Residential Solar FAQ

Helpful Answers to the Most Common Home Solar Questions

Solar is full of acronyms and more technical jargon than an entire season of Star Trek. But we're here to help. We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Sun Valley Solar Solutions. If your question isn't on the list, just give us a call at 480-689-5000 or click here and use our Contact Us form to submit your query directly.

• How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

  To determine your electricity costs, check your latest electricity bill from your utility company. The bill will outline your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage in the previous billing cycle (usually 30 days) and the rate charged per kWh used. Additionally, many utility companies provide online platforms where you can monitor your energy usage and expenses over time. You can even go back and explore how your energy consumption has changed over time, and by season. Should you require assistance interpreting your bill, Sun Valley Solar Solutions can help you understand your current energy expenses and the potential impact of solar energy.

• How does solar impact my property values?

  Solar panels can help reduce electricity costs and benefit the environment. And when you're ready to sell your home, a new buyer will inherit those amazing savings benefits. In this way installing solar panels can dramatically increase in the home's overall value. Several factors, including the property's location, energy savings, and the appeal of solar energy to potential buyers, can influence the extent of this value increase.

• Can solar panels work during power outages?

  Solar panels do not work during power outages because they are usually connected to the grid. When the power goes out, grid-tied systems shut down to avoid feeding electricity back into the grid, which can be hazardous for utility workers who might be working nearby to repair damaged system. However, a solar battery backup system can supply power during an outage by storing any extra energy generated by your solar panels.

• How do I choose a solar installer?

  When selecting a solar installer, research their experience, reputation, and the quality of their previous projects. Look for certifications, read customer reviews, and ask for references. It's also important to check if they have industry affiliations and offer comprehensive services from design through maintenance. For example, Sun Valley Solar provides customized solutions and extensive experience, ensuring a high-quality installation that meets your needs. Here are some great public resources that can help guide your selection decision.
  Is the solar installer licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors?
  Is the solar installer an SRP Preferred Installer?
  Is the solar installer an APS Qualified Technology Installer?
  Is the solar installer certified by the National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)?
  Does the installer have a dedicated service department or is that outsourced?
  Does the installer offer a workmanship warranty?
  How long has the company been in business? If they're only a few years old, they will have less experience, fewer certifications, and are much more likely to disappear before your warranty has expired.
  

• Can I go off-grid with solar panels?

  Yes, going off-grid with solar panels is possible, but most people find it cost prehibative. Off-grid systems require many more conponents and redundant energy sources Typically this includes enough solar panels to facilitate a fully off-grid home, ample battery storage, and possibly even a backup generator. Going off-grid means that your system must be able to produce and store enough total energy to meet 100% of your needs without depending on the utility grid.

• Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

  To determine if your roof is suitable for solar panels, consider factors such as roof orientation, tilt, shading, and structural integrity. An ideal roof has a south-facing orientation, minimal shade, and a suitable pitch to maximize sunlight exposure. Structural integrity is crucial to support the additional weight of the solar panels, and the roof must be new enought to NOT require replacement during the life of the solar energy systems. Sun Valley Solar conducts thorough assessments to ensure your roof can accommodate an efficient solar panel system.

• What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

  Solar energy provides substantial environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. It helps lower businesses' carbon footprints and assists in combating climate change. Solar energy promotes sustainable practices and environmental stewardship by utilizing a clean and renewable energy source in place of grid energy, which is often generated by dirty, non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.

• What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

  Solar energy offers financial benefits such as reduced electricity bills, state and federal tax incentives, and increased property value. In Arizona, homeowners can leverage a state tax credit of up to $1,000 and are exempt from sales tax on solar system purchases. Moreover, the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) can cover up to 30% of installation costs. Combining solar panels with a home batteriy can further maximize savings, while ensuring uninterrupted power when grid outages occur.

• Do solar panels work in a blackout?

  Solar panels will not power your home during a blackout unless equipped with a battery backup system. Conventional solar panel setups are linked to the grid and designed to shut off automatically during power outages. This is a saftey mandate by the local electical authories to prevent residential solar system from sending power back into the grid and endangering the lives of repair workers. However, a battery storage system will will continue to store solar energy that can be accessed during a blackout, regardless of grid operation.

• What are my solar financing options?

  Sun Valley Solar Solutions provides various financing options to make solar energy more accessible and affordable. You can select from solar loans, allowing you to own your system and pay it off over time with little to no upfront cost. There are also solar leases, where you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the system installed on your property, but you will not own it. Additionally, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) enable you to pay for the power generated by the system at a lower rate than your utility's rates. Currently PPA's are only viable in Arizona for 501c3 nonprofit organizations.

• Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?

  Consider your financial goals and personal preferences when deciding whether to buy or lease a solar panel system. Buying a system with cash or a solar loan generally provdes the best savings and fastest ROI while allowing you to benefit from state and federal tax credits. On the other hand, leasing a system generally requires little to no upfront investment and a reduced monthly bill from day one (if properly designed). But with a lease, the homewner cannot take advantage of any tax credits and leases are much more complicated to transfer to a new owner if and when the home is sold.

• What are the different types of solar panels?

  There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are made from a single crystal structure, offering high efficiency and a sleek appearance. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple crystal structures, providing a cost-effective and efficient option. Thin-film panels are lightweight and flexible, suitable for various applications but typically less efficient than crystalline panels.

• What are the different types of power inverters?

  Power inverters are crucial for converting the direct current (DC) solar panels generated into the alternating current (AC) home appliances used. Three main types are string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. String inverters are the most common and are used for whole-system conversion. Microinverters are installed on each panel, providing individual optimization and monitoring. Power optimizers are used with string inverters to enhance performance and provide panel-level monitoring.

• What happens during the solar power installation process?

  Installing solar power begins with a site assessment and design phase, during which your property is evaluated and a custom system is designed. Once the design is finalized, the necessary permits are obtained. Next, the installation team mounts the panels and installs the inverters and other equipment. Following installation, the system undergoes inspections by local authorites and is connected to the grid. Finally, the system is activated - usually by the power utility. Once this is done you are generating solar power for your home.

• Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?

  Monitoring your solar system is essential because it lets you track how well your solar panels ae producing. With real-time energy production data, you can ensure your system is running at its best. Plus, it can notify you of any problems so you can maintain your system and get the most out of your investment in solar energy.

• Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

  Installing solar batteries with your solar power system is unnecessary but can provide significant benefits that are not available from solar panels alone. Batteries store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during power outages, enhancing energy independence and resilience. They can also help you save more by using stored solar energy to further offset more expensive on-peak energy rates. The decision to install batteries depends on your energy usage patterns, financial goals, and desire for energy independence.

• Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

  Yes, the system will still produce electricity on cloudy days, but the amount generated will depend on how thick and long-lasting the cloud cover is. The system will not have enough light to convert into electricity at night, so your house will rely solely on grid energy during nighttime hours unless a solar battery is part of the system.

• How do I know how many solar panels I need?

  To determine how many solar panels you need, start by examining your electricity usage, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The number of panels you'll require depends on your energy needs, panel efficiency, and the sunlight your location gets. A professional solar installer can conduct a thorough analysis for an accurate estimate.

• Do solar panels work at night?

  Solar panels do not work at night because they require sunlight to generate electricity. However, solar systems often include battery storage or are connected to the grid, allowing you to use stored solar electricity or grid electricity at night.

• Can my HOA prevent me from installing solar panels?

  Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) may have rules and guidelines regarding the appearance and placement of solar panels. However, some laws protect your right to install them in many states.
  
  According to Arizona statute §33-1816, established in 2007, a homeowner's association must permit a solar installation.
  
  When concerns arise, Sun Valley Solar Solutions makes every effort to minimize the visibility of our solar arrays and design the most efficient solutions possible. We've been installing solar in Arizona since 2006, so we have direct relationships with most HOA's, unlike national brands. We typicallky know exactly who to call if an HOA issue arises.

• Do solar panels require maintanance?

  Yes, solar panels require regular cleaning to remove dust and debris to operate efficiently. Professional inspections can help identify and address potential issues for optimal performance and longevity.

• If I wait, won't the cost of solar go down?

  Many homeowners are held back from investing in solar energy due to a common myth about the cost and efficiency of solar panels. Although there was a reduction in panel pricing in the first few years after the technology became widely used, pricing has remained mostly stable since 2012. Engineers have also significantly improved the efficiency of modern solar cells, and future advancements are expected to be primarily incremental. However, considering only pricing and efficiency is insufficient to make an informed decision. Federal tax incentives for solar energy will decrease in the future, and local utilities are dramatically decreasing or eliminating their solar incentiver every year. Therefore, it's essential to consider how much money may be lost by waiting for small changes in efficiency and price. If you have been considering getting solar panels, now is really the bes time if you want to take full advantage of current incentive programs and utility buyback rates. Plus it just makes sense to turn Arizona's most abundant natural resource into actual savings today. Electricity will not get any cheaper if you wait.

• Are solar panels free?

  Free solar panels is a typical marketing ploy used to generate leads. Solar panels are NOT provided for free. However, various financing options, incentives, and tax credits can significantly reduce the upfront costs, making solar energy more affordable for homeowners. More ofthen when you hear "Free" it's simply a lease or financing package that has a zero-down option that looks a lot like free installation. You'll still be paying for these solar panels on a monthly playment schedule.

• Does the government pay for solar panels in Arizona?

  The government does not pay for solar panels outright, but significant tax incentives are available. Arizona has a state tax credit of up to $1,000 and no sales tax on solar energy systems. Additionally, a 30% federal tax credit can help offset the installation costs. The tax credit simply reduces the amount you own to the government at the end of the year equal to 30% of the solar purchase price.

• Can I go off-grid with a solar battery?

  Pairing your solar panels with a solar battery gets you much closer to off-grid than solar panels will alone. Solar batteries store excess solar energy produced during the day for use at night, or during power outages. This configuration provides continuous power supply and much greater grid independence. Full off-grid systems generally require many more conponents and redundant energy sources, including enough solar panels to facilitate a fully off-grid home, ample battery storage (usually several batteries), and possibly even a backup generator. Going off-grid means that your system must be able to produce and store enough total energy to meet 100% of your needs regardless of cloud cover and exterior temperatures.

• I have a solar lease, what happens if I sell my home?

  If you have a solar lease and decide to sell your home, you can transfer the lease to the new homeowner. This process usually requires the new homeowner to first qualify for the lease through an applicaiton process, and then they must accept the terms and conditions of the existing lease. It's essential to inform potential buyers about the solar lease and to collaborate with the leasing company to ensure a seamless transition.

• Do solar panels have to be cleaned?

  We suggest cleaning your panels yearly to keep them free of dust and debris and ensure they operate efficiently. More frequent cleanings may be necessary in case of a major dust storm. It's also crucial to check for bird infestations in the shaded areas under the panels, as birds nesting there can affect water shedding and potentially damage the roof underlayment.

• Do trees or shade impact solar panel performance?

  The presence of trees or shade can significantly impact the performance of solar panels. Shading decreases the amount of sunlight reaching the panels, reducing their efficiency and overall energy production. It is crucial to assess potential shading issues during the planning stage and, if feasible, to trim or remove trees that cause significant shading.

• What is Net Metering?

  The electricity produced by your solar system is monitored by a dedicated solar meter, which is different slightly from the utility company's electric meter on your home. When your solar system produces more electricity than you use, the solar meter will spin backward as you feed any excess solar electricty back into the grid.
  
  Net metering is a process by which you will receive a credit from the utility for every kilowatt hour of excess power you produce and send back to the grid. Up intil recently, these credits were typically valued the same as what you would pay the utility - hencde the "Net" in Net Metering. In recent years, most utilities have started ramping their buyback rates down so that many are now far less than the retail value for the same energy. Since different utilities have different net metering policies, fiscal periods, and payback plans, it's best to consult a reputable solar integrators that is well-versed in local rate plans, grandftathering periods, and ramp-down schedules.

• Can I charge my car with solar panels?

  Yes, it is possible to charge your electric car using solar panels. Setting up a solar power system at your home can produce clean, renewable energy to power your electric vehicle (EV). This lessens your dependence on grid electricity and notably reduces your carbon footprint. To do this effectively, you must ensure your solar panel system is sized appropriately to meet the extra energy requirements of charging your car.

• Do I need to buy insurance for my solar panels?

  The need for insurance depends on whether you lease or purchase your system. If you lease, insurance is included. You must add the system to your homeowner's insurance policy if you purchase. Generally, any premium increase is intended to cover the increased home value because you've added the system, not because the system is considered a liability.

• Will a solar battery run my whole house?

  A solar battery has the potential to supply power to your entire house, although the duration depends on the battery's capacity and your household's energy consumption. Solar batteries are designed to store surplus energy generated by your solar panels during the day, to be used during the night, or in the event of power outages. However, to power your entire house, particularly during high energy usage periods like summer when your AC has massive power demands, you may require multiple batteries to acheive around-the-clock grid independance regardless of weather. Evaluating your energy requirements is vital to design a system that aligns with your goals.

• Can I run my AC with a solar battery?

  Yes, powering an AC system with a battery is possible. The size or number of batteries needed is depends on the size of your AC, home, outside temperature, and how cool you like to live.