Different Types of Solar Power You Can Benefit From

September 19, 2022

Globally, numerous households are installing solar power systems in their homes, and in almost every case, the motivation behind this move is a desire to lower energy costs and keep carbon footprints down. According to a report published by Energy Sage, the last 10 years have seen remarkable growth in the U.S. solar industry. At the same time, solar costs have gone down by almost 70%.


But what is solar power, really? Solar power, also known as solar energy, is energy from the sun that's ultimately converted into electricity. It's considered green energy as it's a renewable resource. Here are a few different types of solar power you can benefit from should you choose to install solar panels.


Off-Grid Solar Systems

A home using an off-grid solar system isn't connected to the normal power grid. The home depends solely on power harnessed and stored on-site. One of the reasons these types of solar power systems are gaining traction is due to rising electricity costs. People want to be self-sufficient when it comes to power generation. The national grids that feed off power generated using fossil fuels and other environmentally unsustainable sources aren't as favorable anymore.


Hybrid Solar Systems

These types of solar power systems are also referred to as “solar-plus-storage systems.” They work by pairing the solar panels with a battery. The role of the solar battery is to store energy for use in homes that are connected to the national grid in the event of a power outage. The hybrid solar system, therefore, works as backup during those dark moments when outages strike.


Grid-Tied Solar Systems

This solar power system is the most popular among households. To understand how it works, look at it as a reversed hybrid solar system. Instead of solar power acting as a backup during outages, in the case of a grid-tied solar system, the national grid is the backup. The home's solar power system is connected to the grid and only uses electricity from the grid when the grid-tied solar system fails to produce sufficient energy.


Whichever of these three you settle on, the goal, besides lowering your energy costs, should be to reduce your carbon footprint so the environment can sustain future generations.


If you have questions about the most effective types of solar power systems, get in touch with our team of professionals. We at Northwind Solar are ready to help!

June 20, 2025
Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program
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June 10, 2025
Northwind Solar is proud to continue its partnership as the official installer for the 2025 Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program , in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association ( MREA ). This initiative offers homeowners and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waushara, Waupaca, Wood, and Lincoln Counties an exceptional opportunity to invest in solar energy at below-market rates through a limited-time group purchasing program. However, a critical deadline is approaching. Recent legislative developments indicate that the 30% federal Residential Solar Tax Credit —a significant incentive that substantially reduces the cost of solar installations—may expire on December 31, 2025, nearly a decade earlier than previously scheduled. This potential change underscores the urgency for homeowners to act swiftly to secure both the group buy discounts and the federal tax credit. “We’re excited to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” said Woody Bolton, employee-owner at Northwind Solar. “With the possibility of the federal tax credit ending soon, it's more important than ever for our neighbors to take advantage of these combined savings.” The Grow Solar program facilitates community members joining forces to leverage bulk pricing for solar installations, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. The program features free educational events, called Solar Power Hours, which help residents learn about solar energy, how it works, available incentives, and what to expect from an installation. “In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” said Evonne Waugh, program manager at MREA. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.” Since its inception, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has helped over 250 households and businesses make the switch to solar, adding nearly 2 megawatts of clean energy capacity to the local grid and generating millions of kilowatt-hours of renewable power annually. REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! ATTEND A SOLAR POWER HOUR INFO SESSION
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