Renewable Energy

Renewable energy generates power from self-replenishing natural sources that won’t run out. This is critical to achieving energy independence and implementing sustainable building practices that decrease energy bills and reduce reliance on energy grids. 

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Benefits

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Responsibly uses natural resources
• Decreases utility bills
• Increases energy independence
• Increases energy-efficiency

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While there are many options for renewable energy systems, the ones in this section have been selected as the best options for Big Sky residents.

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Solar Energy

Solar Energy

Solar energy uses 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 absorb 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 entry 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 are an effective solution 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 primary benefits of solar thermal systems is their high efficiency in heating, especially in regions with high heating demands. They also offer sigificant 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

A 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.

Home Batteries

A home battery stores energy for later use, similar to any other battery. Home batteries are frequently paired with solar panels, which produce excess power 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

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

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Geothermal - Ground Source Heat

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, which are filled with a heat transfer fluid. A circulator moves this fluid between the ground loop and the indoor heat pump, transferring heat to or from the ground as needed. Geothermal heating offers an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems that reduces energy bills and carbon emissions. 

Why Geothermal?

Big Sky lies in an area of high geothermal activity, which allows us to maximize the ground’s consistent temperature. Despite initial installation costs, geothermal energy is an attractive option because of its reliability, cost savings, low operational costs, and minimal environmental impact.

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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 once they are implemented. 

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Integration with Smart Home Systems

The systems in this lesson can be integrated with smart home technology to optimize energy usage by monitoring available energy and consumption in real-time. This enables homeowners to make informed decisions about energy storage, determining the best time to use solar energy, and when use grid power. These systems can even automate your home to operate at peak efficiency based on available solar energy and energy prices.