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right,

get Mike.

Choose Mike and get a system that saves money and provides hassle-free operation. You'll love our honest conversations, expert installation, and outstanding customer-focused service!

On or Off Grid Solutions

Solar gives you the freedom to generate your own power and to live independently from utility companies. You'll find the security of a reliable energy source that keeps your home powered even during emergencies.

ALPHA Stage 1

Solar Panels

Start with high-efficiency solar panels to help you reduce your energy bills and minimize your carbon footprint. You'll discover a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution for your home.

ALPHA Stage 2

Home Batteries

Add an advanced home battery system where you can store excess solar energy for use during peak times, the night, and power outages. You'll enjoy a reliable, uninterrupted energy supply.

ALPHA Stage 3

Home Generators

Finish with a powerful home generator that offers dependable backup power during emergencies. You'll have peace of mind and continuous electricity when the grid goes down.

Ask Solar Mike is proud to partner with the top solar industry leaders to provide the best systems.

*Tesla Certified Installer

*Solar Ark Certified Installer

*REC Pro Trust Certified Installer

Why Solar?

Installing solar panels on your home offers numerous advantages, from financial savings to environmental benefits. Here’s why you should consider switching to solar energy:

1. Cost Savings

Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Many regions offer incentives and rebates that help offset installation costs and make solar energy an affordable investment with substantial long-term savings.

2. Energy Independence

By generating your own electricity, you become less reliant on the grid. This is especially beneficial during power outages or in remote areas with limited grid access. Solar power provides a reliable and continuous energy source.

3. Better Home Value

Homes with solar panels often see increased property values. Buyers recognize the long-term savings and environmental benefits, making solar-equipped homes more attractive in the real estate market.

4. Environmental Impact

Solar energy is a clean, renewable source that reduces your carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, it doesn't emit greenhouse gases, contributing to a healthier planet and combating climate change.

Why Mike?

Meet Mike, your trusted guide to energy independence. With years of experience in helping families go off-grid, he's a solar expert dedicated to educating homeowners. Mike's tips help you avoid being ripped off by large or small solar companies.

Mike's Top Tip #1

Mike's Top Tip #2

Mike's Top Tip #3

See Mike's Most Recent Tips

Rocky Mountain Power

Rocky Mountain Power’s 32% Rate Hike – What You Need to Know

July 22, 20243 min read

I've been saying it would happen for months, and it's finally here. Rocky Mountain Power just announced a price hike, and it's a DOOZY! We're talking about a potential 32.25% increase.

Rocky Mountain requested a 30% increase, with 15% in the first year and 15% in the next year. But do the math. A 15% increase on a $100 bill is $115. Then a 15% increase on a $115 bill is $132.25 (a 32.25% total increase). A utility in Southern Colorado just announced a 17% increase. My utility had a 92% increase in one month last year.

So, what's going on? Why are so many utilities having to increase their prices? And is it likely to stop? Spoiler Alert...unfortunately, no.

Understanding the Price Increase

Rocky Mountain Power says the rate hike is due to a few key factors:

  1. Supply Challenges: The U.S. is facing a big supply-demand imbalance in energy. There just isn't enough juice to supply the demand. The supply is low because of initiatives to clean up energy by shutting down coal-fired power plants. While this does clean up the air, the plants are being replaced by expensive, low-power-output plants (like wind). As demand goes up and supply stays tight, prices rise. Unfortunately, it's that simple.

  2. Demand Challenges: Despite high interest rates, new home construction is still booming across the West. Combine this with electric vehicle trends (which each take a massive amount of power to charge) and emerging Artificial Intelligence, and the math shows that we need way more power than we produce. Like over 50% more! In fact, a recent article quoted Elon Musk saying that we need to increase power capacity in the US by 50% just to cover AI.

  3. Increased Insurance Costs: Utilities across the western U.S., including Rocky Mountain Power, are seeing huge insurance rate hikes. Why? Wildfire lawsuits. Power lines cause wildfires, lawsuits follow, and insurance premiums skyrocket. One premium went from $10M a year to over $125M. These costs get passed on to us, the consumers, in the form of rate hikes. Sadly, 2024 is turning out to be a bad wildfire year in western states like California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Idaho.

Broader Impact on Western Utilities

Rocky Mountain Power isn’t alone. Other utilities in the western U.S. are facing the same issues and raising their rates, too. It’s a systemic problem affecting all of us as the grid's infrastructure continues to age and fail. Some utilities would like to upgrade part of the grid, but the costs to do this are staggering. Unless the government gets involved, there really isn't a way for a utility to cover the cost other than jacking up the electricity rate.

Solar is a Great Solution

But there is some good news, I'd even say great news. You can protect yourself from these rate hikes by going solar. Instead of buying energy from your utility every month, you can own a system that produces all you need from the light the sun is already giving your home. Best of all, when you own your own solar system, you don't give yourself rate hikes. Your system creates energy day in and day out, regardless of who is president or what policies are being invoked or revoked.

Benefits of Solar Energy

  • Cost Savings: Slash your monthly electricity bills. With rates going up, solar savings are bigger than ever.

  • Clean, Renewable Energy: Solar is green and helps reduce your carbon footprint.

  • Consistent Power Supply: Own your system, get reliable power, and say goodbye to rate hikes.

  • Government Incentives: Tax credits and incentives make switching to solar even more affordable.

  • No-Money Down Options: Many solar providers offer financing with no money down, making it easier to switch.

Now is the Best Time to Go Solar

With advanced, highly efficient solar panels, 25-year warranties, and current incentives, now's the perfect time to get off the utility rollercoaster and switch. Protect yourself from future rate hikes and enjoy clean, affordable energy.

Curious about how much you could save? Click here to get a FREE custom quote.

Stay tuned for more updates and energy-saving tips from Ask Solar Mike!

Back to Blog

16+ Years

Expertise

Clear

Communications

40,000+

Happy Customers

Long Term

Warranties & Support

Super FAST Installations

Mike's installation teams are super fast, licensed, insured, and highly skilled. We're known for our trustworthiness, and pleasant customer service, Mike's Solar ensures your system is expertly installed, providing you with clean energy and peace of mind.

Planning & Permitting

Our team takes care of all the planning and permitting, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed from the start. This guarantees your solar project begins smoothly and meets all local regulations.

Installation & Inspection

Expert technicians carry out the installation with precision and efficiency, making sure your system is set up correctly. Following installation, a thorough inspection is conducted to ensure everything is up to code and functioning optimally.

Solar Production & Smiles

Once your system is operational, you’ll start generating clean energy and enjoying significant savings on your energy bills. The result is not just reduced costs, but also the satisfaction of contributing to a greener planet, bringing smiles all around.

Available in 6 States

Mike's installs are currently available across these 6 states: Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, and Montana.

What Mike's Customers Say

Brandon Beck

We were happy to work with Mike to get solar installed on our house. He made the process easy and straightforward and made all of the numbers make sense.

– Thank you Brandon. It was awesome working with you! I think we are up to about 5 houses in your area that we’ve helped. That usually doesn’t happen unless you create a good experience. 🤙

Jason Nelson

Mike was great to work with and answered all of our questions. He was also responsive to calls and texts and I appreciated that quite a bit. And he was also the best price of the bids that I received. In the end, we got the solar panels that fit our needs and it worked with our budget. I highly recommend Mike for your solar needs.

– Thank you so much Jason! Really enjoyed working with you!

Matthew Durovich

Installers were the BOMB, even worked to get 6 more panels on south facing roof, which has helped. 32 panels, 12 kWh system, was extremely impressed with quality of parts, and install. All hooked up, and I am officially a solar nerd. The app is awesome to track, and I love checking my net meter multiple times a day.

– Thank you so much Matt. You’re guys’ house turned out great!

Kristy Warren

Mike is so awesome! Not only did he come to our house when it was convenient for us, he got us approved for solar in minutes $40 a month cheaper than every other company we had looked in to. As well as $20,000 cheaper for the whole thing. He is so friendly and personable. The only thing you will regret about getting solar is if you don’t go with Solar Mike!

– Ah Kristen, you're a sweetheart. Thank you for the kinds words. It's kind of funny when you see the

differences, right?! I always asks folks, "So did that other company's quote come with a Free Car or

something?

Delyse Downey

We were looking into getting solar for our new house and looked into multiple companies. When we posted online asking around, Mike's name came up multiple times. Once we found Mike things went so smooth! We ended up getting more panels for less money!! Amazing deal and a great guy to work with!! I would highly recommend him.

– Love it! Too fun. Thank you for that review. Saving you money is the easy part, getting you the “GOOD LIFE” so you can run that A/C at 68 degrees for way less than your power bill, that’s what it’s all about. 🤘🤘

Daniel Steel

Mike is freaking awesome to work with. He has taken care of every question I've had and saved me thousands in costs of solar and my savings on my power bill. If you want a great deal Mike is your guy hands down!!!

– Thanks Daniel! Your system turned out awesome. Once your neighbors discovered I'm an equipment distributor and wholesaler, 70% of all your neighbors got solar. There are a few folks over their that got DIY kits from me also. I guess you guys like saving money and the planet. :)

Mike's Recent Tips

Rocky Mountain Power

Rocky Mountain Power’s 32% Rate Hike – What You Need to Know

July 22, 20243 min read

I've been saying it would happen for months, and it's finally here. Rocky Mountain Power just announced a price hike, and it's a DOOZY! We're talking about a potential 32.25% increase.

Rocky Mountain requested a 30% increase, with 15% in the first year and 15% in the next year. But do the math. A 15% increase on a $100 bill is $115. Then a 15% increase on a $115 bill is $132.25 (a 32.25% total increase). A utility in Southern Colorado just announced a 17% increase. My utility had a 92% increase in one month last year.

So, what's going on? Why are so many utilities having to increase their prices? And is it likely to stop? Spoiler Alert...unfortunately, no.

Understanding the Price Increase

Rocky Mountain Power says the rate hike is due to a few key factors:

  1. Supply Challenges: The U.S. is facing a big supply-demand imbalance in energy. There just isn't enough juice to supply the demand. The supply is low because of initiatives to clean up energy by shutting down coal-fired power plants. While this does clean up the air, the plants are being replaced by expensive, low-power-output plants (like wind). As demand goes up and supply stays tight, prices rise. Unfortunately, it's that simple.

  2. Demand Challenges: Despite high interest rates, new home construction is still booming across the West. Combine this with electric vehicle trends (which each take a massive amount of power to charge) and emerging Artificial Intelligence, and the math shows that we need way more power than we produce. Like over 50% more! In fact, a recent article quoted Elon Musk saying that we need to increase power capacity in the US by 50% just to cover AI.

  3. Increased Insurance Costs: Utilities across the western U.S., including Rocky Mountain Power, are seeing huge insurance rate hikes. Why? Wildfire lawsuits. Power lines cause wildfires, lawsuits follow, and insurance premiums skyrocket. One premium went from $10M a year to over $125M. These costs get passed on to us, the consumers, in the form of rate hikes. Sadly, 2024 is turning out to be a bad wildfire year in western states like California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Idaho.

Broader Impact on Western Utilities

Rocky Mountain Power isn’t alone. Other utilities in the western U.S. are facing the same issues and raising their rates, too. It’s a systemic problem affecting all of us as the grid's infrastructure continues to age and fail. Some utilities would like to upgrade part of the grid, but the costs to do this are staggering. Unless the government gets involved, there really isn't a way for a utility to cover the cost other than jacking up the electricity rate.

Solar is a Great Solution

But there is some good news, I'd even say great news. You can protect yourself from these rate hikes by going solar. Instead of buying energy from your utility every month, you can own a system that produces all you need from the light the sun is already giving your home. Best of all, when you own your own solar system, you don't give yourself rate hikes. Your system creates energy day in and day out, regardless of who is president or what policies are being invoked or revoked.

Benefits of Solar Energy

  • Cost Savings: Slash your monthly electricity bills. With rates going up, solar savings are bigger than ever.

  • Clean, Renewable Energy: Solar is green and helps reduce your carbon footprint.

  • Consistent Power Supply: Own your system, get reliable power, and say goodbye to rate hikes.

  • Government Incentives: Tax credits and incentives make switching to solar even more affordable.

  • No-Money Down Options: Many solar providers offer financing with no money down, making it easier to switch.

Now is the Best Time to Go Solar

With advanced, highly efficient solar panels, 25-year warranties, and current incentives, now's the perfect time to get off the utility rollercoaster and switch. Protect yourself from future rate hikes and enjoy clean, affordable energy.

Curious about how much you could save? Click here to get a FREE custom quote.

Stay tuned for more updates and energy-saving tips from Ask Solar Mike!

Back to Blog
Rocky Mountain Power

Rocky Mountain Power’s 32% Rate Hike – What You Need to Know

July 22, 20243 min read

I've been saying it would happen for months, and it's finally here. Rocky Mountain Power just announced a price hike, and it's a DOOZY! We're talking about a potential 32.25% increase.

Rocky Mountain requested a 30% increase, with 15% in the first year and 15% in the next year. But do the math. A 15% increase on a $100 bill is $115. Then a 15% increase on a $115 bill is $132.25 (a 32.25% total increase). A utility in Southern Colorado just announced a 17% increase. My utility had a 92% increase in one month last year.

So, what's going on? Why are so many utilities having to increase their prices? And is it likely to stop? Spoiler Alert...unfortunately, no.

Understanding the Price Increase

Rocky Mountain Power says the rate hike is due to a few key factors:

  1. Supply Challenges: The U.S. is facing a big supply-demand imbalance in energy. There just isn't enough juice to supply the demand. The supply is low because of initiatives to clean up energy by shutting down coal-fired power plants. While this does clean up the air, the plants are being replaced by expensive, low-power-output plants (like wind). As demand goes up and supply stays tight, prices rise. Unfortunately, it's that simple.

  2. Demand Challenges: Despite high interest rates, new home construction is still booming across the West. Combine this with electric vehicle trends (which each take a massive amount of power to charge) and emerging Artificial Intelligence, and the math shows that we need way more power than we produce. Like over 50% more! In fact, a recent article quoted Elon Musk saying that we need to increase power capacity in the US by 50% just to cover AI.

  3. Increased Insurance Costs: Utilities across the western U.S., including Rocky Mountain Power, are seeing huge insurance rate hikes. Why? Wildfire lawsuits. Power lines cause wildfires, lawsuits follow, and insurance premiums skyrocket. One premium went from $10M a year to over $125M. These costs get passed on to us, the consumers, in the form of rate hikes. Sadly, 2024 is turning out to be a bad wildfire year in western states like California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and Idaho.

Broader Impact on Western Utilities

Rocky Mountain Power isn’t alone. Other utilities in the western U.S. are facing the same issues and raising their rates, too. It’s a systemic problem affecting all of us as the grid's infrastructure continues to age and fail. Some utilities would like to upgrade part of the grid, but the costs to do this are staggering. Unless the government gets involved, there really isn't a way for a utility to cover the cost other than jacking up the electricity rate.

Solar is a Great Solution

But there is some good news, I'd even say great news. You can protect yourself from these rate hikes by going solar. Instead of buying energy from your utility every month, you can own a system that produces all you need from the light the sun is already giving your home. Best of all, when you own your own solar system, you don't give yourself rate hikes. Your system creates energy day in and day out, regardless of who is president or what policies are being invoked or revoked.

Benefits of Solar Energy

  • Cost Savings: Slash your monthly electricity bills. With rates going up, solar savings are bigger than ever.

  • Clean, Renewable Energy: Solar is green and helps reduce your carbon footprint.

  • Consistent Power Supply: Own your system, get reliable power, and say goodbye to rate hikes.

  • Government Incentives: Tax credits and incentives make switching to solar even more affordable.

  • No-Money Down Options: Many solar providers offer financing with no money down, making it easier to switch.

Now is the Best Time to Go Solar

With advanced, highly efficient solar panels, 25-year warranties, and current incentives, now's the perfect time to get off the utility rollercoaster and switch. Protect yourself from future rate hikes and enjoy clean, affordable energy.

Curious about how much you could save? Click here to get a FREE custom quote.

Stay tuned for more updates and energy-saving tips from Ask Solar Mike!

Back to Blog

Ask Mike...

How long will my system last?

With a 25-year warranty, your solar system is designed for longevity and reliability. This extensive warranty ensures that your system will provide consistent, high-quality performance for at least a quarter of a century. Throughout this period, you can count on reliable energy production and peace of mind, knowing that any potential issues are covered.

How much can I save with solar?

Switching to solar energy can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you'll significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly utility costs. Over time, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars, making solar a wise financial investment. Additionally, many regions offer incentives and tax credits for solar installations, further increasing your savings.

Are there incentives or rebates for solar?

Yes, there are numerous incentives and rebates available for those who choose to install solar energy systems. Many federal, state, and local programs offer financial incentives to reduce the initial cost of solar installations. For instance, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct a significant percentage of the installation cost from your federal taxes.

Do I need a battery?

Whether you need a battery for your solar system depends on your energy goals and needs. Batteries can store excess energy generated by your solar panels, providing power during the night or during grid outages. If you live in an area with frequent power outages or want to maximize your energy independence, a battery could be a valuable addition.

How long does installation take?

The duration of a solar installation can vary depending on various factors, including the size of the system, complexity of the installation, and local permitting processes. Typically, a residential solar installation takes anywhere from one to two days to complete once all necessary permits are obtained. Local city and utility permits can take a few weeks. Our efficient processes and skilled technicians ensure that installations are completed as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. From initial consultation to final commissioning, we work diligently to minimize downtime and get your solar system up and running in a timely manner.

How do I know how many panels I need?

The number of solar panels you need depends on several factors, including your energy consumption, available roof space, and the efficiency of the panels. A typical household in the United States may require anywhere from 20 to 30 solar panels to meet its energy needs. To determine the exact number for your home, we will conduct a thorough assessment, taking into account your energy usage patterns and the specific characteristics of your property. By analyzing your electricity bills and evaluating your roof's orientation and shading, we can recommend the optimal number of panels to maximize energy production and savings.

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