Frequently Asked Questions

Solar photovoltaic panels (also know as solar PV) convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are most often mounted on the roof of your home, or on the ground, and are connected to the power grid.

Your solar system reduces the amount of electricity you need to purchase from your utility company by generating electricity during the day, when electricity is the most expensive to purchase. If you produce excess electricity – or more than you need for use in your home – the utility company will buy it back from you. This is why solar is one of the best ways to lower your monthly energy bill. And it’s a great hedge against rising energy costs over time.

Solar PV systems are very reliable. They have no moving parts, will withstand the power of the sun’s rays, and are designed to last up to 25 years.

The size of your system depends on two factors: 1) the size of your roof, and 2) how much money you want to slash from your electric bill. Our Solar Coach can help you determine what size system might be best for your home.

When beginning the process of selecting a solar electric system for your home, it is helpful to understand the basics of how your system works.

(Image of a home with PV solar system, with each underlined word below as a label)

A solar PV system is made up of a number of critical components:

Module – This is the system’s core piece, multiples of which make up an array. The module is the actual panel that goes on your roof. The direction that the module faces is dependent on the most reliable, unobstructed source of sunlight, and is the key to maximizing output. The best orientation is usually facing the south.

Solar Photovoltaic Cells – The module is made up of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are protected by glass and absorb the photons produced by the sun, turning them into electricity.

Inverter – The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the module to the more commonly used alternating current (AC) electricity.

Production Meter – After installation of the system, a production meter will be put on your house to measure the electrical output of your solar PV system.

There are a lot of things to consider when deciding if you want to “go solar.” One of the most common among these is considering what the addition of a solar system would do to the value of your house and surrounding property. Besides the obvious positive environmental benefits that come from a home solar PV system or solar thermal water heater, these systems can positively affect the resale value of any residential property.

Unlike many purchases that decline in value over time, your Solar PV system will increase in value over time. The appreciation comes from the annual savings the system will yield as electric rates and bill savings rise. Think about the cost of electricity in ten years. The cost of solar power will remain constant, and becomes a hedge against those rising costs. Once the system has paid for itself, the electricity it generates is FREE.

Independent research done by the Appraisal Institute and published in the Appraisal Journal concludes that if a solar PV system can reduce the electric bill by $2400 per year (that’s just $200/month), the home would be worth $48,000 more in increased appraised value.

Net Metering- The Arizona Corporation Commission adopted rules that say solar systems must be sized to meet all or part of a customer’s electric load (the system may not exceed 125% of the customer’s total connected load). When your solar PV system generates electricity in excess of how much is used, you will receive a credit on your next utility bill at the utility’s retail rate. What other home improvement can pay you back every month.

Choosing an installer is an important decision. Let our Solar Coach connect you with a reputable, certified installer so you can feel confident in a job well done.

We will recommend installers that have completed APS’s Qualified Solar Installer program. A QSI installer is properly licensed, is knowledgeable about the technology and installation processes, and knows APS’s policies and procedures, to ensure you get the rebates you deserve. QSI installers also come with positive customer satisfaction ratings.

For more information about Qualified Solar Installers, go to
aps.com/main/green/choice/solar/QSIList.html

Adding solar to your home is an important decision. You’re not only lowering your monthly electric bill, but you’re also helping your community and the environment.

Not ready for solar PV? Consider installing a solar water heater. It’s a less expensive investment – and a great way to go solar.

We want to help! We are a non-profit organization that exists solely to help you make smarter energy choices. No commissions. No sales. Just sensible, third-party advice. The best way to get started is to talk with our Solar Coach.