gas (52%), nuclear (38%), and coal (30%). In other words, a vast majority of voting Americans would like to see their utility company produce electricity from a cleaner source. The survey was conducted online and included 750 registered voters across the country. Respondents also had overwhelmingly positive views on solar as a clean energy source and economic engine. Specifically, of the 750 registered voters included in the survey, a large majority either completely agree or somewhat agree that: · Solar is a clean energy source. (91%) · Moving to so...

Five Steps for Planning and Designing a Residential Solar System in Idaho

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Whether you live in one of Idaho’s growing urban neighborhoods or out in the state’s more rural areas, solar is an increasingly viable way to power your home or business. If you’re a S olar M eridian customer or live elsewhere in the state, you’ve likely heard about the myriad benefits of solar electricity. However, the technical side of solar is often less understood by consumers, especially when it comes time to designing and financing a solar system. The age, angle, and direction of your roof, your local climate, HOA restrictions, financing opportunities, and the physical dimensions of your solar system are all factored in the overall design. Follow these steps from the U.S. Department of Energy when planning your home’s solar system and be sure to work with a reputable solar installation company to see the job through. 1. Look for Energy Efficiency Upgrades In order to design and install a solar system that can meet your energy needs, first look for ways t...

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Trump’s Solar Panel Tariffs on Idaho Solar Customers

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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 ...

Should You Lease or Buy Your Next Solar Photovoltaic System?

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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 Ranks 21st in the Country for Solar Production

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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...