ST. GEORGE – Consider that the only thing between you and an $8 monthly power bill is a set of solar panels. It is time for every home and business to consider the developments in solar energy technology, Justin Munk of Intermountain Wind and Solar said, and the significant financial benefits to consumers.

“It’s incredible to see how far solar energy systems have come,” Munk said, “and how dramatically prices have changed.”

For years, people have been interested in solar but have been discouraged due to the high upfront costs. As technology has advanced however, and green energy initiatives have been implemented, this is no longer an issue.

One initiative that Intermountain Wind and Solar provides is the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative. The goal of the initiative is two-fold, one, to educate those that are interested in solar through free workshops, and two, to provide a bulk purchase to help bring down the costs of installing a solar system.

Over the next two weeks Intermountain Wind and Solar will hold six free workshops in St. George, Hurricane and Cedar City, schedule provided below. These workshops will cover the basics of solar and clear up a lot of the common misconceptions about solar.

“Once people understand solar and the pricing we can deliver through the bulk purchase,” Munk said, “they ask me: ‘Why aren’t more people doing this?’”

The second part of the initiative is an opportunity to join a bulk purchase. All those that are interested in the St. George area can sign up by November 22 and take advantage of bulk pricing to put solar on their home or business. By purchasing a high volume of panels and components Intermountain Wind and Solar can negotiate lower prices from its distributors. “We can then pass the savings on to the homeowner,” Munk said, “it’s the most powerful way to buy solar.”

Perhaps most enticing to consumers is the freedom that solar energy gives to consumers.

“When you invest in solar energy you get to choose where you get your power from,” Munk said, “you don’t have to keep sending a check to the power company each month.”

Bill West said he had Intermountain Wind and Solar install solar panels at his home in Apple Valley in March 2013. “Aside from the general feel-good benefit that you’re doing something to help the environment,” he said, “there are some financial benefits as well.”

For him, the benefit is expressed each month when he opens his electricity bill. “I’m averaging a little less than $8 a month,” West said. And though the installation requires an upfront investment, “it pays itself off in a matter of time,” he said.

Even large corporations are investing in solar. There are many businesses in Utah who are converting to solar power, Munk said. Intermountain West Solar has installed systems for eBay, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, and Ikea in Utah. More local, Intermountain West Solar has installed systems for Dixie State University, Southwest Applied Technology College, and Ivins City.

A D V E R T O R I A L

Resources

For information on the community workshops and the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative | Telephone 801-294- 5255 | Visit Intermountain Wind and Solar website

Note: November 22 is the registration deadline for the bulk purchase.

 

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