Nunatak
Alternative Energy Solutions
PO Box 2948
623 Gothic Ave #1
Crested Butte, CO 81224
ph: 970-349-3432
alt: 970-349-2575
nunatake
Services
At Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions, we are more interested in helping clients solve their big picture energy problems than in selling larger solar energy systems. For every dollar spent increasing household energy efficiency, you can save three to five dollars on the cost of your renewable energy system by reducing the system size needed. We will help you evaluate the best ways to meet your energy goals, including:
- site evaluations
- energy audits
- renewable energy system design and installation:
- system upgrades and maintenance
Solar Electric Systems (PV)
We are a Colorado (COSEIA) and Nationally (NABCEP) certified PV Installation company. Look for these certifications to ensure you are hiring qualified professionals who are familiar with National Code Compliance and safety.
Most people who already have electricity connected to their homes will be interested in grid-tied solar electric systems, where you still use electricity from the utility "grid" as usual, but also produce your own electricity that is sold back to the utility to help offset your usage. Most areas in Colorado now offer Net Metering of some form, where you can spin your meter backwards! Whether you decide to try and Net Zero (produce as much electricity as you consume annually) or simply offset a portion of your electricity bill, we can set up a system for you.
If you have a mountain cabin, far from the utility lines, then you will want what we call an off-grid system. These systems are generally battery based, and can incorporate several different power sources to ensure that you have consistent, reliable power. Off-grid home systems tend to be more involved, as we are creating an entire personal power plant for you!
Although there are some internet sites which will sell you "do-it-yourself" kits, be advised that off-grid systems are best left to professionals to design and install, as they can be complex and can cause fire and electrocution hazards if installed incorrectly. We have fixed too many homeowner projects to endorse these packages.
Wind and Microhydro Systems
If you have a suitable site for generating wind or microhydro power, you should take advantage of it! These power sources tend to be few and far between, but if you have an appropriate site, they are often much more economically feasible than a similarly sized solar system. A good wind site will have CONSISTENT moderate to strong winds, with few gusts, throughout the year. A microhydro site will have a stream or river falling quickly over a short distance, and preferably near the power destination.Remote Power Projects
As former mountain guides and lovers of the outdoors, we specialize in remote power projects. We have the ability to travel safely and confidently to areas far away from paved roads and Home Depots. Data monitoring and communications equipment, research study areas, reclamation areas, and any type of remote village or camp often need access to power. We can design rugged, reliable, and often portable systems to meet your needs. We have the experience of living and working in harsh environments, and know how to design power systems that will last for many years. Save money and your valuable time by reducing system down-time and maintenance trips. Contact us for further information.
Remote solar powered data monitoring at a Superfund mine clean-up site.
Solar Thermal Systems
Solar Thermal systems use the sun's energy to heat water, either for domestic hot water use and/or radiant heating. Please contact us for more details.
Off-Grid PV cabin systems
Remote off-grid PV system
PO Box 2948
623 Gothic Ave #1
Crested Butte, CO 81224
ph: 970-349-3432
alt: 970-349-2575
nunatake
