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Back 40: Plug into the sun
Published
9 years agoon
By Brad Van Wert
Explore Big Sky Contributor
In April of 1954, researchers at Bell Laboratories – a research and development center formerly operated by AT&T – demonstrated the first practical silicon solar cell, the precursor of all solar-powered devices.
The New York Times reported on the discovery in its April 26, 1954 issue writing that, “It may mark the beginning of a new era, leading eventually to the realization of one of mankind’s most cherished dreams – the harnessing of the almost limitless energy of the sun for the uses of civilization.”
Now, 60 years later we are truly beginning to see this new era flourish. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the number of installed solar energy systems grew by 418 percent from 2010-2014, more than quadrupling capacity in just four years.
Take a look around, and you’ll notice that solar is everywhere. But still, many wonder how it all works.
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells, which are comprised of semiconductors like silicon. When light energy strikes the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from the atoms in the semiconductor material. If electrical conductors are attached to the positive and negative sides, forming an electrical circuit, the electrons can be captured in the form of an electric current, or electricity.
Now, this is all well and good when we’re in the classroom talking physics. But how does one integrate this scientific jargon into his or her home? The answer is much easier than many imagine.
The most common form of residential solar is referred to as “grid-tied.” Grid-tied solar allows homeowners and business owners alike to add solar electricity to their property while still being connected to the larger, electrical grid.
The solar panels produce electricity that is fed into your service panel, which then powers the electrical needs of your home. So, when the sun is shining outside, it’s actually powering the electrical devices being used in your home, like your refrigerator.
Funny thing about Montanans though – usually if the sun is out, we are too. What then?
Welcome to the world of “net-metering.” When generating more power than is needed at your home, excess electricity is shipped to the grid through the power meter, winding back the meter from its usual direction.
When you add power to the grid, you receive a credit for each kilowatt-hour. To achieve “net-zero” – that is, when your solar provides all the electricity you need – your system will be designed to generate the same amount of energy that your site uses over the course of a year.
So while you’re out bagging a peak or ripping lips with your fly rod, your solar system is hard at work creating electricity and banking credits for you.
Now you might wonder if Montana is a good place for solar, and the answer is a definite yes!
Southwest Montana has as many energy producing sun hours per day as Florida, the sunshine state. But we have a whole lot more going for us than that. Our elevation and clean air, combined with cold, crisp days make Big Sky Country an incredible place to harvest solar power.
Brad Van Wert is a self-proclaimed writer who likes to eat a lot – he has a career in renewable energy, so he isn’t one of those starving types. Van Wert has lived in Bozeman for 15 years and started Harvest Solar in 2012 with his partner Kyle MacVean. Collectively, they have installed hundreds of solar systems ranging from small, off-grid systems to large, commercial systems.
Visit harvestsolarmt.com or call Harvest Solar at (406) 570-8844 for more information about how solar energy works.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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Feeling worn out from the winter? Feeling bloated, low energy or foggy in the mind? Maybe it’s
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Feeling worn out from the winter? Feeling bloated, low energy or foggy in the mind? Maybe it’s just time to have a reset and boost your immune system!
It’s that time of year again, to refresh, renew and revitalize!
The community cleanse utilizes the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda in order to help detoxify the body and reboot the digestive system, plus going through the process with a community of others makes it all that much easier to get through it successfully. It is not a time of starvation or deprivation, we eat 3 (or 4) meals each day and take specific herbs to assist the process of releasing toxins. It is designed to be a two-week cleanse, but it can be customized to the length of time that you are able to commit to and dates can be flexible if need be. You are also welcome to do it from a distance if you won’t be in Big Sky this spring!
What it includes: digestive herbal supplement and body oil (specific to your needs), 4 cleansing and rejuvenating herbal formulas, 7 days of the Ayurvedic cleansing food, a booklet of information on the step-by-step process and some recipes, weekly meetings and daily email support through the process.
Investment: 1st Timers ~ $370 Repeat Cleansers ~ $340 | Register by Apr. 17th and Save $25
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1 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - 14 (Tuesday) 12:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Feeling worn out from the winter? Feeling bloated, low energy or foggy in the mind? Maybe it’s just time to
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Feeling worn out from the winter? Feeling bloated, low energy or foggy in the mind? Maybe it’s just time to have a reset and boost your immune system!
It’s that time of year again, to refresh, renew and revitalize! The community cleanse utilizes the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda in order to help detoxify the body and reboot the digestive system, plus going through the process with a community of others makes it all that much easier to get through it successfully. It is not a time of starvation or deprivation, we eat 3 (or 4) meals each day and take specific herbs to assist the process of releasing toxins. It is designed to be a two-week cleanse, but it can be customized to the length of time that you are able to commit to and dates can be flexible if need be. You are also welcome to do it from a distance if you won’t be in Big Sky this spring!
What it includes: digestive herbal formula and body oil (specific to your needs), 4 cleansing and rejuvenating herbal formulas, 7 days of the Ayurvedic cleansing food, a booklet of information on the step-by-step process and some recipes, weekly meetings and daily email support through the process.
1st Timers ~ $370 Repeat Cleansers ~ $340 | Register by Apr. 17th and Save $25
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1 (Wednesday) 5:30 pm - 14 (Tuesday) 5:30 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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NY FASHION BRAND LAFAYETTE 148 DEBUTS IN BOZEMAN MAY 7-11 Wendy Euler of Goodbye Crop Top to host a multi-day style pop-up in Bozeman with private shop and sip events
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NY FASHION BRAND LAFAYETTE 148 DEBUTS IN BOZEMAN MAY 7-11
Wendy Euler of Goodbye Crop Top to host a multi-day style pop-up in Bozeman with private shop and sip events to experience fully the pre-fall 2024 line ahead of market availability.To book a private shopping appointment, call or text 406-320-5000. Launch Party May 9th 4-8 PM in Bozeman.
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may 7 (Tuesday) - 11 (Saturday)