What to Consider When Adding Solar to Your Arizona Home

Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
Kyle Ritland, Marketing and Customer Experience
February 11, 2016
3 min read

A solar energy system can be a great way to reduce your energy costs and environmental footprint and increase the value of your home. If you are looking to add solar to your Arizona home, here are four things you should consider:

1. You Don’t Always Need a South-Facing Roof: A south facing roof generally results in maximum sunlight capture. However, you must also consider personal energy usage when considering where to aim your panels. For example, a family that draws the most energy in the afternoon may want to face their panels west to maximize solar energy generation at that time of day. A good solar integrator will always start by examining your energy history to design a system specifically for your family. 

 

2. Take Advantage of Federal and State Incentives: Federal and state incentives are available to any homeowner who purchases a solar energy system. When you purchase and install a solar electric system on your home, one of the biggest incentives you can receive is through the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), where you can take a tax credit off your personal income tax return for 30% of the solar system cost (with no cap). This can be taken all in one year or over five years. At the state level, in Arizona, there is no sales tax charged, and you can receive a state income tax credit of up to $1,000 for a solar purchase. If you’ve been considering solar, act now before these incentives expire.



3. Consider Your Future Energy Needs: It is important to consider any future changes to your energy needs before installing your solar energy system and planning to buy an electric car. If so, your energy requirements will certainly go up. If you have children moving out, on the other hand, then your energy needs will likely decrease. Our solar experts can help determine your home’s energy needs now and down the road.



4. Solar Panel Impact On Your Roof: Many homeowners worry that solar panels will damage their roofs. However, in many instances, solar panels extend your roof's life. Laying solar panels over your roof shingles can help protect your roof and offer extra shade, which is important when dealing with Arizona’s blistering sun. Learn more about our installation process and how we make sure your solar panels won’t harm your roof.


If you’re interested in learning more about what to consider when adding solar to your home, you can download our free solar whitepaper. 

And don't forget, if you’re an APS customer, now is the time to lock in today's better rates for the next 20 years before the upcoming ACC vote changes everything! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly!

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”