August 18 – Many homeowners dream of becoming energy independent while saving on their energy bills in the long run. Glacier Power Solutions hopes to offer this to its customers.
The Kalispell-based company offers three energy solutions for western Montana and northern Idaho: solar, storage and generators. Lydia Willoughby, the company’s solar and storage consultant, calls it the “perfect trifecta” for anyone looking to go completely off-grid.
“An energy storage system is essentially a battery that stores electricity from solar panels or the grid and uses it when you need it,” she explains.
Willoughby said alternative energy sources give customers more options to power their homes, rather than relying solely on energy companies.
“Flathead Electric does a great job and responds quickly, but some things are out of their control, like storms. People die when power goes out, whether they’re relying on medical equipment or because it gets so cold.”
Willoughby explained that these types of systems not only save lives, but also reduce emissions, increase home value and give homeowners more freedom.
“There’s not a lot of data available in Montana, but solar panels definitely increase the value of your home. And if you hire a realtor who knows a lot about solar, you can definitely close the sale faster,” Willoughby said.
Depending on the individual needs of a homeowner, a grid-tied system may be a better fit. A grid-tied system is a more budget-friendly solution that remains partially connected to the grid and sends additional energy back for use by others.
Willoughby hopes to debunk a myth about solar energy: Montana doesn’t have a suitable climate for solar energy.
“75 percent of the people I talk to wonder if it’s even possible to have solar in Montana,” she says.
But a solar system relies on sunlight, not heat. And even during Montana’s dark winters, homes can be powered by solar energy year-round, thanks to excess energy stored during the summer months.
Willoughby further demystified the world of solar energy, saying that installing a system isn’t as expensive as people think. From grants for businesses, tax breaks for homeowners and financing options, Willoughby says Glacier Power Solutions helps all walks of life achieve their energy goals.
All solar panels come with a 25-year warranty. Willoughby said their systems have a lifespan of 35 years. That means savings on energy bills and more self-sufficiency for the homeowner.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, only 1.42 percent of Montana’s electricity comes from solar. Willoughby says the state has a long way to go before homeowners can rely as little as possible on grid power.
“I got involved because I’m interested in environmental protection, but I stayed because I believe in helping people become energy independent,” Willoughby said.
For more information about Glacier Power Solutions, visit glacierpowersolutions.com or call (406) 384-5757 for a free quote.
Reporter Summer Zalesky can be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.
