Residential Solar Energy

Residential Solar Energy FAQs

• Why should I go solar?

  Switching to solar energy offers many advantages, such as saving a significant amount on your electricity bills, reducing your carbon footprint, boosting your home's value, and generally becoming more energy independent. Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable power source that helps protect the environment by reducing homeowner's reliance the grid, which is made up largely of non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. Furthermore, various incentives and rebates can make the upfront investment in solar more affordable.

• How do solar panels work?

  Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. Each panel is made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which most home appliances use. This clean, renewable energy can power your home, and any excess energy can be stored in batteries or sent back to the grid - usually for small credit on your electric bil.

• How efficient are solar panels?

  Modern solar panels have efficiency ratings of 15% to 22%. This means they can convert 15% to 22% of sunlight into usable energy.

• What is the payback period for solar panels?

  The payback period for solar panels varies based on several factors, including system cost, energy consumption, and available incentives. Typically, homeowners in Arizona can expect a payback period of 7-12 years. Factors like the efficiency of the installed system, local utility rates, finance vs. cash purchase, and any state or federal incentives can significantly impact this timeframe. A reputable solar sales consultant will be able to show you exactly how quickly a system will be paid back based on the variables that are specific to your home and location. Don't be afraid to ask. The math is easy to show.

• How long do solar panels last?

  Solar panels are built to be sturdy and usually come with a 25-year warranty. However, many panels generate electricity for much longer, often 30 years or more. While their efficiency may decrease slightly over time, a solar panels functional lifespan will usually continue well beyond the warranty period.

• How much do solar panels cost?

  The cost of solar varies significantly from customer to customer due to the number of solar panels needed, which is directly related to the amount of power a family consumes. Every family has its own unique power consumption habits, which can result in dramatically different power bills. Factors such as preferred room temperatures and the number of family members at home during different times of the day can all affect power usage. By going solar, you can reduce your reliance on the utility company and subsequently lower your electricity bill. When providing a quote, we take into account various factors including your family's unique electrical usage, roof configuration, shading, and local utility pricing. Based on this evaluation, we design a customized system to generate enough electricity to either offset your usage entirely or partially offset your most expensive electricity during peak times.
  
  We offer various payment options for your solar energy system, including $0 down low monthly lease payments and several solar financing programs with extended terms and $0 down payment options.
  
  Our consultations are free, and our aim is to provide education without applying pressure. You can contact one of our solar integrators for pricing and information tailored to your specific needs and home at 480-689-5000.