Overview
Great Solar Works! Inc., a distinguished solar electric and hot water system design and installation firm, is headquartered in Hailey, Idaho. Established in 1988, the company has built its business model on providing exceptional services to both residential and commercial clients.
Products and Services
Great Solar Works! installs photovoltaic (PV) modules from top-tier manufacturers such as REC, Qcells, SunSpark Technology Inc., Heliene, SBM Solar, SolarTech Universal, Mission Solar, Silfab Solar, and Go Green Solar. The company provides American-made backup generators manufactured by Wildcat, Koel, and Arrow.
By integrating products from these esteemed companies into their projects, Great Solar Works! can provide clients with sustainable and efficient energy systems that exceed industry standards and client expectations.
Specific Solar System Offered
Great Solar Works! Inc. focuses on installing off-grid solar systems. These systems function as stand-alone power stations and are well-suited for remote locations where traditional energy sources may be limited or unavailable.
Solar Hot Water Systems
A solar hot water system represents a form of renewable energy technology designed to utilize sunlight for heating water, catering to domestic and commercial applications. Generally, there are two primary categories of solar hot water systems: active and passive.
Active systems employ circulating pumps and control mechanisms to facilitate the movement of water, or a heat transfer fluid, throughout the system. In contrast, passive systems depend on natural convection and gravity for water circulation, eliminating the necessity for pumps and controls. Although passive systems typically exhibit lower efficiency levels, they offer the advantages of being more affordable and requiring less maintenance when compared to their active counterparts.
Wind Electric Systems
Great Solar Works! designs wind electric systems that outperform traditional windmills in terms of efficiency. These versatile systems can be seamlessly connected to the utility grid or function as stand-alone units, but they must be installed in areas with wind speeds of at least 10 mph.
Hydro System
A hydro system is a system that uses the force of falling water to create power. This is done by building dams or other structures that prevent water from flowing freely and allowing water to fall through turbines that spin and generate electricity.
Great Solar Works! designs and installs hydro systems specifically for homes located in areas with at least a seasonal creek which has a minimum vertical drop of 20 feet or more, situated approximately 100 feet from the home. While these requirements may seem somewhat restrictive, those fortunate enough to possess a site that meets these conditions can fully benefit from this innovative and sustainable power-generation solution.
Solar Direct Injection (SDI) Heating System
In an SDI heating system, water is heated to a high temperature and forced through tubing under the floor. The hot water absorbs energy from the sun as it passes through the tubing and warms the concrete slab on top of it. This causes the concrete slab to act like a giant radiator and radiate heat into the room.
Solar Water Pumping System
This system consists of solar panels, a solar-powered pump, and in some cases, an energy storage unit such as a battery. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is then used to power the pump. The pump, in turn, draws water from a water source such as a well, pond, or river and transports it to a desired location for various purposes, including irrigation, livestock watering, or domestic consumption.
Installation Costs and Processes
Although Great Solar Works! does not provide extensive information regarding its installation process, customer reviews indicate that it is prompt and effective.
Costs
The company offers affordable options for customers, and if you live in Idaho, you can save up to $5,000 on a solar system installed by Great Solar Works!, thanks to a 30% federal tax credit. Customers say their energy systems work well, and some have even recouped the money they spent on their systems after just five years.
Legitimacy
Great Solar Works! holds registration in Colorado and certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which indicates the company’s legitimacy.
Maintenance
Great Solar Works! fixes and updates home and business solar and renewable energy systems, regardless of who installed them. The company doesn’t mention anything about its workmanship warranty, but the solar panels it installs come with a 20 to 25-year warranty from the manufacturer. Customers testify that Great Solar Works! does a good job with maintenance services.
Secret Shopper AnalysisThe representative from Great Solar Works presents a unique working model. Rather than traditional employment, they operate with a team of dedicated subcontractors who prefer the flexibility over a standard 40-hour workweek. This flexibility even extends to taking time off for leisure activities, such as skiing on a powder day. This approach reflects a balance between work commitments and personal interests within the team, which may lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce for their solar installation projects. |
The Solar Empower View
Great Solar Works! Inc. does a decent job of meeting its customers’ needs. However, it could improve in terms of providing more detailed cost information. It’s important to note that the company specializes in off-grid photovoltaic systems, which may not be suitable for those seeking to connect their solar setup to the utility grid for additional financial rewards.
| 💲Cost: 8/10 | ✅ Legitimacy: 8/10 |
| ⭐ Quality: 9/10 | 📞 Customer Service: 7/10 |
