FAQs

Our headquarters is in Kalispell, Montana and we provide installation and generator service across Western Montana and North Idaho.  We can also ship nationwide!

We currently provide solutions and services for residents in Western Montana and North Idaho.

A standby power system size and cost depends on what you are looking to achieve with it, and what electrical loads you have connected to it.  Every system that we install is customized to ensure that it achieves your objectives!

We have generator options that run on natural gas, propane, and diesel.

Yes! Glacier Power Solutions has factory trained and authorized technicians to perform warranty and repair on Generac, Cummins, Winco and Kubota generators.  We also perform scheduled maintenance on all makes and models of standby generator systems.

If your generator is too small for the application, it may not work when you need it most by overloading! Unfortunately we have encountered many undersized generators that were incorrectly sized for the application and have ended up costing the customer more to fix the issue afterward!

Storage simply means energy storage, or batteries. We work with Generac PWRcell and Sonnen systems that have high efficiency Lithium Ion battery systems to store electrical energy for use at a later time, such as during a power outage.

The cost of a system has an incredible variance based on what your goals are and what you wish to connect to the system.  Our installations are  completely custom and we have a conversation with the customer to get this right for your estimate. The beauty of a home storage and solar system is that is is scalable, and you can grow into it as budget allows by adding additional solar panels, or batteries, or by “stacking” additional modules to expand the system in the future.  Give us a call and we can give you a rough idea once we have a bit more information about your application!

An ideal system has multiple inputs to provide you with energy independence – grid tied to charge your batteries when the grid is on but backed up by a photo voltaic array that is sized to replenish the batteries and extend the time that the battery system can power your home without the grid.  For the ultimate solution, add a small generator to charge the batteries also, especially for winter or smaller arrays.

As far as the power system goes, a basic off-grid system will include energy inputs such as solar panels, wind turbine, micro-hydro and almost always a backup generator. This system would be paired with an appropriately sized inverter, charge controllers and battery bank.

Here are some examples of equipment you might need to go off the grid for electrical power:

1. Solar panels - If you are planning to use solar power, you will need solar panels, a charge controller, and batteries to store the energy. 
2. Wind turbines - If you are planning to use wind power, you will need a wind turbine, a charge controller, and batteries to store the energy. 
3. Hydroelectric generators - If you are planning to use hydropower, you will need a hydroelectric generator, a charge controller, and batteries to store the energy. 
4. Inverter - You will also need an inverter to convert the DC power generated by your alternative energy source into AC power that can be used by your appliances. 
5. Backup generator - It's also a good idea to have a backup generator in case your alternative energy source cannot provide enough power during periods of low sun, wind, or water flow. 
6. Energy-efficient appliances - To minimize your energy consumption, it's important to use energy-efficient appliances that require less power to operate. 
7. Energy monitoring system - To manage your energy usage and ensure that you have enough power, you may want to install an energy monitoring system that tracks your energy production and consumption. 

Overall, going off the grid for electrical power requires careful planning and consideration of your energy needs, the available alternative energy sources in your area, and the equipment required to generate and store that energy.

As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for!  We design completely custom systems for each application and we take a detailed look at customer usage requirements and expectations.  For this reason it is best to give us a call to discuss your needs and we can give you a rough estimate quickly, and follow-up with a detailed on-site estimate shortly after.