4 Reasons Why December is the Best Month to Go Solar

Let’s face it: most of us look forward to winter in Arizona as a welcome break from the sweltering summers and the higher power bills. It’s easy to put off making a solar investment when your utility bills drop, but most people don’t realize that going solar in winter offers the best opportunity for summer savings.

Summer is a regular thing around here; those bills will be spiking before you know it. Getting started with your solar investment early means, you’ll have ample time to complete the design and installation process while ensuring plenty of time to bank your energy credits (net metering) when the temperature rises again. But taking advantage of Arizona’s net metering rules is just part of the story. Here are four reasons why switching to solar in December is the best holiday gift for you and your family.

 

1. Lucrative holiday promotions

Solar installers generally see a dip in business as the temperatures drop. As such, many offer lucrative incentives to keep the phones ringing during the slow season. These offers generally aren’t on the table when the rush to install solar is high during the spring and summer.

 

2. Maximize net metering and start “banking” your excess energy

If your utility district supports net metering, you’ll receive significantly more financial returns by installing a solar system during our cooler months. Net metering allows you to receive a credit for any excess electricity you send back into the utility grid. These credits can be used during hotter months to reduce your electricity bills. Your best chance to “bank” these credits is when your AC system is turned off, so going solar in the winter will maximize the over-production timeframe and savings potential. Also, you may buy fewer panels, since the energy credits from the cooler seasons will help offset your higher energy consumption in the summer. 

 

3. Solar doesn’t happen overnight

Once the decision to go solar is made, it can take many weeks to design the perfect system for your home, secure financing, and ultimately complete the installation and activation with your local utility. Even if you start the process in spring or early summer, a solar energy system might only be operational later in the summer when temperatures and utility bills are already dropping. A roof-mounted solar system also requires your roof to be in excellent condition. If the inspection finds repairs are needed, getting started early ensures plenty of time to complete the repairs AND the solar installation long before the temperatures start climbing.

 

4. Schedules are way more flexible

When temperatures rise, so does the rush to install solar. This high seasonal demand means local installers are busier, and installation times are longer in the summer. This can present a frustrating challenge when trying to reduce current power bills or work around your family’s summer travel schedule. Why not install early so the system works for you long before the AC kicks on? Getting started early also means you'll have plenty of time to evaluate proposals from multiple local providers fully. Since going solar begins a relationship that can last for decades, give yourself plenty of time to make the best choice.

Suppose you're interested in learning more about switching to solar energy or our current holiday incentives. In that case, you can request a free evaluation from one of our award-winning solar integrators. 

Suppose you need more time to be ready for an evaluation. In that case, we invite you to download our complimentary solar whitepaper, which helps you understand some of the most important considerations when switching to solar.

About the Author

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience

After working in technology marketing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, Kyle opted to follow his heart and focus his talents in solar energy.

As the head of Marketing at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, Kyle works hard to demystify the ever-changing solar landscape in Arizona and across the country. He especially enjoys helping people separate fact from fiction by presenting solar transparently and accurately, rather than relying on hype or deceptive marketing tactics that are far too common with some solar companies.

When not touting the benefits of solar, encouraging his friends to opt for paper over plastic, or growing his own vegetables, Kyle is generally found hiking with his pointer Bravo or preparing a home-cooked meal for friends.

“If you truly understand how solar works it’s easy to see through the gimmicks. The opportunity for savings is very real when you have the correct information”