Residential Solar Power FAQs
What does PV mean in residential solar power terms?
5.2kW Goodyear, AZ
PV in the acronym for photovoltaics, the field of technology and research related to the application of residential solar power cells for energy by converting sun energy directly into electricity.
How much residential solar power do I need to power my home (or business)?
Each home or business is different. The amount of residential solar power electricity you use is dependent upon your lifestyle, how well the building was built and the number of appliances or equipment. Simply Solar of Arizona will help you determine the most appropriate system based on your specific needs.
Does excess residential solar power get stored?
In a grid-tie system, power does NOT get stored. The residential solar power produced by your PV system is either used immediately in the house, or it is “backfed” through the meter creating a credit. If back-up storage is desired, Simply Solar of Arizona can discuss battery banks or other storage equipment with you.
What happens if the PV modules are installed in the shade?
Photovoltaic (PV) modules should be installed in areas where they get significant, shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce output. Simply Solar of Arizona will minimize the impact of any shade issues through the selection of the proper equipment and good system design.
Does my residential solar power system produce at night?
PV systems do not generate power at night. Electricity required to power your home at night is provided by your local utility. Arizona’s utilities employ net metering rules, which is the ability to earn kilowatt-hour credit for electricity your PV system generates during the day. In theory, if there is excess power generated during the day, the excess can be “used” to power your home at night. In Arizona, net metering rules differ by utility, but in most cases, the residential solar power generated by your PV system will be completely used by your home due to our high, on-peak demand.
Do the panels need to face south?
South facing panels are preferred, but east or west facing panels can also generate large amounts of power. In Arizona, a west facing array can be quite effective during certain months in capturing the late afternoon sun. It is not uncommon to have a residential system that utilizes two inverters and have modules placed in multiple directions. In general, it is usually more space effective and attractive to install residential solar power panels in the same plane as the roof direction. Simply Solar tries to make the panel installation as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
How long will our system last?
The designed for residential solar power modules have a twenty-five year power-warranty from the manufacturer. Modules have an estimated power degradation rate of 1% per year over this twenty-five year period. Most manufacturers estimate module life to be much longer than the warranty period. Inverters have a ten year warranty. However, newer inverters are expected to last much longer. Fronius offers an extended fifteen year warranty at a little extra cost. The balance of the residential solar power system has a five year warranty against defective workmanship.
What happens in the event of a power failure?
Most of our systems are “grid-tie” systems and do not have batteries. Grid-tie systems do not generate residential solar power for the home when the utility power is out, even if it is sunny. The inverters are designed to shut down if AC/Utility power has been lost. If back-up power is desired, options for battery systems are available. Most of our customers are not bothered by an occasional lack of power and do not choose to purchase a battery system due to the increased cost.
How much space do I need?
One kilowatt of PV modules requires about 100 square feet of roof surface for a typical shingle or tile rooftop and about 200 square feet for flat roof applications. There are many solar module manufacturers to choose from with different sizes and efficiencies. Simply Solar of Arizona will design a system that fits your home, your needs and your budget.
What financing is available for my residential solar power system?
In addition to Arizona’s progressive utility rebates, Simply Solar of Arizona offers a variety of secured and unsecured credit plans up to $25,000. We also offer an extremely attractive “solar mortgage”, which is essentially a refinance of your existing mortgage that includes the added cost of going solar.
How much will a PV system pay back?
The length of time it will take to recapture your PV investment will depend on the technology you chose, total system size, orientation and future utility rate increases. You will break even when your cumulative utility savings equals the expenditures required to install your PV system. In addition, a PV system will add dramatic value to your home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000 in energy costs saved per year, approximately $20,000 can be added to your home’s value. Quite simply, solar energy can be one of the most effective and profitable home improvements you can make.
How much will a PV system cost?
The cost for every residential solar power system will vary with the technology you chose, total system size, roof type and configuration. Due to our relationships with suppliers and our streamlined installation practices, Simply Solar of Arizona can offer turn-key residential solar power PV systems from $5.50 to $7.00 per DC watt (STC). This price is calculated PRIOR to utility incentives and tax credits being considered. In most cases, Simply Solar of Arizona will reduce the installation price by the amount of the “up-front” utility rebate and in turn, require the utility rebate to be issued directly to Simply Solar of Arizona.
