Electricity from Sunlight. Pure eloquence. What do you want to do?

The sun bathes the earth with more energy each minute than the world consumes in one year.

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into energy when photons hit the doped semiconductor silicon and knock electrons out of their valence shell. This creates a disparity between negative and positively charged atoms and a electrical current occurs.

Photovoltaics are a proven technology utilized in space, as well as some of the most remote parts of the world. Most solar modules provide for a 25 year warranty, and it is rather likely that the solar modules being produced today will outlive most of us.

There are no moving parts in a photovoltaic cell, and it is virtually maintenance free, except for the occasional cleaning. Power can be produced where it is needed, therefore keeping transmissions to a minimum.

In Helena, Montana we receive an average of 4.7 hours of sunlight a day, which makes us a very suitable place for PV.

GRID TIE

There are many applications for PV. Many people have begun retrofitting their homes with small arrays, entering an agreement of net metering, whereby the utility grid credits energy received. In such a system, the utility grid acts as a battery bank providing the homeowners with power storage.

STANDALONE

Being that we live in the great state of Montana, where there are scarcely populated areas many mountains, and remote areas – power transmission may not be an economic feasibility. Renewable energy gives such people the ability to be self reliant, and to depart from traditional means of production namely through a propane generator. In such a system the payback time is considerably shorter, and the lack of maintenance, noise, and fuel cost is especially appealing.

WATER PUMPING

A very effective use of PV is to pump water for irrigation or residential use. There is no battery bank, or charge controllers in such a system (limiting overall cost); therefore water is pumped only when the sun is shining. Please inquire for our different water pumping solutions.

OTHER IDEAS

There really is no end to what PV can do. If it needs power PV may be the solution. Certainly some situations are more ideal than others. I’m always reminded, “To someone with a hammer, everything starts looking like a nail.” That being the case we always conduct a thorough site analysis to ensure your location is appropriate for PV. If you have any ideas about PV whether it is for gate opening, sprinkler systems, or outdoor lighting, please feel free to inquire.

Montana has great solar potential, rating higher than most other cities in the U.S. for total insolation. In Helena, Montana a person can expect an annual average of 4.7 hours of sunlight, which is about equivalent to Houston, Texas!

Some of the most common Applications:

• Stand-alone or grid-connected AC
• Gate opening
• Water pumping
• Outdoor lighting
• Sprinkler systems
• Communications
• RV Docking
• Have an idea, ask us!