solar energy

solar energy harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity and heat, providing onsite sustainable and renewable energy. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or in open areas to capture sunlight and convert it into energy that supports your household. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease your energy bills.

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new technology and financial incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, are making solar energy more accessible and cost-effective. While the initial cost of solar panel installation can be steep, many rebates offer ways to save. Want to learn more about solar? Check out the National Council for Solar Growth.

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solar photovoltaic (PV)

the main advantages of solar PV include generating clean, renewable electricity and scalability for different sizes and applications. Although installation can be expensive, costs are steadily decreasing. Efficiency may be impacted by shading, dust, and weather conditions. Despite this, solar PV remains a popular choice for reducing carbon footprint and energy costs.

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interested to see if you’re a good candidate for rooftop solar? Check out the EPA’s Renewable Energy Ready Home (RERH) Solar Site Assessment Tool.

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solar thermal

solar thermal systems can be used for water heating, space heating, cooling, or generating electricity. These systems typically employ solar collectors, such as flat-plate collectors or evacuated tubes, to absorb and transfer heat to a fluid, which then stores or distributes the heat as needed. 

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one of the most compelling benefits of solar thermal systems is their high efficiency in heating, which can lead to significant savings on utility bills, especially in regions with high heating demands. Cost advantages include lower operational costs and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

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however, solar thermal systems require space for collectors and storage tanks and can be less efficient in cloudy or cold climates. Despite these limitations, solar thermal remains an effective and efficient option for residential heating and hot water needs.

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backup power systems

Backup power system can provide your home with electricity when the power grid lapses. While there are portable or standby generators, they use fossil fuels and don’t run on renewable energy. That’s why home batteries are recommended.

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home batteries

a home battery stores energy for later use, similar to any other battery. Home batteries are often paired with solar panels, which produce excess energy during the day that can be utilized at night. Home batteries provide significant opportunities for energy independence, decreased utility bills, and energy efficiency.

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careful sizing of battery storage systems and selecting critical loads is essential for providing meaningful backup power duration. Electric vehicles with bidirectional charging capabilities can also serve as home backup power sources, reducing the need for standalone generators or battery systems. However, oversizing batteries for whole-home backup may not be cost-effective.

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access to these elements will help you determine if battery storage is right for you.

• utility upgrade is likely to require a 400 AMP service

• the working life of the battery and subsequent cost of replacement

• distance from the existing utility power source

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to learn more about whole home batteries, check out Evergreen Solar, the National Council for Solar Growth.

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geothermal - ground source seat

geothermal energy leverages the consistent ground temperature to provide buildings with heating, cooling, and hot water. 

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a geothermal heat pump system consists of underground pipes, known as a ground loop. This is filled with a heat transfer fluid, a heat pump located inside, and a small circulator moving fluid between the ground loop and the heat pump. During the wintertime, heat is absorbed by the ground loop and transferred into the building. In the summer, heat is transferred from the building and pushed into the ground loop. Geothermal heating offers a highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems that reduces energy bills and carbon emissions.

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why geothermal?

by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing their energy efficiency, homeowners can significantly lower their energy bills and carbon emissions with geothermal energy. Big Sky lies in an area of high geothermal activity, which allows us to maximize the grounds’ consistent temperature. Geothermal energy is also known for its reliability, low operational costs, and minimal environmental impact. Due to the long-term savings and sustainability benefits, this is an attractive option for homeowners despite initial installation costs. 

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installation and maintenance

solar panels are mounted on a surface where they will receive maximum sunlight while geothermal energy is buried in underground loops to utilize heat from the Earth. Both solar and geothermal systems require maintenance checks and monitoring but are ultimately self-sufficient systems once they are implemented.

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integration with smart home systems

these systems can be integrated with smart home systems to optimize energy use by monitoring available energy and and consumption in real-time. This allows homeowners to make informed decisions about energy storage and when they want to use solar energy versus switching to the grid. These systems can even automate your home to operate at peak efficiency based on available solar energy and energy prices.