Getting Started With Solar

Getting Started with Solar

Interested in going solar but have a lot of questions? Here’s a good place to learn many of the basics:

– Getting a Solar Quote
– How Much Does a Solar System Cost?
– Solar Equipment Basics
– Solar System Sizing
– Solar System Types

Want to reach FMS? Send us a message or give us a call directly at (360) 422-5610 and speak to someone who can help!

Washington Electricity Rates Are Going Up – A Lot, and Fast

Puget Sound Energy has announced plans to raise residential electricity rates by 6.9% in 2025 and 9.6% in 2026, making solar a better investment than ever.

Washington Passes Solar Consumer Protection Act

Local Washington solar installers celebrate new law aimed at safeguarding consumers from dishonest, misleading, and aggressive sales strategies.

When is the Best Time to Go Solar?

If you are waiting to go solar because you might save money, score on more efficient solar panels or because it’s winter, we have some helpful info for you.

Can “Just a Few Solar Panels” Really Power Your Whole House?

Don’t be fooled by salespeople claiming “just a few solar panels” will power your whole house. Learn tips to correctly evaluate a solar design before you sign.

Don’t Fall for Solar Scams: Protect Yourself with Multiple Bids

Solar panels reduce your expenses, but don’t fall for solar scams. Protect yourself by getting multiple bids.

Why You Should Be Skeptical of Door-to-Door Solar Sales Pitches

Protect yourself from companies using misleading tactics and selling solar at a premium with this informative guide on door-to-door solar sales.

Steps to Grid Tie Solar

Interested in going solar but not sure about the process? Our guide outlines what to expect from the beginning to after your Grid Tie Solar installation is complete.

How Grid Tie Solar Works

Whether a full service installation or DIY project, grid tie solar power systems provide many benefits and incentives that save you money and give you control.

Is Solar a Good Investment?

Many people ask us, Is Solar a Good Investment? The short answer is Yes! Find out why solar is one of the most secure investments you can make.

How to Size a Grid Tie Solar System Part 1

Learn how to calculate what size of grid tie solar system you need in our two part article series.

How to Size a Grid Tie Solar System Part 2

In How to Size a Grid Tie Solar System Part 1, we showed you a simple way to get a ballpark idea of how much solar you need. In Part 2, we get more precise.

Solar Income Tax Credit Extended Through 2034!

Exciting news for those who want to go solar. The Solar ITC was extended through 2034, and increased to 30% through 2032.

Solar for Tiny Homes

Solar power works similarly for tiny homes as it does for the average home, however some flexibility is necessary. Though space for equipment is a constraint, there are options available to you.

Off Grid Solar FAQ

What is takes to live off the grid can be confusing. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about off grid power.

Site Survey Checklist

Feel prepared for your solar site survey by following Fire Mountain Solar’s simple Solar Site Survey Checklist.

Essential Loads in a Nutshell

Emergency backup power systems are independent sources of electrical power that support your essential loads when grid power is down.But what exactly is an essential load?

5 Considerations for Mobile Power Systems

If you are interested in a reliable mobile power system that includes solar, there are a few key things to keep in mind during the design process.

Researching Your Local Solar Requirements

Researching your local requirements before installing your DIY solar ensures your power system is safe, effective, and legally compliant.

Claiming the Solar Tax Credit for Your New Roof

Some solar companies say you can include the cost of your new roof when claiming the federal solar tax credit. But that advice could end you up in hot water.

5 Common Misconceptions About Solar

Don’t get the wrong idea about solar! We help clear up some of the confusion with our 5 Common Misconceptions About Solar

Solar Panel FAQ

Have questions regarding solar panels? Learn more with our answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding solar panels.

Solar System Payback

You often hear people talking about solar system payback. But how long it takes to recoup your upfront cost of solar doesn’t tell the whole story.

How Much Does a Grid Tie Solar System Cost?

One of the first questions people ask about solar is ‘how much does it cost’? Read our guide that overviews grid tie solar system cost factors to learn more.

Alternative Appliances for Off Grid

Living off the grid means taking control of your home’s power usage so that you have power when you need it. Read about alternative appliances for off grid.

Don’t Get Swindled: Signs of Misleading Solar Contractors

Protect yourself with tips for telling the difference between a reputable solar contractor and the increasing number of scoundrels just out for a fast buck.

Net Metering

Net metering lets you “bank” your excess generated solar power with your utility for later use. Find out more about this very important solar incentive.

Off Grid Site Assessment

When deciding on the best products for your off grid solar system, how much power you use is just the first question. Learn other important info you need to know.

Disconnecting from Your Utility: From on the Grid to Living Off Grid

Want to disconnect from your utility company and go off-grid? You are not alone! Read this guide to learn more about living off grid.

Major Grid Tie Solar System Components

If you are new to solar energy, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Learn about the major grid tie solar system components.

Types of Ground Mount Solar

FMS has ground mount solar options for mounting your solar system on your property so you can get all the benefits of going solar without using your roof.

New Construction Solar Design Tips

Building a new home and want to include solar electricity? We offer some new construction solar design tips to get the most out of your investment.

DIY Solar Project Information Form

Interested in a Do It Yourself project? This Project Information Form gathers the necessary information to help us get started with your project.

Questions to Ask Before Selecting Your Solar Installer

Selecting your solar installer is a big decision. Be prepared to ask the right questions to help you choose the best solar installer for you.

Grid-Tie Solar Basics

Experience the freedom of electricity that is flexible, reliable and puts you in control with Grid Tie Solar basics.

What Type of Solar Power System is Right for You?

Not sure what type of solar power system is right for you? Use our flowchart below to help you determine which system will help you meet your power goals.

Solar System Sizing Myths

Knowing what’s important when sizing a solar panel system is important. We debunk some of the most common solar system sizing myths to help.

Solar and Your Utility

Not all utilities treat solar the same. Learn important things to know about going solar and working with your utility company to make the process easy.

4 Easy Steps to Off Grid Solar

As off grid solar experts, we make the steps to off grid solar simple and easy.

How to Save Money on an Off Grid Solar System

Going off grid can be an investment. Read How to Save Money On An Off Grid System, for money-saving tips for powering your busy life off the grid!

Sizing an Off Grid Solar System

Accurate sizing of an off grid solar system is critical to make sure you have the power you need when you need it.

No Utility Required: How Off Grid Solar Works

Want to know how off grid solar works? Learn the various ways that off grid systems keep you powered without a utility company.

Off-Grid Solar Basics

Need power for your remote cabin or home? Fire Mountain Solar specializes in off grid solar. Our off-grid solar basics provides some general information to help.

Solar that Keeps the Lights On: Grid Hybrid Solar

Grid hybrid solar is the best of all worlds. It saves you money when your utility power is on, and gives you emergency power when grid power is out.

6 Things You Must Know Before Going Off-the-Grid

Wondering if going off grid is right for you? We’ve helped hundreds of clients do it. Learn our 6 things you must know before going off-the-grid.

Solar Off the Roof – Ground and Pole Mounted Solar

Roof mounted solar panels are the most common type of solar installation, but what if you can’t or don’t want to use your roof? You have options!

USDA REAP Grants – Save 40% on Solar for Your Rural Business in 2023

USDA REAP grants and loans for farms and rural businesses make solar an even better investment!

Solar System Sizing, Solar Components

What size solar system do I need? Learn the basics about solar system sizing and about major solar system components from FMS.

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for My Home?

How many solar panels you will need depends on how much energy you use. Read our guide to learn more about sizing your solar system.

Solar Panel Mounts & Trackers

Which solar panel mounts or racking is best will mostly depend on where you are installing your solar array; on your roof, the ground, or on a pole.

Incentives for Solar

Incentives like the federal ITC, net metering and REAP grants help make going solar an excellent investment.

Solar Power FAQ

Thinking about going solar? Get answers to the our most frequently asked questions about solar.