Considering solar power? Ask these questions! - ABC15 Arizona

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March 14 is National Solar Appreciation Day. It's a day to recognize the benefits of solar energy and talk about its use.

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Many Arizonans use the sun's energy to help offset electricity costs or because they want to go green. But, while there can be big benefits, there is also a lot of misinformation about solar that can leave consumers frustrated — the Let ABC15 Know team has seen it!

We spoke with Autumn Johnson, Executive Director of AriSEIA (Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association), about what consumers should consider and what questions to ask before installing residential solar.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Take your time to research. Treat solar installation as you would any other big purchase, like buying a car or a home. If someone knocks on your door, you do not need to sign a contract that day, week, or ever! Do your own homework about the company they are representing.
• Consumers will still have utility bills. If a company promises you will not have a utility bill after installing solar, that's a big red flag! Your utility bill will depend on many factors, including your usage, the size of your system, your utility provider, rate policy changes, which may or may not include additional fees, etc.
• When you use your solar energy matters. If the sun is not shining, your system is not producing power and, instead, you are drawing power from the grid. If you are running appliances and doing laundry at night when your system is not producing energy, then your usage will be more expensive. Johnson says that because of policy decisions, the power consumers buy from the grid costs two or three times more than the value of the solar on consumers' roof when they sell the excess to the grid.
• Don't assume tax credits apply to you. If you do not have any tax liability, you are not eligible for a tax credit. Do your own research and potentially ask a financial advisor about your specific situation. Do not rely on promises from a salesperson.

Here are questions to ask if you are considering installing solar:

• What's the expected cost of the system?
• When will I be expected to start making payments on the system?
• When can I expect to see a reduction in my energy bill?
• Who is my installer? Don't assume the company selling or financing the system is the same as the installer

Check out free consumer education resources on AriSEIA's website.

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With a solar energy system, you generate your own electricity at home, which means you don't need to buy as much--or possibly any--from your utility company. 

Some utilities even compensate you for any excess electricity your system produces and sends to the grid through a policy called net metering (more on this below). And, depending on where you live, you may even have access to other solar incentives such as local rebates and tax credits. Your exact savings with solar will depend on a few factors, including how much you pay for electricity, but it’s usually a wise financial investment for most homeowners.

Many homeowners install solar panels for environmental and health benefits. Solar panels are a clean power source, meaning they don’t produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide or methane when generating electricity. Solar also results in fewer air pollutants (like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter), which can cause health problems. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels keeps our air cleaner, slows the effects of climate change, and helps reduce disruption to wildlife habitats.

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility bill. (Review EnergySage's guide to reading your electric bill to find out exactly what to look for.) If your bill doesn’t show the rate, you can divide the total amount you owe by the total kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you used to find your effective cost per kWh.

In most cases, adding solar panels increases your property value. Multiple studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without—it can add as much as $24,000 to the resale value! However, your property value will only increase if you own your solar panels, not if you’re leasing them. For details, check out our guide to selling your house with solar.

If you connect your solar panel system to the grid, you might be able to benefit from net metering—one of the best solar incentives for home solar.  Your utility company essentially works like a bank account for all the energy your solar panels produce in a given month.

When the sun shines, your home first takes as much power as it needs from the solar panels. If the panels generate any excess energy, it gets sent back to the grid. In return, your utility gives you credits. When the sun isn’t shining and you need grid electricity to power your home, you won’t have to pay for it until those credits run out. 

Most home appliances don't run on DC electricity, so devices called inverters convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity. Once converted, the electricity flows into your home, powering everything from your lights to your fridge to your cell charger. If your panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess goes to the grid (which is where net metering comes in) or a battery, if you have one installed.

It depends. Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity. The more sunlight they get, the more power they generate. They’ll produce less energy when the sky is cloudy and won’t produce any energy after the sun sets. But with high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart choice even if you live in a cloudy state. For example, as of , the average solar homeowner in the State of Washington still saves more than $20,000 on electric bills over their system's 25-year lifespan.

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you're fully off the grid, you'll still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill—or even cut it down to $0—with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

Yes, it’s possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage. But truthfully, it's costly and unnecessary for most homeowners, especially those who live in more urban areas. 

The majority of homeowners who install solar panels on their property are still connected to the grid. This allows you to draw power from the grid when your system is not producing all the power you need and, if you have access to net metering, earn credits for the power you send to the grid when your panels are overproducing.

No. If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off during a blackout to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. If you want to keep your lights on during power outages, you’ll need to pair your solar panel system with a solar battery.

Solar panel maintenance costs homeowners roughly $30 per kilowatt (kW) installed per year—about $330 per year for the average 11 kW system—according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Library (NREL). But, most solar panel owners will pay much less. This $30 per kW figure includes operations beyond routine maintenance, including insurance, asset management and security, and equipment replacement costs. 

Truthfully, solar panel systems generally require little to no maintenance over their 25-to-35-year lifetime. Solar panels include durable tempered glass that can withstand most weather conditions and only require infrequent cleaning. If there’s a technical or mechanical issue, most equipment manufacturers include warranties that vary from 10 to 40 years, although terms depend on the company.

Solar panels usually still generate some electricity on snowy days. If there's snow sitting on your solar panels, it will significantly reduce their production. But, since most panels are tilted at an angle, snow tends to slide right off (and as a bonus, cleans your panels in the process), meaning the accumulation rarely lasts. Snow generally isn't heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels. Still, you might want to consider snow guards to prevent sliding snow from potentially injuring you or your family members.

The cost of installing solar panels is about $30,000 before any incentives or rebates, but most homeowners pay less. The average U.S. solar shopper needs about 11 kilowatts (kW) of home solar to cover their electricity usage. Based on thousands of quotes in the EnergySage Marketplace, you'll pay about $20,948 to install a system around that size in after federal tax credits.

Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live, who your utility provider is, and other criteria unique to your situation. The most significant solar incentive is available to homeowners nationwide—it’s the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities offer other incentives, like cash rebates.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Latest Solar Energy News.

It depends on your reason for going solar. If you're interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying your solar panel system is the best choice, either with cash or a loan. If you prioritize a low upfront-cost, maintenance-free way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, you may want to consider a PPA. 

We typically don’t recommend solar leases because they often lead to the lowest savings. And, with either a lease or a PPA, you won't be able to take advantage of financial incentives. But truly, it’s a personal choice that depends on your specific circumstances. If you're considering a solar lease or a PPA, do your research and read the agreement carefully before signing.

The main difference between secured and unsecured solar loans is that secured solar loans require that you promise an asset, usually your home, as collateral for the money you borrow. Unsecured solar loans don't require an asset, but their interest rates are generally higher to make up for the increased risk taken on by the lender. To understand which financing option is best, you can evaluate offers for secured and unsecured loans on EnergySage.

A lot of different institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, specialty financing companies, manufacturers, and credit unions. To choose the best solar loan, we recommend comparing options from a few financing providers. Look for ones with low upfront fees, even if that means higher interest rates—it will lead to better long-term savings, especially if you end up paying off your loan early (which most homeowners do).

If you can afford to pay your electric bill, you can afford to go solar. There are $0-down solar financing options, including both solar loans and solar leases/PPAs, that make it easy for homeowners to start saving on their electricity bills right from the start. Some financing options require certain credit scores, but shopping around will help you find one that works for you. 

The ideal size of your solar energy system depends on your electricity usage and how much sun your roof gets, among other things. Look at your past electric bills and compare offers from licensed, pre-screened solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs. And, if you're considering future electrical upgrades, like heat pumps, an induction cooktop, or an EV charger, make sure to tell your installer so they can size your system to meet your future needs.

For maximum output, you'll want a roof that's roughly south-facing, has minimal shading, and is tilted between 15 and 40 degrees. But even if your roof doesn't have an ideal layout, solar is often still worth it. East or west-facing systems will produce plenty of power. And, you can always add racking equipment to change the angle of your solar panels relative to your roof.

It depends. Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years. If you need to replace your roof within that time frame, removing and reinstalling your solar panels won't be cheap. So if you know your roof needs maintenance soon, we recommend getting it done before going solar.

Solar panel systems are built to last. Typically, they'll generate electricity for 25 to 35 years. Various components will need to be replaced at different times; for example, inverters generally last between 10 and 25 years. The solar panels themselves are very durable, capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail, and are usually protected under warranties between 10 and 40 years.

If you own your solar energy system, your house will likely sell at a premium, possibly as much as $24,000 more. But if you lease solar panels and want to sell your home, it's a different story: You'll either need to buy out your lease before you put your house on the market, or work with your leasing company to transfer it to the new homeowner. For more information, check out this guide: Five questions to ask your real estate agent before selling your home with solar panels.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a solar installer. First, confirm that they are certified, licensed, insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. All EnergySage-approved installers are pre-screened to ensure that they meet these high-quality standards. 

Then, research what the company has to offer—do they install high-quality equipment? How do their warranties compare to others? Do they perform their installations in-house or hire contractors? Finally, it’s a good idea to meet with your solar installer in person before signing an agreement to ensure you're comfortable working with them.

If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, it can be hard to pick one. Not all solar installers use the same assumptions and metrics when providing homeowners with equipment and financing options. And the lowest quote isn’t always the best value. 

We make it easy to compare quotes side-by-side so you understand the cost and benefits of each one. If you already have some quotes, upload them to EnergySage! You can compare them to quotes you receive in the Marketplace.

On a technical level, there are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline (most efficient), polycrystalline (more budget-friendly), and thin-film (versatile, good for RVs or tiny homes). Within those three types, there are dozens of manufacturers. We rate the equipment that's quoted in our Marketplace (solar panels, inverters, and batteries) so you can easily compare it side-by-side. These are the top solar panel brands we recommend.

There are three types of inverters: string/central inverters, microinverters, and optimized inverters. Inverters convert your panels' electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) electricity. In general, microinverters and optimized inverters are best for shady roofs but tend to cost more. If you have a pretty simple roof with minimal shading, you'll save a lot by choosing a string inverter. Here's our list of the best inverters. 

After you compare quotes and find your desired solar installer on EnergySage, your installer will conduct a site visit to assess your property. Once you accept a quote on EnergySage, your installer will file the paperwork necessary to approve your system. The solar panel system installation usually only takes a few days to complete, but the entire installation process—from site assessment to commissioning—can take anywhere from two to six months due to scheduling constraints around permitting, installation, inspections, utility interconnection, and more.

If you want detailed information about how much energy your solar panel system produces, then yes, you should ask your installer about solar monitoring system options. In many cases, solar lease agreements will include free programs to track your system's performance. You may need to pay for one separately if you own your system.

No, as long as you're connected to the grid, your solar panel system doesn't necessarily need a battery. Your excess power will flow back to the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels generate.

If you want backup power during outages, you will need a battery. And, if you don't have access to one-to-one net metering, batteries can significantly increase your savings with solar, making them very worthwhile.

When you subscribe to a community solar project, you receive a portion of the energy generated by a large solar panel system located in your area. Unlike a home solar panel system, a community solar project isn't installed on your roof. Community solar and rooftop solar both result in net savings on your electricity bill, but each offers distinct benefits. Compare rooftop vs. community solar to see which is right for you.

There are two models of community solar: ownership-based and subscription-based. Ownership allows you to make an up-front investment to save money in the future, while subscription-based programs offer savings over a set period. When comparing community solar offers, you’ll find different types of structures within these tiers—it all varies depending on where you live. Before selecting a project, consider its location and how soon it will begin delivering savings.

If you move within the same service area, you may be able to keep your share of the community solar project. If you move outside the service area, you could sell your share (if you own it), transfer your subscription to another account, or potentially pay an early cancellation fee (if you have a subscription-based model). Community solar cancellation terms vary by project and provider, so be sure to ask before you sign up.

When you purchase bill credits from your community solar provider, you get them at a 5-20% discount, depending on your initial contract. If your community solar subscription includes a 10% discount on bill credits, you'll receive $1 towards your utility bill charges for every 90 cents you pay your community solar provider, which means you pocket 10 cents of savings. 

While 10 cents doesn't seem like much, over the hundreds or thousands you spend on electric bills each year, 90 cents for every dollar leads to decent savings. If you currently spend $200 every month on electricity, you could save $20 every bill, or $240 every year with community solar.

By signing up for a community solar project, you'll receive virtual net metering credits on your electric bill. Each credit is equal to one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. Let’s say, for example, you use 1,000 kWh at home in one month, and your community solar share produces 800 kWh. The 800 kWh in credits from your share are applied to your electric bill, so your utility bills you only for the remaining 200 kWh. You pay your community solar provider directly for the cost of your share or subscription.

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