Semper Solaris Arizona | Solar 101: Solar For Beginners in Arizona

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY

As a resident of Arizona, you may be interested in learning more about how solar energy works and how it can benefit you. The state of Arizona receives an average of 300 sunny days per year, making it an ideal location for harnessing the sun’s energy.

When it comes to solar energy, the sunlight that reaches Earth constitutes 50% visible light, 45% infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, and electromagnetic radiation. These different types of radiation are captured in the form of thermal or electric power. In Arizona, electric power is captured using photovoltaic cells that directly convert the sun’s radiation into electricity.

Flat plate collectors are another form of solar technology used in Arizona for capturing the sun’s energy. These collectors are used in solar heating systems, converting the sun’s energy to thermal energy. This can be particularly useful in the cooler months when heating is required.

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WHAT ARE SOLAR PANELS MADE OF

The most common solar panels are made from crystalline silicon(c-Si) that have conductive properties. They have smaller squares with blue or black rectangular grids. These little squares are the silicon solar cells that are linked together to form a circuit.

There are other thin-film solar panels designed with a semiconductor deposited on either glass or plastic.

HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST

You might be wondering how long solar panels last if you have considered investing in them. Well, a P.V. solar module can last for up to 25 or 30 years. That means that the panels can produce at least 80% of rated power in 25-30 years!

HOW LARGE ARE SOLAR PANELS

Traditional P.V. solar panels have a 60 and 72 cell configuration with the following dimensions:

60 cell PV panels: 39″ x 65″ equivalent to 3.25 x 5.5 feet

72 cell PV panel: 39″ x 77″ equivalent to 3.25 x 6.42 feet

WHAT IS THE RIGHT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM SIZE FOR ME

If you’re a resident of Arizona considering investing in solar energy, it’s important to determine the optimal size for your solar energy system. This will depend on how much power you need, which can be found on your monthly utility bill. It’s important to note that just like a phone bill, you need as much airtime as your monthly bill shows.

However, there are several other deciding factors that can complicate the process of determining the optimal size for your solar energy system. These include the size of your home, the orientation of your roof, and the amount of shade it receives. It’s also important to consider your energy usage patterns, including when you use the most energy and how energy-efficient your appliances and devices are.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can research grid-tie or off-grid solar systems yourself to determine the optimal size for your solar energy system. Alternatively, you can schedule a free estimate with one of our specialists who can help you navigate the process and ensure that you choose the right solar energy system for your needs. By investing in solar energy in Arizona, you can benefit from reduced energy bills and a cleaner environment while increasing your energy independence.

IS INVESTING IN SOLAR WORTH IT

For residents of Arizona, going solar can be a wise financial decision. In fact, in the majority of cases, the solar option is cheaper than grid supply. This is because being entirely dependent on the grid hooks you to an eternal monthly power bill. With solar, you only incur a high capital cost upfront, which can break even in just a few years. After that, your only charges will be taxation, maintenance, and repairs, all of which are far much less than your previous utility bill.

In Arizona, where the average electricity rate is higher than the national average, going solar can lead to significant savings over time. Additionally, with the state’s abundant sunshine, you can generate more than enough energy to power your home, and even sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering.

While the upfront cost of investing in solar energy may seem daunting, it’s important to consider the long-term savings and benefits. By going solar in Arizona, you can reduce your reliance on the grid, save money on your energy bills, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the state.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED

To install a solar panel system, you will need several key components. Firstly, you will need solar panels that are sized appropriately for your energy needs and the available space. Secondly, you will need a mounting system to secure the panels to your roof or another suitable location. Thirdly, you will need an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) energy produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) energy that can be used in your home. Additionally, you may also need batteries to store excess energy and a monitoring system to track your energy production and usage. 

A great place to start is to hire a licensed and experienced solar panel installer to ensure the system is properly installed and meets all safety and building code requirements.

HOW DO I CALCULATE SOLAR PANEL EFFICIENCY

Solar panel efficiency is a widely misunderstood concept. People assume that the 15-25% efficiency of P.V. solar panels means that the panel produces only a fraction of the rated power. In reality, the efficiency represents how much of the sun’s energy is converted to electricity.

You should go for high-efficiency panels if you have limited mounting space as they produce more power per unit area.

Smaller R.V./mobile use panels are available. Some companies are also experimenting with 96-cell solar panels, but they are not very common.

WHAT DOES NET METERING MEAN

Net metering, also known as net energy metering, is a utility resource usage and remuneration scheme whereby a consumer who harnesses their own solar power is compensated in monetary terms. If your home enjoys net metering and produces more energy than you need, you can send the extra power to the grid, so you use it when required.

ARE BATTERIES NECESSARY FOR SOLAR SYSTEMS

The inclusion of batteries depends on the type of solar system that you have installed. If the system is grid-tied, you do not have to include the batteries, unlike the off-grid systems. However, backup batteries are useful in storing excess power generated by your solar panels during peak times and using it in times of rolling blackouts. 

WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF BATTERY FOR SOLAR

There are essentially three types of solar batteries; flooded lead-acid accumulators (FLA), sealed lead-acid accumulators (SLA), and lithium-ion batteries. FLA are the cheapest and the oldest but require regular maintenance for best operation. You just need to top up the battery with distilled water to account for the evaporation.

SLAs are advanced FLAs, where the battery is sealed to prevent evaporation. They are a little bit more expensive than the FLAs but do not need as much maintenance.

Lithium-ion batteries represent the best tech in batteries. These are known to charge much faster than the other two types. They also withstand deep discharge cycles and last the longest, in addition to being maintenance-free.

WHAT ARE AVAILABLE SOLAR INCENTIVES AND TAX CREDITS

Residents of Arizona who are considering going solar can take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit, which provides a significant incentive for investing in solar energy. The Federal Tax Credit allows you to receive 30% off your total project cost after filing with the IRS. This can help make solar energy more affordable and accessible for many Arizona residents.

In addition to the Federal Tax Credit, there are other state credits and incentives available in Arizona. For example, Arizona offers a state tax credit for solar energy systems, which provides a credit of up to $1,000 for homeowners who install solar panels. There are also rebates available from utility companies for installing solar energy systems in Arizona.

It’s important to check with your local authorities to see what incentives you might be eligible for when going solar in Arizona. Taking advantage of these incentives can help make solar energy more affordable and accessible, and can provide significant savings on your energy bills over time.

WHAT ARE AVAILABLE SOLAR FINANCING OPTIONS

There are three popular approaches to financing a solar panel project. These are personal loans, solar leases, and solar power purchasing agreements.

A personal loan would enable you to own the system, so you can claim the federal tax incentive. The incentive would then allow you to repay the loan before the due period elapses. On the other hand, a solar lease is owned by the installer to claim the Federal Tax credit, reducing your revenue on investment.

HOW DO GRID-TIE AND OFF-GRID SOLAR COMPARE

A grid-tied solar system is ideal for homeowners as it offers some security and it is cheaper than electricity from utility companies. Grid-tied can save you money through net metering, low installation, improved efficacy rates, and equipment costs. On the other hand, an off-grid is very suitable for cabins and isolated localities but these systems cost more as they need additional batteries. You might also need to consult with installation professionals to avoid any vulnerabilities that may hinder it from performing efficiently.

DOES THE LOCAL CLIMATE EFFECT SYSTEM SIZE

P.V. solar modules convert sunlight into electricity. This means the more sunlight, the more power produced. Different areas experience different exposure times during the day. Regions near the equator experience the most extended exposure hours while Polar Regions may go without sunlight for days.

In the U.S., for example, the exposure varies between 3-6 hours. If you receive only three hours of sunlight, your system’s size would need to be twice that of a region receiving six hours of exposure to sunlight.

DOES SOLAR AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY HOME

You may be interested to know that recent studies have shown that homes with solar systems sell for considerably higher than homes without solar systems. In fact, on average, a home with a solar system can sell for 3.74% higher than a home without a solar system. This increase in home value can make a significant difference depending on the overall value of the home.

It’s important to note that this increase in home value applies only to homes with solar systems that are owned by the seller, and not to homes with leased solar systems. This is because leased solar systems are typically owned by a third party and may be subject to certain restrictions or complications during the home selling process.

CAN YOU RUN AN ENTIRE HOUSE ON SOLAR ALONE

In Arizona, it is possible to power your entire home with solar energy, but this depends on the size of your solar system. While solar panels can generate electricity during the day, they are not able to provide power 24/7 as they do not produce energy at night or during cloudy weather. Therefore, a battery backup system is often needed in order to store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during low sunlight conditions.

A battery backup system provides a reliable source of electricity during power outages or other emergencies, ensuring that you have uninterrupted power even during grid failures. Without a battery backup system, homeowners would still need to rely on the grid for electricity during periods of low solar production.

By investing in a battery backup system in Arizona, you can maximize the benefits of solar energy and achieve greater energy independence. This is especially important in Arizona, where the state experiences monsoon season and the occasional extreme weather event. With a battery backup system, you can ensure that your home has a reliable source of power during power outages or other emergencies, while still benefiting from reduced energy bills and a cleaner environment through solar energy.

DO SOLAR PANELS AFFECT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Solar panels can have an impact on homeowners insurance, as they can increase the value of a property and its potential replacement cost. As a result, homeowners may need to adjust their insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection. Additionally, some insurance providers may offer discounts or incentives for homes with solar panels, as they may be viewed as less risky due to the potential for reduced electricity usage. Homeowners should consult with their insurance provider to discuss any potential impacts on their policy and ensure they have the appropriate coverage in place.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC (P.V.) SOLAR PANEL

Converting solar radiation to electric energy is a complex process. Photovoltaic solar panels are the root of the successful energy conversion process. But on their own, they are incapable of producing a reliable electric current. The panels require a channel of more components to make safe and usable energy:

• Photovoltaic module

This, as stated earlier, is the core element that houses solar cells. Every cell acts as a conversion unit that produces D.C. voltage when light from the sun hits it. Note that the P.V. modules can generate a voltage from any source of light, not just sunlight.

• D.C. & A.C. wiring

The Direct Current (D.C.) and Alternating Current (A.C). are responsible for switching on/off power to and from the inverter.

• Inverters

The solar inverter is responsible for taking D.C. from batteries and turning them to A.C.

• Batteries

These store electric energy chemically in renewable energy entities, also known as solar battery storage.

• Solar controllers

As its name suggests, the solar controller’s work is to regulate the current fed into the battery tank.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND SETBACKS OF USING PV PANELS

Solar panels are what comes into our minds when solar energy is mentioned. Here are some of their upside and downsides:

Advantages of PV Solar Panels

• They provide cheap, clean, and renewable energy.
• The maintenance costs for P.V. panels are relatively low compared to other energy sources.
• Photovoltaic systems are quiet, thus reducing the effect of environmental noise.
• Solar energy can be harnessed locally, thus reducing environmental disruptions associated with transportation.
• Solar power reduces the electricity bill as it costs you only a fraction of what you pay to the utility companies monthly.
• Solar power plants have fewer safety risks compared to fossil and coal plants.

Disadvantages of PV Solar Panels

• Photovoltaic modules produce variable energy. They cannot absorb energy during the night, and the amount of energy collected during the day also varies with weather seasons and time of the day.
• Though not significant, there’s the production of toxic chemicals like arsenic and cadmium during the production process. These pollutants cause slight environmental impacts that can be tamed through responsible disposal.

HOW DO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS WORK

The solar P.V. unit houses 60 or 72 solar cells. When the cells are hit by light, electrons are scattered from the cell’s silicon atoms. The electrons then flow through the cell triggering direct currency (D.C.) electricity.

The D.C. electricity is then sent to an inverter, which then converts it to alternating current (A.C.) electricity. The A.C. electricity is the kind mostly used in offices and homes. In the case of solar power, the electricity can be used TO:

• Meet the electricity needs of a home
• Charging a battery storage unit
• Saved to the power grid for future use

WHAT TYPES OF PV PANELS CAN YOU FIND

The most available P.V. solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each has its own unique properties, and they vary in appearance, performance, and costs. For instance, monocrystalline is highly efficient, unlike Polycrystalline and thin-film, which perform inefficiently.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE MICRO INVERTERS

Micro inverters are devices used in Photovoltaic panels to convert direct current to alternating current. They are designed with one inverter per P.V. panel, and they harness maximum power. Their design can also withstand extreme weather conditions. If any inverter goes out, the others will generate the electricity to their full capacity. It is much easier to monitor any underperforming micro inverters panel and determine the exact problem.

WHAT IS A POWER OPTIMIZER

Power optimizers are gadgets installed in a solar system to control individual panel’s output independently from the rest of the mini-grid. Unlike others like micro inverters, this gadget doesn’t convert any electricity but maximizes the power before sending it to the string inverter. This way, should one of the P.V. solar panels become shaded during a given time of day, the energy produced by the rest of the solar panels can be maximized.

WHAT DO STRING INVERTERS DO

String inverters simply convert D.C. to A.C. power for the high voltage D.C. inputs. With a string inverter, the solar array is wired in series rather than in parallel.

STRING SIZING

When several P.V. solar panels are wired to a single output through an inverter, it is called a panel string. Inverters are usually rated for a specific maximum voltage. To safeguard against overloading the inverter, you must get the ideal string size that doesn’t waste any resources.

When doing a string sizing, consider local temperature conditions and the ratings of the P.V. modules to be used.

WHERE SHOULD YOU MOUNT YOUR SOLAR PANELS

You can mount your solar panels either on the ground or on the roof. Roof mount is usually the cheaper option, especially if you do not have much ground space for such a project. Roof mount utilizes the rooftop as the support structure, so you do not have to build a foundation for mounting. You can consult your roofing company if you intend to mount an array of P.V. panels on the roof. They can then decide the best type of roofing for you.

As the term suggests, a ground mount is built on the ground as a separate metal structure to hold the solar panels. These structures are preferably aluminum, which makes such a project costlier. The advantage is easier accessibility during repairs and maintenance.

ARE POLE MOUNTS VIABLE OPTIONS

Pole mounts are still a viable option in countries experiencing icy winters. A pole mount is a tall-standing pole that raises the solar panel above the ground. The high height ensures the winter ground snow doesn’t bury the solar panels array. The poles also allow the solar panels company to tilt the panels so that snow can easily slide off. The poles may be of variable height depending on proximity to obstructions.

SOLAR TRACKERS: WHAT ARE THEY

You might have observed some solar panels tilting towards the changing position of the sun in the sky. This is done by a solar tracker to maximize exposure of the solar cells to sunlight.

But is this investment worth it? It depends on your needs. Typically, the tracking hardware costs much more than the solar panels. If space is not of much concern to you, simply investing in more solar panels is recommended.

HOW MUCH DO SOLAR INSTALLERS CHARGE

In Arizona, the cost of installing a solar energy system varies depending on the installer, location, and size of the system. A good installer should charge at least $0.75 per watt, and a 5kW system typically costs between $3,500 and $5,500. It’s important to choose a reputable installer and check for available incentives to maximize your investment in solar energy.

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CAN YOU INSTALL SOLAR BY YOURSELF

Definitely yes, even if you do not have any experience in it. This is because most of the components are designed to plug into dedicated ports. You should only expect to lift slightly heavy objects and tighten screws.

You can perform the above by yourself and then hire an experienced electrician to hook up to the panel for you. This way, you’ll significantly bring down the overall cost of installation. However, if you want things right from the bat, hiring an experienced solar panel installation company is the way to go! 

DOES MY SOLAR REQUIRE MAINTENANCE

It’s important to maintain your solar energy system to ensure optimal performance over time. While solar panels require minimal maintenance, it’s important to clear any debris, accumulated snow, or dust on the P.V. modules to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. This is especially important in Arizona, where dust storms and monsoon season can lead to buildup on your solar panels.

If you have FLA (flooded lead-acid) batteries, it’s also important to routinely monitor and top up the electrolyte level. This can help extend the lifespan of your batteries and ensure that your solar energy system is functioning properly.

Regular check-ups by professionals are an excellent way to ensure that your solar panels and batteries are performing at their best. This can help identify any issues early on and ensure that your solar energy system is operating at maximum efficiency. By properly maintaining your solar energy system in Arizona, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment in solar energy, benefiting from reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a cleaner environment.