This story isn't getting enough attention...! You know that tobacco companies have paid researchers to deliver bad science for years (example here)...
How incredibly shocked would you be to learn the same thing is happening with the 3% of client change denying scientists? That certain scientists are being paid to promote doubt and inaction? Not very shocked? Well I can't blame you.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Developers bet on Solar's future in Idaho
Idaho Stastesman story: Developers bet on Solar's future in Idaho
It's terrific to see massive investment in utility-scale solar in Idaho. If it's right for projects of the scale discussed in this new story in the Idaho Statesman, it will help Idaho homeowners have the confidence to consider it for themselves.
It's terrific to see massive investment in utility-scale solar in Idaho. If it's right for projects of the scale discussed in this new story in the Idaho Statesman, it will help Idaho homeowners have the confidence to consider it for themselves.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Calling all Idaho Solar Installers
When I was looking for a local Idaho contractor to design my system in Boise, I actually had to search around more than I expected. For others like me, let's make this easier.
If you're in the business of installing residential solar, please post a comment with your business contact info, and tell us about yourself!
I'll create a list off the front page of this site to promote local Idaho installers. Free advertising!
If you're in the business of installing residential solar, please post a comment with your business contact info, and tell us about yourself!
I'll create a list off the front page of this site to promote local Idaho installers. Free advertising!
2014 Was the Biggest Year for Solar Power Ever
Great story with some incredible 2014 solar statistics: 2014 Was the Biggest Year For Solar Power Ever
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
My Boise Solar System Installer: Powerhouse Electric
My Boise Solar System was installed by PowerHouse Electric of Nampa, ID in October of 2012.
Prices have definitely come down over time so I won't quote what I paid, but only say that I was very pleased by their service. The system has been up for over 2 years now and has never had a problem!
You can view my system output monitor (live) here.
Occasionally you'll see a blip in the production, such as just today...! I have been having some issues with my Apple Airport router and unplugged the connection to my Enphase Enlighten system. (So the blip is NOT indicative of "issues" with the Solar installation.)
My review of PowerHouse... I worked with Darren Coburn. Darren owns and runs Powerhouse. He was terrific. He showed up on time (in a Prius, nice touch), reviewed my installation site and answered all questions. I received a professional, detailed bid with total cost which was a terrific value compared to some other bids I'd received.
I had some ideas on my installation (I wanted black panels, not blue! Obviously!) and Darren revised the bid to meet my request. I agreed to the bid, and was asked to put in a down payment of 10% (which I did).
On our agreed date, Darren and his installation team arrived. The system was neatly installed over 2 days (not bad for 30 panels). The team was friendly and professional, and did outstanding work. Absolutely no problems or complaints. After installation, Darren set up my Enphase Enlighten reporting dashboard, so I can monitor production on my computer or smartphone daily, monthly, lifetime, etc. (Enphase is an amazing system. Yes, future post will come....)
The installation had no overruns or surprises. My bid matched my payment.
Overall I'd give PowerHouse Electric very high marks!
What experience do you have with local Idaho Solar installers? Would you recommend them? Why or why not?
Prices have definitely come down over time so I won't quote what I paid, but only say that I was very pleased by their service. The system has been up for over 2 years now and has never had a problem!
You can view my system output monitor (live) here.
Occasionally you'll see a blip in the production, such as just today...! I have been having some issues with my Apple Airport router and unplugged the connection to my Enphase Enlighten system. (So the blip is NOT indicative of "issues" with the Solar installation.)
My review of PowerHouse... I worked with Darren Coburn. Darren owns and runs Powerhouse. He was terrific. He showed up on time (in a Prius, nice touch), reviewed my installation site and answered all questions. I received a professional, detailed bid with total cost which was a terrific value compared to some other bids I'd received.
I had some ideas on my installation (I wanted black panels, not blue! Obviously!) and Darren revised the bid to meet my request. I agreed to the bid, and was asked to put in a down payment of 10% (which I did).
On our agreed date, Darren and his installation team arrived. The system was neatly installed over 2 days (not bad for 30 panels). The team was friendly and professional, and did outstanding work. Absolutely no problems or complaints. After installation, Darren set up my Enphase Enlighten reporting dashboard, so I can monitor production on my computer or smartphone daily, monthly, lifetime, etc. (Enphase is an amazing system. Yes, future post will come....)
The installation had no overruns or surprises. My bid matched my payment.
Overall I'd give PowerHouse Electric very high marks!
- Phone: (208) 631-1991
- Website: PowerHouse Electric
What experience do you have with local Idaho Solar installers? Would you recommend them? Why or why not?
Christian Support for Solar
Great story about solar gardens from the Idaho Statesman.... with this quote from a church that supports solar:
- One solar garden powering up this summer is at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where roof panels will serve both the church and other subscribers. Pastor Brenda Froisland said her congregation has a progressive theology and wants to be good stewards of the Earth. "As we learned more, it became a no-brainer for us," Froisland said. "We talked about using the power of the sun, s-u-n, to glorify the power of the Son, S-o-n."
Solar politics, or lack thereof....
One of the best things about solar is that it is (or should be) apolitical. While I'm reasonably political, interest in solar is popular with more than progressive green types... it also has a huge following with conservatives who believe in free market solutions (as opposed to regulated monopolies) and self reliance (e.g. "preppers") and others who simply believe it makes sense to save money.
I'm disappointed when the conversation about solar and renewable energy sometimes degrades into a political debate about Climate Change and so forth. Whether man-made Climate Change is real (it is), it doesn't really matter that much. If you are interested in solar, that's fine if you disagree with my views!
Long term, solar will become more important in our country and throughout the world. We'll need more power.
In the meantime, solar isn't the only solution, but it's a part of it. Full disclosure... I invest in solar, but also in traditional utilities. I recognize that utilities aren't the enemy, they're definitely part of the solution. But today, they're unfortunately sometimes fighting progress with every tool in their arsenal, which too often involves political noise. Not surprising. Nobody likes change, I guess (especially entrenched businesses like utilities).
In the meantime, solar isn't the only solution, but it's a part of it. Full disclosure... I invest in solar, but also in traditional utilities. I recognize that utilities aren't the enemy, they're definitely part of the solution. But today, they're unfortunately sometimes fighting progress with every tool in their arsenal, which too often involves political noise. Not surprising. Nobody likes change, I guess (especially entrenched businesses like utilities).
Hello
This blog covers solar power topics in Idaho. I'm excited about the potential for growth with solar in Idaho, and have had my own system installed since the Fall of 2012.
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