Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Intermountain Wind and Solar different from every one else?

We have taken the design, planning, purchase and installation far beyond those of most competitors. We examine your location, your desire and budget to custom fit every wind and solar installation to each situation. We maintain a large inventory of both wind turbines and solar panels. From initial scoping to design to fully operational, IWS literally cuts months from the process. No other dealer offers this short turnaround,on custom designed systems, installed by certified and licensed installers.

Will I have to change my lifestyle for wind or solar to work for me?

That isn’t necessary, however you may want too! IWS can audit and make suggestions to help you reduce your energy footprint. We don’t want you to have to change a thing about your lifestyle if you don’t want to.

Where is the solar or wind electricity stored for use when there are no winds or when it’s night time?

If you are connected to a local utility, any excess power produced by you is fed back into their system for your use at a later time. In addition, for those not using a local utility, IWS’ systems provide for storage of wind and solar produced electricity in batteries. Similarly, a storage tank is used for your hot water. No different than your hot water heater, it stores hot water that solar energy has created during the day to be used later. Emergency back-up power is also stored in batteries.

Will I have to buy new appliances and fixtures if I go to wind or solar produced energy?

No! All wind and solar power systems invert to true-sign 60 Hz, 120 or 240 power. Your appliances will never know the difference.

Wind and solar power generation will be noticeable in my yard or on the roof of my house.Are wind and solar installations acceptable for neighborhoods?

Newer technology makes modern wind and solar installations neighborhood friendly. Most wind turbines are smaller and can be painted to fit into the background. Collectors are low profile and can be mounted inconspicuously. IWS will work with you to find locations and configurations to minimize the visual impacts.

How much does it cost? What’s my payback?

Wind and Solar energy begins paying you the day you “turn it on.” As the cost of energy continues to increase, your system will continue to produce energy at a stable cost to you. You can think of your system as a hedge against future energy costs. In many instances if you already subscribe to service from a power company, your system will actually return the excess energy it produces back into the company’s power “grid,”and literally turn your power meter backwards accumulating a power credit honored by your power company. Every time utility rates increase, your return gets better.

All I have to do is install a wind turbine or a couple of solar panels on my roof, and my power and gas bills will disappear?

Considerable energy is consumed by families on a daily basis. With today’s new technology in wind turbines and high output solar panels, it isn’t out of the question. However, realistically installing the right system for the right circumstances will impact the outcome. At IWS, we want to focus on your location, the layout of your property, and design a system that is right for those conditions. After careful analysis,we can determine with accuracy the actual amount of power you can expect to produce.

What are the ideal conditions that need to be met in order to add wind or solar to a home or business?

IWS is unique in being able to offer either wind or solar solutions based on your individual circumstances. IWS can help you determine whether your home will be a good candidate for wind or solar and how much you would benefit from the system. Location, wind occurrence, unobstructed areas, trees and shade all play into the determination.

Is a south-facing roof the only place I can install solar panels? How much wind does it require to turn a wind turbine?

Solar collectors can be mounted on a separate framework in the yard, on poles, and on solar trackers that allow the panels to follow the sun across the sky. Surprisingly, a small breeze of 7-10 mph can provide significant generating power. Regular winds of 15-25 mph will make full generating capacity possible. Don’t disqualify your home from being a good wind or solar candidate without contacting the experts at IWS.

What can I do to prepare for installation?

You should contact the city or county planning/development departments to ensure the zoning and building codes permit the install you desire. If your location requires a conditional use permit, IWS can assist in providing product specifications and system design for presentation.

You must also check to see if any home owner association (HOA) or neighborhood covenant (CCNR) restrictions exist, that may prohibit these types of installations. If there are restrictions, you can generally work to get them changed. More and more of these codes are changing to allow renewable energy.

One or both of these steps may require specific information about the system you plan to install. IWS keeps a library of technical data sheets, manuals, and engineering sheets to help assist in effort to gain approval of the system. If the local municipality or the HOA require something more than what we have at our disposal, we will research alternative solutions for your presentation.

How long can I expect my system to last?

Just like most things, the longevity of the system is generally related to the care and maintenance it receives. A well maintained system can last anywhere from 25 to 35 years. IWS can perform system inspections and service on your system to help keep it running at its full capacity.