Category Archives: Solar

NorthWestern Energy Electric Rate Case

Spring is finally happening after a long winter. Solar interest is especially high as a number of wheels are spinning which are creating financial deadlines for installing a home solar system.

As you may be aware, NorthWestern Energy has proposed a rate change for future net metering solar owners.  The rate change case has been filed with the Public Service Commission and it has gained significant traction.

Bob Lake and four other climate deniers make up our PSC and we know their anti-renewable voting record and desire to shut down as many renewable projects as possible.

Northwestern has requested that any new solar system have its own set of rates which in summary add significant costs of an estimated $600 a year for the average solar homeowner.  See the attachment for the cost breakdowns from our state solar group, Montana Renewable Energy Association. As members of this group we have filed as an intervener with the PSC and hired an attorney to represent us.

Bottom line for those wanting to go solar is the ability to be grandfathered in before the PSC finalizes the rate change.  We believe this to be in the June / July time frame. This timeline may change and if we are lucky, may not pass.

Adding to the confusion is a second and separate case for large solar and wind farms. We have seen progress here possibly opening the doors for larger projects, (recent press articles term these small systems, which they are not compared to a home system.) This is dealing with a separate case and attack upon renewables and not part of the homeowner net metering rate case.

If you have been thinking about adding solar and NorthWestern is your utility, now is the time to make it happen. Give us a call or email and let’s see if we can have your system in and inspected and permitted before the grandfather deadline.

 

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

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

 

New Construction Solar Electric Systems

Solar Electric New ConstructionNew Construction?  Are you building a new home?  This is the perfect time to add a solar electric system to your new home.  30% federal tax credit still available in 2018 and 2019.  State tax credit, $500.00 per tax payer makes this a great time to invest for the long term.  Build the system into your plans and reap the benefits. Call SBS Solar today for your free solar estimate.  406-541-8410.

REAP Small Business Grant Deadline October 31, 2018

Solar Electric System Montana

This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.

Application Deadline: 

  • Grants of $20,000 or less: October 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019;
  • Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000): March 31, 2019;
  • Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to invest in the long term health of your business with an investment in solar energy and energy savings.

Call Dan for a free solar consultation today 406-541-8410.

REAP 25% Renewable Energy Grants Deadline Approaching

Do you own a small business in Montana (outside the city limits of Missoula)? The USDA Rural Development, REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) offers up to 25% grants for total eligible project costs, as well as loan guarantees.  Partnered with the 30% federal tax credit your savings really add up.

This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.

Application Deadline: 

  • Grants of $20,000 or less: October 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019;
  • Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000): March 31, 2019;
  • Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to invest in the long term health of your business with an investment in solar energy and energy savings.

Call Dan for a free solar consultation today 406-541-8410.

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

 

Lifeline Creamery Solar Electric Install

Lifeline Creamery and Farm Store in Victor Montana received a REAP grant that will cover 25% of their solar electric project. The 60 Module array produces 50% of the average annual electric usage for this active farm and commercial dairy.

Do you own a small business in Montana (outside the city limits of Missoula)? The USDA Rural Development, REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) offers up to 25% grants for total eligible project costs, as well as loan guarantees.  Partnered with the 30% federal tax credit your savings really add up.

This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.

Application Deadline: 

  • Grants of $20,000 or less: April 30, 2018
  • Unrestricted Grants (up to $500,000): April 30, 2018
  • Loan Guarantees are competed continuously throughout the year.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to invest in the long term health of your business with an investment in solar energy and energy savings.

Call Dan for a free solar consultation today 406-541-8410.

 

Best Time to Install Solar Electricity in Montana

Solar Electric InstallationWhen is the Best Time to Install a Solar Electric System in Montana?

Spring is an ideal time.  Nearly all modern solar panel systems are connected to the conventional electric utility grid. When this happens, your meter spins backwards and your utility company credits you for that power. This grid-tied method tends to be the most convenient for homeowners. This is ideal for us in Montana, because of our long solar days in the summer and shorter days in the winter time.  In Montana the utility company will not write you a check for excess energy that you produce.  So generally your system will be sized to accommodate your average annual usage.  (determined by your utility bill).  Each year the solar electric system generates power during peak season (summer), and you consume power during the darker, shorter days of winter.  The utility company (each one slightly different dates) resets once a year and the process begins again.  We generally recommend with NorthWestern Energy to reset on April 1st.  This gives the entire summer to generate power and the entire winter to consume power before beginning the cycle again.

Other conditions that make the perfect time to install your solar electric system:

  • 30% federal tax credit still available in 2018.
  • 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.