Kalispell company offers energy solutions for homeowners

Many homeowners dream of achieving energy independence while also looking for long-term savings in their electric bill, and 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 advisor calls this the “perfect trifecta” for anyone looking to go completely off-grid.   

“An energy storage system is basically a battery that stores electricity from either the solar panels or electrical grid and uses it when you need it,” she explained. 

Willoughby said having alternative energy sources allows clients more options to power their homes rather than relying only on electric companies.  

“Flathead Electric does an awesome job and they’re quick to respond, but some things are out of their control, like storms. People do die in power outages, whether they rely on medical devices or because it gets so cold.” 

Willoughby explained that these types of systems not only save lives, but also reduce emissions, increase the value of a home, and allow the homeowner more freedom. 

“There’s not a lot of data in Montana, but having solar definitely increases your home’s value, and having a real estate agent that knows a lot about solar will definitely get the sale faster,” said Willoughby. 

Depending on a homeowner’s individual needs, 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 allows extra energy to be sent back for others to use.   

One myth regarding solar that Willoughby hopes to debunk, is that Montana does not have an adequate climate for solar. 

“75 percent of people I talk to wonder if it’s even possible to have solar in Montana,” she said. 

But a solar system relies on sunlight, not heat, and even through the dark Montana winters, homes can still be powered year-round by solar thanks to the surplus of energy that is stored during the summer months.  

Further demystifying the world of solar, Willoughby said that installing a system is not as expensive as people think. From grants for businesses, tax credits for homeowners, and financing options, Willoughby says Glacier Power Solutions helps all walks of life reach their energy goals.  

All solar panels are covered by a 25-year warranty, and Willoughby said their systems have a lifespan of up to 35 years meaning more savings in electric bills as well as more self-sufficiency for the homeowner. 

With only 1.42% of Montana’s electricity coming from solar, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Willoughby says the state still has a long way to go before minimizing a homeowner’s reliance on grid electricity. 

“I got into this because I was interested in environmentalism, but I’ve stayed because I believe in helping people gain energy independence,” Willoughby said. 

To find out more about Glacier Power Solutions, visit glacierpowersolutions.com or call (406) 384-5757 to receive a free estimate.  

Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.