Fascinating Facts About Solar Power and Why It’s the Future Energy Solution You Should Consider3/13/2019 Solar power is emerging as the energy source of the future. (It’s actually the energy source of the past and present too, but more on that later.) Across the planet, solar arrays are being built, solar vehicles are being powered, solar devices are being used, and solar panels are an increasingly common feature on rooftops. The trend hasn’t bypassed the Gem State. Idaho solar power production increases every year as the benefits of the sun’s rays in power production becomes undeniable. While the arguments in favor of solar power are unquestionably compelling ones: a cleaner, greener fuel source; savings on the power bill every month; independence from complete reliance on the power grid; and a source of energy that’s never going to run dry on us—there’s more to it than that. There are a number of fascinating features of solar power that sometimes get lost to a recitation of its more obviously appealing attributes. So to remedy that oversight, here are some interesting, less well-known facts about the power provider of tomorrow—solar power.
Fossil Fuels Are Solar As mentioned earlier, the reflective panels of photovoltaic (PV) cells most people think of when they hear “solar power” aren’t actually the first harnessing of the sun’s light and heat to provide power. In fact, virtually all power, past and present, in one way or another, has been solar. For instance, fossil fuels are the remains of ancient organisms that relied on the sun’s energy for life. So all that coal, oil, natural gas, and the fuels derived from them are actually just the sun’s energy that’s been stored up and cached underground, in a sense. Other Renewable Sources Even other renewable energy sources owe their existence to the sun in one way or another. The solar Boise is increasingly embracing is responsible for water vapor rising, producing precipitation, and the running water bodies we use for hydroelectric.That same heat produces the wind that makes wind power possible. And technically, since the Earth formed by accretion in the sun’s gravity belt, we wouldn’t have the elements necessary for nuclear energy or the hot core necessary for geothermal energy without the sun’s contribution. We’ve Got Enough of It Human beings use a lot of energy. There are billions of people on the planet, virtually all of whom are using at least some power. Thankfully for us, there’s more than enough of the sun’s energy to go around, and our use of it doesn’t deplete it. At any given moment, the sun is sending the Earth 173,000 tera watts of energy. That’s equal to overtimes more energy than the energy used by every human being on Earth combined. It’s Self-Improving and Could Power Everything One of the terrific things about solar energy is that its use improves its future use. What that means is: The more we use solar energy, the less we rely on fossil fuels. And the less fossil fuel we burn, the less pollution we deal with. And the less pollution we have in the atmosphere, the less obscured the rays of the sun are by that pollution. So the more of us who adopt solar energy, the more efficient it will become for all of us. About EvenGreen Technology EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar), Idaho’s premier solar installation and innovation company, has emerged as the Gem State’s largest solar company by installed volume over their eight-year business history. EvenGreen Technology provides an education-first approach to clearly educate clients on what will be the best fit for their needs. Winning accolades for their contributions from the solar Twin Falls is increasingly implementing, to a greener Treasure Valley, EvenGreen Technology is also the only Idaho-based solar energy company to make it onto the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list in each of the last two years. To find out more about EvenGreen Technology, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/MbWVq5
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Solar power is the future, and that’s a good thing. While there’s some debate about how long it will take for the power infrastructure to switch over completely to solar power, there is little debate that far, far more of the world will be relying on solar power in the near future. Not only is solar power more abundant, cleaner, and often more efficient than other forms of energy, but it also enjoys some significant advantages compared to other forms of energy. While any renewable energy is almost certainly a better choice than non-renewable ones, even among the other renewable options, solar is still a top choice for Idaho. And from Twin Falls solar installations increasing to the Treasure Valley’s drive to go green, the future is on its way here.
Fossil Fuels Being renewable gives solar power a number of obvious advantages over fossil fuels.It’s likely no surprise to anyone that solar energy is cleaner and greener than fossil fuels. That cleanliness isn’t just an abstract environmentally-sound good deed. A healthier planet means healthier people. Plus, the less pollution from burning fuel, the less the sun is obscured by that pollution, and the more effective those solar panels become. Additionally, fossil fuels are finite. That means the scarcer they become, the more expensive they become. Those who have switched over to solar are going to avoid those inevitable price hikes, making it a shrewd investment. Nuclear The production of nuclear energy, pioneered here in the Gem State,is established as a largely safe, efficient source of energy. There are, however, a number of ways in which solar still seems to be the superior choice. The issue of nuclear waste is one that understandably makes a lot of people uncomfortable, but beyond that there are more pragmatic considerations. Chief among those is infrastructure. Building and running a nuclear power plant requires a pretty massive investment of time, money, labor, land, etc. It’s just not a practical solution to build new nuclear reactors wherever additional power is necessary. Other Renewable Energy Sources As mentioned, renewable energy is preferable to fossil fuels and other less renewable energy sources. The energy management Boise and much of the rest of Idaho have incorporated include several other renewable energy sources. That being said, some drawbacks remain.One of the biggest of those drawbacks is access. Geothermal Something like geothermal energy can prove a terrific solution for those who already have access to it. Although it’s worth noting there have been some concerns about the use of geothermal energy changing geothermal features. The use of this energy source is considerably less feasible, of course, for those who don’t live near thermal features. Even for those who do, the cost of installing a geothermal energy system can be considerable. Wind and Hydroelectric Anyone who’s driven through the state is familiar with how much more prolific wind energy has become, while the hydroelectric dams have been here a bit longer. Wind is proving a great solution for thousands, as hydroelectricity has, but believe it or not, there are places in Idaho where the wind isn’t always blowing. For those who don’t live somewhere being powered by wind or hydroelectric, it’s not something that can just be installed. Solar, on the other hand, provides power anywhere the sun shines. About EvenGreen Technology EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar), Idaho’s premier solar installation and innovation company, has emerged as the Gem State’s largest solar company by installed volume over their eight-year business history. EvenGreen Technology provides an education-first approach to clearly educate clients on what will be the best fit for their needs. Winning accolades for their contributions from Twin Falls solar installations to the solar Meridian is increasingly implementing, EvenGreen Technology is also the only Idaho-based solar energy company to make it onto the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list in each of the last two years. To find out more about EvenGreen Technology, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/qjrcSC Perhaps the best thing about spring in Idaho (the retirement of the snow shovel notwithstanding), is how colorful everything gets. The monochromatic white and black of snowy (or brown and muddy) lawns and leafless trees give way to everything bright, beautiful, and blooming. The most abundant of those colors, and maybe the most restorative, is green. Flowers are great, but there’s something about the grass coming back thick and healthy, the trees budding, and the rest of the flora peeking up from the soil that really epitomizes the return of the sun.
It turns out there’s another way that the sun can contribute to a greener Idaho in the spring: it’s the perfect time of the year to install your house with a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel energy system. The popularity of solar energy systems has surged in recent years with its affordability and the rising cost of more traditional, generally non-renewable energy sources making it a more universally viable option. That the trend applies to Idaho, including an increasingly solar Boise, shouldn’t be much of a surprise. After all, Boise is among the top 50 sunniest cities in the U.S., so going solar here just makes sense, and spring is the best time to do it. Why Starting Early Is a Good Idea It’s easy to understand why summer is one of the most popular times of year to install a PV solar energy system. For one, the sun is out, so people are thinking about it; the air conditioner is perpetually ticking up the power bill; and people want to take advantage of all that sun by getting solar panels in operation. That plan has a few hitches, though. Near the top of the list is that a lot of people are reaching that same conclusion, which is why summer is one of the busiest times of the year for solar installers by a considerable margin. All that can spell considerable delays. Springtime, however, is a perfect time to get started. In addition to the summer backup not being an issue, while the popularity of solar power has made installation impressively affordable and painless, there’s still some preparation that has to be done. Getting started in the early spring, or even late winter, is a great way to get ahead of it for your little piece of Idaho solar. It’s also around the time you’ll, hopefully, be coming into some tax return money. Additionally, a roof that’s in good repair is a must for solar power. So if a roof needs to be repaired due to any winter damage, or even replaced, a solar power system can be installed immediately after repairs. That way, their future repair/replacement and possible warranty timelines are basically synchronized. It’s also likely to be faster than installations at other times. Along with the summer installation bottleneck, there’s going to be snow and ice to deal with in the winter, and a blanket of falling leaves in the fall. The weather is not bitterly cold or roof-baking hot, which means potentially longer—or at least more pleasant—work times for the installers when you get things going in the spring. About EvenGreen Technology For over eight years, the energy management experts at EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) have been contributing to saving Idahoans money on their energy bills and keeping Idaho green. Idaho has responded positively, as EvenGreen Technology is Idaho’s largest solar company by installed volume over their business history. Since their founding, they’ve been proud to inform, educate, and empower their customers to make their own informed decisions and contribute to future energy savings and environmental improvement. EvenGreen Technology also offers a diverse suite of battery and inverter options to further prepare clients for their energy production strategy. From an ever-more solar Twin Falls to their Meridian, ID home base and beyond, EvenGreen Technology is proud to be the sole Idaho-based solar energy company to be included, for two years running, on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list. Save money and keep the Gem State green and beautiful with a solar energy system, at Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/AuFssd As popular and common as solar installation in Idaho has become, questions about the details of the process remain common as well. From Twin Falls solar power advocates to homeowners looking to save money, among the most often-asked questions are about what roofing material photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can and can’t be installed on. And one of the most frequent concerns is whether or not solar panels can be installed on metal roofs.
The good news is that not only can solar power systems be set up on houses capped by metal, but it’s also actually one of the best roofing materials for solar installation. Not that there are roofing materials incapable of accepting a solar power system, or even that installation would prove to be an issue on shingles or tile, metal just happens to be convenient. And convenient for a number of reasons. So, if you have a metal roof and have considered going solar, consider the following. Ease of Installation Mounting racks are available that make the drilling of holes less necessary. In fact, there are even some installation methods that involve replacing traditional roofing material, like tiles, with metal substitutes. That’s obviously not to suggest that solar systems are an issue for shingle, tile, slate, wood shake, or even EPDM roofs. The only distinction is that drilling may not be necessary with metal roofs. Though some styles of metal roofing will likely require holes be drilled to accommodate a PV solar setup (like corrugated metal), the fact is, drilling to install solar panels almost never causes any problems, and with a well-trained installation crew, it’s a virtual non-concern. Roof Longevity As mentioned, while there are no roofing media that preclude going solar, there is a roofing situation that does at least make immediate installation a bad idea. That’s a roof that’s either damaged or simply aging out of effectiveness. The last situation you want to find yourself in is to have installed solar panels, find out you have to remove the solar panels, fix your roof, and then reinstall your panels. So be sure your roof is in good shape before you install a solar system. Fortunately, one of the chief benefits of metal roofs is that they last a long time. Thermal Temperature Gains Installing panels on any roof surface allows home and business owners a substantial temperature drop below the area where panels are installed to allow less stress on air conditioning systems and thus further reduction of the annual cooling expenses. Eco-Friendly Symbiosis When considering the energy management Boise residents (and other Idahoans) are increasingly concerned with, many would intuitively reject metal roofing. There’s an assumption that a metal roof would immediately get hot and turn any home into an oven—but that’s not so. Metal roofs are actually one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available, particularly if they employ reflective paint. So while metal roofing makes installation easier for solar panel installers, PV solar panels also enhance your energy savings. If you’re earning points, tax breaks, etc. from an energy efficiency or green building program, solar panels can stack on that, accumulating even more green energy credit and savings. And for the ultimate in environmental friendliness, metal roofs and PV solar panels can be recycled when (and if) they ever need to be replaced. About EvenGreen Technology For over eight years, the energy management experts at EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) have been contributing to saving Idahoans money on their energy bills and keeping Idaho green. Idaho has responded positively, as EvenGreen Technology is Idaho’s largest solar company by installed volume over their business history. Since their founding, they’ve been proud to inform, educate, and empower their customers to make their own informed decisions and contribute to future energy savings and environmental improvement. EvenGreen Technology also offers a diverse suite of battery and inverter options to further prepare clients for their energy production strategy. From their solar Meridian, ID home base, EvenGreen Technology is proud to be the sole Idaho-based solar energy company to be included, for two years running, on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list. Save money and keep the Gem State green and beautiful with a solar energy system, at Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/DA3sG9 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 Sunroof, a solar savings estimator, the average Boise homeowner going solar could cumulatively save thousands. And that’s in addition to a considerable environmental benefit, which is also a driving factor for installing a solar energy system. Tax Incentives Idaho is actually a great state in which to go solar. For one, we receive an above-average amount of sunshine. Idaho is also a grid parity state, which means that solar energy is going to be less expensive than other residential power rates. Additionally, we have an impressively robust suite of incentives, rebates, and tax credits to significantly defray the up-front cost of installing, and using, solar. A solar Boise customer (or customer anywhere in the Gem State), has access to four separate financial incentive programs and four regulatory programs to incentivize Idahoans to adopt a solar power system. Not to mention, Idaho offers a state income tax credit that equals 7.4% of the initial solar installation expenditure. Even better, on top of the state income tax incentive, there’s a 30% federal solar tax credit. Environmental Benefits The environmental benefits of solar energy systems are, by now, pretty well-known. Burning fossil fuels to run, heat, and cool our homes, businesses, and vehicles has a pretty hefty price tag. While wanting to keep the planet as healthy as possible is hopefully incentive enough to be as green as we can be, there are far more pragmatic concerns. For one, right now, this is the only planet we’ve got. It’s not just idealism driving environmental responsibility, it’s sustaining a high-quality of life for us and the next generations. The devastation we’ve seen from wildfires, floods, storms, and other natural disasters pretty starkly outlined another pragmatic benefit of environment stewardship: climate change costs all of us tens of billions of dollars every year. That’s alone is a great reason to go greener! Energy Independence So there are the tangible financial benefits, the recognition that you’re contributing to a healthier planet (and the tangible financial benefits accompanying that), and then there’s a less immediately apparent but still important benefit: energy independence. That independence manifests in a couple of distinct ways. There’s the longer-term independence that any renewable energy source, including solar, offers over finite fossil fuels. (We’re not going to run out of the sun.) And, in the short-term, unlike the local power utility, the sun will never jack up its rates. About EvenGreen Technology Over their eight years in business, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) has established themselves as Idaho’s largest solar company, according to installation-volume. EvenGreen Technology has established an ethos focused on an education-first approach to offer clear, transparent information and education to clients to help them determine the system that will prove best for their specific needs. Additionally, offering a broad array of inverter and battery options further allows clients to prepare for their future energy system needs and seamlessly modify that system accordingly. From their solar Meridian, ID base to their solar Twin Falls customers, EvenGreen Technology is proud to be the only Idaho-based solar energy company honored with an inclusion on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list for two years running. Find out more about what solar energy can do for you at Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/iBBojr Solar Energy as the Centerpiece of a More Efficient (and Far Cheaper) Idaho Winter Heating Strategy1/14/2019 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 piece, though the centerpiece, of a more comprehensive clean and efficient Idaho winter heating strategy. Lots of Sunlight Solar energy can be used to warm your home in more than one way. One of the simplest ways to take advantage of solar power, with or without a solar energy system installed, is to let the sunlight in. When the sun is shining, open drapes, lift the shades, draw back the curtains and let in those rays. Even when it’s cold outside, sunlight will warm a room it’s allowed to enter. When it comes to the strategies energy management Boise employs, or winter warmth sources in Idaho in general, we take what we can get. Repairs and Upgrades Of course, the reason a lot of Idahoans keep our drapes drawn is that they mitigate the cold seeping in from outside. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance that your windows could use some weather stripping, which means the doors might too! Any cracks, gaps, or apertures anywhere that could be letting in the cold should be dealt with. That means weather stripping, caulking cracks and breaks, and filling holes with expanding foam filler. It’s also worth considering upgrading old HVAC systems and updating insulation if needed to ensure a warm, energy-efficient home. Invest in Solar While people are generally aware that installing a solar system can save them money, they’re often not aware of just how much that can be. According to the Project Sunroof savings calculator, the average homeowner in Boise could cumulatively save thousands on their energy bills by installing solar power. For those interested in saving money (and helping the environment), savings like that are often incentive enough. However, on top of the energy savings, Idaho has a number of different regulatory programs that offer tax incentives, credits, and rebates for those who install solar. About EvenGreen Technology Over their eight years in business, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar) has established themselves as Idaho’s largest solar company, according to installation-volume. EvenGreen Technology has established an ethos focused on an education-first approach to offer clear, transparent information and education to clients to help them determine the system that will prove best for their specific needs. Additionally, offering a broad array of inverter and battery options further allows clients to prepare for their future energy system needs and seamlessly modify that system accordingly. From their solar Meridian, ID base, EvenGreen Technology is proud to be the only Idaho-based solar energy company honored with an inclusion on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list for two years running. Find out more about what solar energy can do for you at Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/JHA6dq 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 solar would reduce harmful air pollution. (86%) · Solar is good for the U.S. economy. (81%) · Moving to solar would help address climate change. (73%) · Solar can create good-paying jobs. (66%) Solar is increasingly a bipartisan issue as well. According to the survey results, a majority of people believe that solar power, paired with improved battery storage, could supplant fossil fuels and meet a substantial portion of our country’s electricity needs, including: · 81% of Democrats · 77% of Republicans · 78% of those under the age of 55 · 74% over the age of 55 These results indicate that just as solar continues to gain economic parity with traditional energy sources, public perception is also changing. Solar is no longer simply an environmental initiative; it’s an economic opportunity as well. But just how much money can you expect to save with a residential solar system? The answer depends on several factors, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), including: · Your available, unshaded, south-facing roof space. · Your current energy usage in your home or business. (The more energy you use, the larger system you will need to offset your energy consumption.) · The net metering policy in your area, which affects the value of the energy you can sell back to the electricity grid. · Available tax credits, rebates, or other incentives for solar energy. States like Idaho have made strides in solar develop menton both the residential and commercial side. Idaho offers various tax credits, low-interest loans, and rebates for clean energy installations. Additionally, the state’s three investor-owned utilities also permit solar customers operating 25 kW or smaller systems to participate in net metering. According to SEIA, Idaho solar companies have so far installed approximately 414 MW of solar, including two large solar farms known as the Grand view PV Solar Two farm and the American Falls Solar I and II farms. Solar is saving residents money, too. Solar Boise residents and other customers throughout Idaho can save an estimated 50% in savings per kWh on utility costs over 25 years, according to solar panel installation company, EvenGreen Technology. There are also various financing mechanisms to make solar more affordable, including zero money down, flexible lease terms, tax-deductible interest, and various tax credits available to homeowners. About EvenGreen Technology Idaho Solar Installation company, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar), is Idaho’s largest solar company by installed volume over their eight-year business history. EvenGreen Technology provides an education-first approach to clearly educate clients on what will be a best fit for their needs. Offering a wide array of inverter and battery options allows solar Twin Falls clients and others across Idaho to prepare for future needs and modify the system very seamlessly. EvenGreen Technology is the only Idaho-based solar energy company to make the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list in each of the last two years. For more information, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/y14Ehv 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 solar Meridian 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 to eliminate existing inefficiencies, such as drafty windows or attic spaces. A home energy audit can help pinpoint where your home is losing energy and can help reduce the amount of electricity required from a new system. 2. Evaluate Your Sunlight In order to assess how much sun your roof receives, evaluate nearby shade trees (as well as the trees that are still growing), the number sunlight hours your south-facing roof receives, and whether there are any neighborhood restrictions on solar installations. 3. Estimate Your Electricity Needs This is where you start to form the base estimate for your new solar system. Review your electricity bills to determine your energy consumption (typically shown in kilowatt-hours), and start to estimate your minimum, peak, and average use. Keep in mind any energy retrofits you make, such as new windows, that will impact your overall electricity needs. 4. Work with a Solar Installation Company to Estimate Your System Size The size of your rooftop solar system will depend primarily on your square footage and energy use. In order to estimate the size of your solar panel, you will need to know: · Monthly Energy Use: The average American household uses just under 1,000kWh of electricity per month, though there is wide variation among states. Idaho is actually right around average, at 982kWh per month. · Current Electricity Rate: Idaho residential customers pay an average of 10.46 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that the average size of a residential photovoltaic system in the United States is roughly 5kW, which requires around 400 square feet of rooftop space.A 5kW system can produce between 400 and 800kWh of electricity each month, depending on the amount of unobstructed sunlight each day. So, if you use 1,000kWh of electricity each month and your system produces 500kWh per month, your solar system could reduce your monthly energy bill in half (on the low end). While this is just a rough estimate, it can be a useful starting point. 5. Review Your Financing Options A 5kW solar system can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000, not factoring in any tax credits or rebates. However, Twin Falls solar customers and others throughout the state of Idaho have a variety of financing options, including: · Paying outright with a cash or loan (i.e., large up-front sum). · Leasing it from the solar company (i.e., monthly payments). · Entering into a power purchase agreement, which is legal in Idaho. You will also want to factor in the levelized cost of power, since your electricity rate from solar will remain level year-to-year, yielding monthly cost savings compared to traditional energy sources. About EvenGreen Technology Idaho Solar Installation company, EvenGreen Technology (EGT Solar), is Idaho’s largest solar company by installed volume over their eight-year business history. EvenGreen Technology is an energy management Boise company that provides an education-first approach to clearly educate clients on what will be a best fit for their needs. Offering a wide array of inverter and battery options allows clients to prepare for future needs and modify the system very seamlessly. EvenGreen Technology is the only Idaho-based solar energy company to make the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor list in each of the last two years. For more information, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/156ozW 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 not likely to impact the solar industry that much in 2018 and 2019, meaning the cost of installed solar is likely to remain steady, at least in the short-term. Here are some key takeaways from SEIA’s quarterly report: · In 2018, solar manufacturing and installation might stagnate a little as the industry adjusts to new tariffs on imported solar panels. · In 2019, experts expect the industry to rebound as the tariffs go into effect and then decline. Remember, the tariffs are scheduled to last only four years and decrease by 5% each year within that timeframe. · Between 2018 and 2019, developers might be inclined to speed up existing projects to take advantage of the existing Investment Tax Credit, which will start to sunset in the next few years. This might spike solar installation in the short-term. All in all, SEIA estimates that photovoltaic (PV) solar is likely to more than double over the next five years, with over 14 GW of PV capacity installed annually in the United States by 2023.So, in 2018 and 2019, the solar tariffs are unlikely to dramatically impact the cost of solar for Idaho’s PV customers. The longer forecast is less certain, however. According to SEIA, several developers have announced project cancelations, and there will likely be a downstream effect as developers, installers, homeowners, and utility operations work to renegotiate agreements regarding installed rooftop solar panels, also known as known as power purchase agreements. In states like Idaho, where the Public Utilities Commission has voted to reduce the term of these agreements, this could add some uncertainty to the security and financial viability of long-term solar agreements. Even with this looming, Idaho solar enthusiasts and potential customers can still take advantage of the federal Investment Tax Credit, which lets you deduct 30% of the cost of the purchase and installation of a residential solar project. This deduction drops to 26% for projects constructed after 2020, and 22% for projects that begin in 2021. Idaho residents can also take advantage of the state’s Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction. This 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% each year for three years. About EvenGreen Technology EvenGreen Technology offers sustainable, competitively priced solar power solutions to solar Twin Falls clients and residents throughout the Northwest. EvenGreen Technology provides a holistic approach to energy efficiency with modern technologies, advanced designs, effective engineering, high-quality installations, consumer education, and reliable products. For additional information, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/w9oXoE 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 state. Purchase with Cash or a Loan Purchasing a solar PV system outright or with a loan means that you own all the electricity it produces, once the loan matures, but you are also responsible for maintenance and upkeep. While the up-front costs can be significant, the system will, in theory, yield a high enough return on your investment to pay for itself over its lifespan. The outright cost will also depend on your state and any existing tax credits or incentives. Solar Meridian customers, for example, can take advantage of low-interest loans aimed at boosting residential energy projects. Idaho homeowners can leverage a 4% interest rate over the course of five years, and single-family homeowners can access up to $15,000 in low-interest loans. Lease Depending on the regulatory framework in your state, you can likely lease a solar system from the solar company. The company owns and is responsible for maintaining the system, and you make monthly “lease” payments to the company at an agreed-upon rate. Many companies will offer several financing options to help cover the cost, including no or low money down, tax-deductible, interest-free, or a pre-determined rate schedule. All of this should be clearly stipulated in the contract prior to signing. Power Purchase Agreements A power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to a lease, but instead of paying a monthly rate, you actually pay a price per megawatt for the electricity generated by the system. Like a lease, the solar company owns and maintains the system, and the price per megawatt will be stipulated in the contract. It’s important to note that not every state allows PPAs, though they are legal in Idaho. In 2015, the Gem State’s Public Utilities Commission voted to reduce the term of PPAs to 2 years for all solar systems larger than 100 kilowatts or 0.1 megawatts. Which Financing Option Is Best for You? There is no single best way to install a solar system on your house. But the benefits of each financing strategy will yield positive economic and environmental results. The primary differences between owning and leasing (including a PPA), boil down to the amount of money you can or want to spend up front, whether you want to own the system outright, and whether you have the technical expertise to maintain the system yourself. About EvenGreen Technology EvenGreen Technology offers sustainable, competitively priced solar power solutions to Twin Falls solar clients and residents throughout the Northwest.EvenGreen Technology provides a holistic approach to energy efficiency with modern technologies, advanced designs, effective engineering, high-quality installations, consumer education, and reliable products. For additional information, visit Evengreentechnology.com Original Source: https://goo.gl/y1L8ub |
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