SOLAR
Some of our latest work has been grid tied photovoltaics on homes through weatherization programs across the state of Montana; consisting of grid-tied solar on individual houses and PV of a larger nature on housing complexes.
Solar Plexus is a "Sharp Solar" direct dealer. The solar panels that we purchase from Sharp are now manufactured in their Memphis Tennessee plant. We have been very happy with the Sharp Solar line. The company is reliable and the product is very high quality. We have seen stability in product availability along with some price decreases in the past twoyears. Our waiting period is now less than 4 weeks if we don't have the panels you need in stock. Our warehouse is usually pretty well stocked throughout the year.
The largest solar PV and the largest domestic hot water in Missoula. 90 Sharp 208 watt panels and 8 Heliodyne 4X10 Gobi collectors.
WHAT IS "SOLAR ENERGY"?
Solar Power takes on many forms. There is solar electric or PV (photovoltaic=light+volts) and there is Solar Hot Water. Under PV there is grid-tied (connected to the utility for credit) and off-grid (remote without powerline, battery dependent). Under Solar Hot Water (Solar Thermal) there is domestic (shower, washer, sinks), radiant in-floor heat, (space heating) and pool or spa heating. There is also Passive Solar Design which is under the umbrella of architects and builders and involves smart building techniques which enhance comfort and efficiency. When talking about solar energy, these are the catagories that we need to narrow down so we can begin to get to specific, unique situations and solve their design problems.
Our company primarily focuses on solar electric systems, but we have done some solar thermal systems as well. We do not do solar space heating systems. generally speaking we don't wire houses although we are a limited electrical contractor and can do the power supply for small cabins. As solar installers, we do site evaluation, consultation and design, installation and trouble-shooting, maintenance and repair.
Solar Systems are almost always custom designed for each specific site .
Montana home of Eric and Kathy Grimsrud. Eric recently wrote a book on the science of Global Warming. "Thoughts of a Scientist, Citizen and Grandpa on Climate Change". Believe it or not, it is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down until I was to the end and wished there were more. We enjoyed working with these folks! Eric and Kathy not only talk the talk, they walk the walk.
Private retreat in Potter Valley, CA. Off grid cabins can store power during the week to be used on the week-end. Fewer panels but more batteries if that is your schedule.
Residential grid-tie in Mission Valley of Montana. Zomeworks tracker with 12 170 watt Sharp panels.
Grid-tied residential system in Missoula, MT
Drive through car-port on Missoula Federal Credit Union. 60 grid-tied 216 Sharp panels on engineered structure.