When is the Best Time to Install Solar Panels in Arizona?

In Arizona, most people don’t realize that winter is the best time to go solar. Our mild winters provide a welcome break from the steep electricity bills that are driven sharply higher as air conditioners crank up across the valley. As a result, most Arizonans don’t think much about solar panels and their undeniable benefits during the winter. 

But installing solar panels during the cooler months ensures your system is ready to deliver maximum energy production and savings when the summer heat kicks in. If you wait until June to make the call, you will likely miss out on squashing those high summer bills as the design, installation and permitting process can take weeks or even months to complete as seasonally high backlogs extend the process. 

If you’re considering solar, don’t wait until temperatures start to climb. Winter offers the perfect opportunity to plan, install, and prepare for a summer powered by clean, renewable energy. In this guide, we’ll explore why winter is the best time to go solar in Arizona, the benefits of going solar in Arizona, and how to choose the right solar installer for your needs. 

When is the best time to install solar panels in Arizona?

Winter is the ideal time to install solar panels in Arizona. With fewer installations happening during the cooler months, you’ll have more time to explore options, choose the right installer, design, and secure permits without the pressure of rushing to beat the summer heat. 

The added bonus of installing solar panels during winter is that you’ll be all set before summer arrives. By the time temperatures begin to soar, your solar system will be ready to maximize energy production and save you money on electricity bills. Plus, with fewer projects on their schedule, many solar installers can offer a faster service and greater scheduling flexibility during the winter season. 

Read: How Does Solar Power Work?

Why winter is the best time to install solar in Arizona

Winter is the ideal season for installing solar panels, offering better installation timelines, more flexible schedules, and the chance to carefully evaluate your options. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why winter is the best time to install solar in Arizona. 

Better installation timelines 

Designing and installing a solar energy system can take a minute. Once you decide to go solar, you’ll want to explore various design options that are optimized for your unique property and savings goals. In some jurisdictions, permits must be filed and approved. Finally, you may also  want to explore and apply for financing. The final steps are installation and system commissioning by your local utility. 

From start to finish, this can take several weeks to several months, depending on the permitting requirements where you live and various scheduling backlogs that tend to be longer during peak summer demand. 

If you wait to start this journey in late spring or early summer, your system might not be ready until after the peak summer energy demand is over. By starting the installation process in winter, you’ll have plenty of time to complete the process and enjoy your solar energy savings when summer’s heat arrives. 

More flexible schedules

While winter is an ideal time to install solar, most people book solar installations in the spring or summer months. This means many solar installers see a dip in business through fall and winter, opening up installation schedules dramatically. 

If you install solar panels in winter, you’ll likely see quicker turnaround times and a faster solar panel installation. On top of that, the solar permitting and inspection process will also likely be shorter as there’ll be fewer homeowners awaiting approvals during the cooler months. 

An added bonus of this is that you can head into summer with your system fully installed and operational, avoiding the hassle of scheduling a major project during your busiest and most expensive summer months. 

More time to evaluate options

Installing solar is a long-term investment, and winter gives you breathing room to thoroughly evaluate your options. Without the pressure to rush, you can research your options, compare quotes, and confidently choose a solar installer best suited to meet your needs. 

Taking this extra time to plan and research ensures your solar solution will deliver maximum value for years to come. Later in this guide, we’ll outline essential factors to consider when choosing a solar installer. 

Benefits of going solar in Arizona

If you’re still on the fence about going solar in Arizona, let’s take a look at some reasons why switching to solar is a smart move in our state. 

Save money on electricity bills

Arizona boasts around 330 days of sunshine each year, making it ideal for generating solar energy. Installing solar panels can cover a significant portion of your energy usage, reduce your monthly bills and protect you from rising utility rates. 

Adding a solar battery can take the savings even further. Batteries store excess energy produced during the day, allowing you to use solar power at night or during cloudy periods. While batteries increase investment upfront costs, they can help you save even more in the long-term by reducing reliance on grid power and protecting you from expensive on-peak charges. They also ensure your home stays powered during blackouts. 

Read More: How To Choose a Home Battery Backup System?

Take advantage of solar incentives

There are numerous solar incentives available for Arizona residents. These incentives can help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels, making the transition to solar power more affordable. 

Solar incentives available in Arizona include: 

• Federal solar tax credit: This gives a federal income tax credit of 30% of your total solar system cost. 

• Residential solar energy tax credit: This offers a state tax credit of 25% of your entire system value, capped at $1,000. 

• Solar equipment sales tax exemption: Arizonans are exempt from paying the 5.6% sales tax on solar energy equipment and installation fees, helping reduce installation costs even more. 

• Energy equipment property tax exemption: Solar panels can increase your property’s value, however this exemption protects you from paying more property taxes as a result of solar installations. 

Boost your home’s value

Solar panels aren’t just a great way to save money on electricity, they can also increase your home’s value. Data from Zillow shows that 67% of homebuyers value energy-efficient features in a home, while the U.S. Department of Energy’s Berkeley Lab reports that homebuyers were willing to pay an extra $15,000 for a home powered by solar energy. 

Continue Reading: Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?

Generate clean, renewable energy

One of the most rewarding benefits of going solar in Arizona is the ability to generate clean, renewable energy right from your home. Switching to solar power reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a greener, more sustainable future for everyone. As more homes make the switch, the collective environmental impact could transform our planet’s future. 

Things to look for in an Arizona solar company

Installing solar panels marks the beginning of a decades-long relationship with your solar company, making choosing the right solar installer crucial. Taking the time to select a reputable solar company ensures a quality installation, warranties that protect your investment, and reliable support for the lifetime of your solar panels. Keep in mind that modern solar panels have warranties in the 25-30 year range. If your installer goes under, it will be up to you to find someone willing to service your system and honor the remainder of your warranty. 

To help you make your decision, we’ve outlined some key things to look for when choosing a solar installation company in Arizona. 

Years of experience

Experience is essential when it comes to solar installations for several reasons: 

• Reliable long-term support: Established solar companies that have been in business for many years are far more likely to remain operational throughout your system’s 30+ year lifespan, providing support, repairs, maintenance, and warranty coverage when you need it – even if it’s 15 years down the road
• Technical expertise: Experienced solar companies will have more in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies and installation process, having overcome various technical challenges over the years and invested in professional training for their staff. 
• Relationships with authorities: Solar installers who’ve been in business for a long time will have likely built strong relationships with authorities like HOAs, utilities, and permit offices, streamlining the installation process dramatically. Utilities must commission every system in order for it to be operational. If your solar installer is new on the scene and badmouthing the utility, there’s a good chance those same authorities will be in no rush to sign your permits or run out to turn on your system when it’s ready. Strong local relationships are critically important.

Necessary credentials

Credentials are non-negotiable for safe and effective installations. In Arizona, all solar contractors must be licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC). Their license number should be easily visible on public materials such as brochures, websites, or business cards. 

Additionally, Arizona’s two major utility companies – APS and SRP – certify solar installers to ensure they’re trained for safe and effective grid integration. Look on the following websites to check if a company has completed this training: SRP Preferred Installer and APS Qualified Technology Installer.

On top of the necessary solar credentials, technical certifications are another good indication of a company’s commitment to safety and expertise. The gold standard for solar power is the NABCEP certification issued by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. This certification shows that installers have completed rigorous coursework and are committed to ongoing education to retain their certification. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we understand that delivering quality begins with being the most qualified. Our industry certifications allow us to work with A-list commercial clients such as Target, SubZero, PepsiCo and many more. This extensive knowledge and training benefits our residential customers as well. 

Our certifications include: 

• AZROC: 270331
• SRP Preferred Solar Installer
• APS Qualified Technology Installer
• NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
• RISE CSRP Certified Solar Roofing Professional
• Certified Envelope Professional with the Building Performance Institute
• Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer. 

Obligation-free estimates

Reputable solar companies will provide detailed, transparent price estimates upfront with no obligation to continue working with them. These quotes will cover installation, equipment, permits, and additional services like necessary roof repairs, helping you understand the total cost of your solar system long before you sign. If you feel undue pressure to sign, walk away. There are plenty of bad actors out there, even in solar. 

A reputable company should also take the time to explain tax credits, incentives, and your system’s estimated ROI. If a company avoids specifics or rushes you into a decision, consider looking elsewhere. 

Roof inspections

Trustworthy solar installers include roof inspections in their process to ensure your roof is healthy enough for a solar addition. Since solar panels can last for decades, it’s important to assess your roof’s structural integrity and condition to avoid the future costs of removing and reinstalling panels if your roof needs repairs or replacement.

Some of the more reputable companies will outsource the roof inspection to a licensed roofer, which can be a great sign that they’re willing to defer to an expert and not rush the process. This shows they prioritize your system’s longevity and want to protect you from paying unnecessary costs. 

See: 4 Key Reasons to Prioritize Quality Roofing for Solar Installations

Proven reputation 

Solar panel installations are a significant investment. Before you sign with an installer, check customer reviews on neutral third-party sites like Google, BBB, or SolarReviews.com. These reviews provide insight into what it’s like to work with the company. Look for solar installers with a high volume of positive reviews and a strong track record of satisfied customers. 

Besides customer reviews, industry recognition or awards can also demonstrate a company’s reputation for quality. If a solar installer has been recognized by the industry for their excellence, it can give confidence that you’re working with a trusted and reliable provider. 

In-house installers

There are two types of solar installers: those who rely on subcontractors and those who use their own employees for installation. Companies with in-house teams handle every step of the process, from sales to installation and ongoing support. This can benefit you in many ways, including: 

• Reduced delays & miscommunication: Having a single source of contact for every step of the solar process can minimize delays and miscommunication. 

• Expertise & customization: In-house solar installers deeply understand every aspect of the solar process, allowing them to provide customized recommendations and solutions that best meet your unique needs. 

• Accountability: Companies with in-house teams tend to be more accountable for quality and committed to customer satisfaction from sale all the way through commissioning. 

Customized solutions

Every home is different, and a reputable installer will tailor your solar system to your unique energy usage, structures, and goals. Look for a company willing to explore your options clearly, share costs and production estimates for various design options, and provide examples of past projects to ensure experience and quality. 

Local expertise

Local solar companies understand Arizona’s unique climate, regulations, and solar incentives. They’ll be able to recommend solar panels optimized for efficiency in our extreme heat and have strong relationships with local authorities to streamline the installation process.

On top of that, local companies often have a vested interest in maintaining their reputation within the community. For you, this can mean more personalized and attentive service that goes the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. This is particularly important with warranty service. It’s so much easier when the service department is local, and staffed by employees of the same company from which you purchased the system. Accountability from beginning to end is best demonstrated by local teams, regardless of industry. 

Ongoing support

It’s important that your solar installer offers support beyond installation. Before committing to a solar company, ask about their post-installation support resources, including whether their service department is in-house and local. Reliable solar installers will provide dedicated, continuous support to address any potential issues with your solar panels and ensure your system runs efficiently throughout its lifespan. 

Continue Reading: Installing Solar Panels (How to Avoid a Dodgy Company)

Install solar panels in Arizona

If you’re ready to make the switch to solar, winter provides an ideal opportunity to explore your options and have your solar energy system installed and fully operational by the time summer’s heat kicks in. 

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we’ve been installing solar systems in Arizona for more than 15 years. We’re dedicated to providing quality installations customized to your needs and Arizona’s unique climate. To start exploring your options, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.