Montana Solar - Grid-Tie Residential
GRID-TIE RESIDENTIAL
WHY CONSIDER A SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME?
- Reduce household carbon footprint
- Fix future energy costs
- Reduce coal burning and associated pollutants immediately
- Support domestically produced energy
- Increase value and appeal of your home
HOW IT WORKS
The main components of a grid-tied solar electric system consist of solar panels, a mounting system, a grid tie inverter, and associated wiring. First, solar energy is converted by photovoltaic cells into direct current (DC) electricity. Electricity from individual panels wired in a series/parallel configuration are combined and conducted into the inverter. Next, the inverter converts the DC electricity of the solar panels into 120/240 volt alternating current (AC) electricity used in your home. The inverter monitors the energy generated and displays this information. Finally, the electricity flows into your meter, your house, and the utility grid. When solar generated electricity exceeds your home's demand, the meter turns backward. This interface between the utility grid and your solar system is called grid-tie.
GRID-TIE EQUIPMENT WE USE
Modules: SunPower, Evergreen, Kyocera
Mounting System: Direct Power & Water, Unirac, & Wattsun
Inverters: Fronius, SMA, Xantrex
Monitoring System: Fat Spaniel Technologies
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IPS QUALITY INSTALLATION
The solar array is typically attached to a south-facing roof. Where shading or architectural details make roof mounting impractical, a pole mount can be used instead. IPS uses a weather and corrosion resistant Gillette Solar mounting structure designed to withstand winds up to 120mph and 50-year Rocky Mountain snow loading. Rafter anchor points are triple sealed. All wiring runs are protected in conduit, and clearly marked disconnects protect both the array and inverter outputs. All components including each individual panel are wired and grounded to exceed NEC Photovoltaic suggested practices,and all wire terminations, conduit runs and grid interfaces are performed by a liscensed electrician. Everyaspect of the installation is designed to match the solar panel's 50-year life expectancy
Economics
Grid-Tie solar systems can take advantage of substantial utility rebate and grant programs. Homeowners may be eligible for a newly uncapped federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost of system after grants and rebates. Net metering regulations play a critical role in system economics and are dependent on the utility provider.
Yes, IPS is on Twitter!
Contact IPS
IPS Colorado
1501 Lee Hill Rd. #24
Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 443-0115
colorado@solarips.com
IPS Montana
810 N. Wallace, Suite A
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406-587-5295
montana@solarips.com
Recent blog posts
Take the Solar Tour
We love showing off our work, drop by and take a tour of the award-winning solar neighborhood right in our back yard. Give us a call at (303) 443-0115 or sign up here.
SunPower Premier Dealer
Independent Power Systems is proud to be a SunPower Premier Dealer and winner of the SunPower Intelegant award for technical excellence and aesthetic appeal in residential solar design and installation. Read the press release (opens in a new window).
Memberships & Associations
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (opens in a new window), is the premier renewable energy testing and standards board. IPS is proud to have 5 NABCEP certified installers on staff in Bozeman and Boulder.
The Montana Renewable Energy Association (opens in a new window), which organized in November 2000 in Butte, hope to expand the use of renewable energy technologies; affect public policy in favor of renewable energy; and educate and inform residents about the benefits and uses of renewable energy.
The Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (opens in a new window), represents and serves energy professionals and renewable energy users. We promote the use of solar energy and conservation to improve the environment and create a sustainable future.
The Boulder Green Building Guild (BGBG) (opens in a new window), is a non-profit trade organization representing a wide range of leaders in the green building movement.
The Center for ReSource Conservation (opens in a new window), formerly the Boulder Energy Conservation Center (BECC), was founded in 1976 by group of community minded citizens seeking ways to help reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources.
The Southwest Montana Building Industry Association SWMBIA strives to create an environment where all Montanans have access to affordable housing. We are concerned professionals working with pride and integrity to provide the ’American Dream’ of homeownership for everyone. It is our desire to help everyone in southwest Montana to achieve this goal. SWMBIA is a member of the NAHB National Green Building Program. (link opens in a new window).
Rockies Go Solar!
Did you know the solar experts at IPS installed the solar electric system that helps power Coors Field? Monitor the energy output of the Coors Field scoreboard in real-time. Read the press release here (opens in new window).