Listen to Solar For Homes
McDonald Residence - Solar Awning
Homeowner Reduces Her Carbon Footprint with Award-Winning Solar System
This Colorado homeowner doesn’t have many bad days. But when they happen, she handles them in an unusual, but effective, way. She takes a look at her electric meter, which sometimes goes backwards. It all started in late 2007, when she relocated Boulder. Coworkers told her about a new housing development in the area called Holiday, and she was so impressed with the innovative, energy-efficient features, including a rooftop SunPower solar electric system, that she decided to buy her first home there. Today, her SunPower solar electric system, installed by Independent Power Systems saves her about $600 a year in electricity costs.
Features
- Products: SunPower 215 Solar Panels
- Number of Panels: 20PV
- Surface Area: 270 sq ft
- System Size: 4.3 kW
- Location: Boulder, CO
Benefits
- Saves $600 a year with clean, solar power
- Attractive design integrates seamlessly with rooftop
- Will reduce carbon emissions by 379,000 lbs over 30 years, equivalent to planting 60 acres of trees or not driving 473,000 miles
- Won the SunPower 2007 ‘Intelegant Award for Excellence in residential solar system installation.
Solar Payback
Within two months of moving in she received a check from her electric company because her system overproduced. She estimates she’ll save $600 a year. But living in a sustainable home does more than reduce her electric bill. It changes her habits, too. From eliminating her 12-pack water-buying habit and recycling, to using energy-efficient light bulbs, She is inspired to live more sustainably. In the future, she may also consider switching her hot water heater from electric to solar power.
Ease of Use
It’s cool that the system doesn’t require you to do ‘x, y, z.’ You don’t have to turn the panels to face the sun. There aren’t any switches. It just does what it does—it’s as reliable as the water. There’s no burden on me. I thought there would be more involvement.
Boulder, Colorado - Residential Solar
The owner of this boulder solar system liked the company so much she came to work for us. Prior to joining IPS JoElyn Newcomb employed IPS to install 9.675kW system. JoElyn plans to purchase a plug-in electric vehicle to to fully utilize the power generated by the solar electric system.
System Size: 9.675kW
Annual Production: 13,741kWh
Array: 45 SunPower 215 panels
System Category: Residential
Boulder, Colorado - Residential Solar
This residential solar electric retrofit required a design that integrated with the existing solar thermal panels. The addition of the IPS installed 7.31kW array compliments the passive solar design of this Boulder residence. The mixed solar electric and solar thermal installation is visible to hundreds of joggers, walkers, and hikers from the nearby trail.
System Size: 9.675kW
Annual Production: 13,741kWh
Array: 45 SunPower 215 panels
System Category: Residential
SunPower Elite Dealer
Independent Power Systems is proud to be a SunPower Elite Dealer and winner of the SunPower Intelegant Award. Read more about the advantages of working with a SunPower Elite Dealer in Colorado and Montana. The Intelegant Award is given for technical excellence and aesthetic appeal in residential solar design and installation. Read the press release here (opens in a new window).
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
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.
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).