Category Archives: Solar Modules

Install Solar Today – Save with 30 % Federal Tax Credit

The dream continues.  Tax time 2019.

  • You invest in you long term energy independence.
  • New Construction?
  • Planning fro Growth?
  • 30% federal tax credit still available in 2019.
  • State tax credit, $500.00 per tax payer makes this a great time to invest for the long term.

Call SBS Solar today for your free solar estimate.  406-541-8410.

St Pauls Lutheran Church in Missoula goes Solar

The SBS Solar team recently installed a 26.9 kW solar electric system for St Pauls Lutheran Church in Missoula MT.

A portion of the funds for this project were provided by USB (Universal Service Benefits) funding in Montana. In 1997 the Montana legislature passed an electric deregulation law that included language establishing a Universal Systems Benefits (USB) fund.

What are the Electricity USB Programs?

  • Low Income (energy assistance and weatherization)
  • Cost-Effective Conservation + R & D
  • Market Transformation
  • Renewables + R & D

Under this program (with these guidelines the E+ Renewable Energy Program (NorthWestern Energy) provides custom incentives for projects that benefit organizations and communities for non-profit or government facilities.  Projects receiving these funds often provide civic value including education and visible representation of renewable energy technologies to a broad audience. Broad Benefit Commercial solar PV incentives are awarded twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

If your non-profit is interested in assistance with the grant application call us today. 406-541-8410.

The next round of proposals is due by March 31 2019. Proposal information is included in the Anywhere Library Exampleand the application requirements.  

The 5 criteria used  to rank proposals are as follows:

  1. Non Profit
  2. Geographic Location
  3. Participant Match ( at least 10%)
  4. Educational Value
  5. System Maintenance

 

Missoula Clean Energy Expo, Saturday, October 20, 2018

https://www.missoulaclimate.org/clean-energy-expo.htmlSaturday, October 20, 2018
11am – 3pm
​Caras Park Pavilion
Get plugged in to the clean energy revolution! 

This free event will showcase local solar and renewable energy opportunities and businesses, energy efficiency, and other efforts that will help move our community to 100% clean electricity. 

Day of activities:

  • Noon: “Solar-ease” workshop + meet solar installers
  • 1pm:  Release of 100% Clean Electricity for Missoula draft “Options Report”
    • Mayor Engen, Amy (Climate Smart), Chase (City of Missoula). Panel discussion: Climate commitments and energy policy in Missoula & Montana, with Missoula FCU, MEIC, and more 
  • 2pm: “Virtual tour” of Missoula’s cool green buildings and homes
  • Meet green businesses and non-profits + learn how to go zero waste and save energy
  • Family-friendly activities – including pumpkins!
  • Take the 0-50-100 pledge  

Learn More

Solar Energy Grants for Non Profit Organizations

Does your Non Profit qualify for a solar electric grant?

This is an awesome investment in the long term sustainability of your organization.

If your non-profit is interested in assistance with the grant application call Dan today. 406-541-8410.

Proposal information is included in the Anywhere Library Example and the application requirements. 

Grants are awarded twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  Next Deadline November 1, 2018.

The 5 criteria used  to rank proposals are as follows:

  1. Non Profit
  2. Geographic Location
  3. Participant Match ( at least 10%)
  4. Educational Value
  5. System Maintenance

 

Why we use SolarWorld and L.G. Solar Panels

Solar Installation Missoula

We are picky when it comes to who’s modules we use. After three decades of working with a good number of manufacturers we developed two main criteria which dominate our selection process. Number one is a company which has staying power. We have seen too many companies come and go, leaving us with a long-term warranty with no one to support the product. A 25-year module warranty is standard in the industry. You cannot operate as a module manufacture without it, whether or not the company will be there. Bankruptcy clears long term commitments unless the company takes actions to cover their warranties.
Number two qualification is a track record of standing behind their product and the companies brand. The two companies we work with are just plain proud of their product. It helps when you talk to workers on the factory Floor who when queried tell me this is the best job they have ever had and you can feel this is more than just a job.
This is why we work with SolarWorld of Hillsboro, Oregon and L.G. from South Korea. Both companies have been around the solar block, have a high-quality product which they are committed to support for the long run.

What module wattage is best and why we work with high power 355 watt or higher modules.
It’s simple really, the more power per module the less space it requires on your roof or mount structure. Lower wattages, especially below 295 watts, cost less yet this cost savings is lost as we need to install more modules to achieve the same total array output. More individual modules increase the number of mounting structure material, optimizers and installation time and costs.
Companies leading the industry put much energy into maximizing cell efficiencies. There are hundreds of solar module manufactures around the world. Like many products today, it is a buyer beware world.

Solar Electric Rail Mount Installation

These photos show the flush mounting system with the rails and attachments before the solar modules are set in place. A south facing roof plane is the most productive yet we also adapt to various roof designs with East, West and South facing roof planes. Every system is unique.

Call Dan for your free solar estimate.  406-381-5643

 

Off Grid Solar electric and renewable energy power systems

Montana Couple Builds in the Solitude of the Mountains

Off Grid Solar electric and renewable energy power systemsCabin Living Magazine features off-grid, remote home near Polebridge, Montana. This sumptuous year round dwelling has all the modern comforts with, 27 Solar Modules, two 6,000 watt inverters and a 48 volt battery bank of 1,900 amp hours. Read the entire article here.

Montana Solar Featured when Montana Governor Vetoes Anti-Solar Legislation

Montana Solar Dog says Solar Modules are Groovy

Selway the SBS Solar Dog was very happy when Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 7 last week.

Frank Andorka writes in PV Magazine,Sanity prevailed in the Montana’s governor’s mansion last week as Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed a bill that would have effectively ended net-metering in the state. (Read all the details)