Residential Solar & Battery FAQ

• Why should I go solar?

  Switching to solar energy offers many advantages, such as saving a significant amount on your electricity bills, reducing your carbon footprint, boosting your home's value, and generally becoming more energy independent. Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable power source that helps protect the environment by reducing homeowner's reliance the grid, which is made up largely of non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. Furthermore, various incentives and rebates can make the upfront investment in solar more affordable.

• How do solar panels work?

  Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. Each panel is made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which most home appliances use. This clean, renewable energy can power your home, and any excess energy can be stored in batteries or sent back to the grid - usually for small credit on your electric bill.

• What is the payback period for solar panels?

  The payback period for solar panels varies based on several factors, including system cost, energy consumption, and available incentives. Typically, homeowners in Arizona can expect a payback period of 7-12 years. Factors like the efficiency of the installed system, local utility rates, finance vs. cash purchase, and any state or federal incentives can significantly impact this timeframe. A reputable solar sales consultant will be able to show you exactly how quickly a system will be paid back based on the variables that are specific to your home and location. Don't be afraid to ask. The math is easy to show.

• 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.

• 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 components 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.

• 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 achieve around-the-clock grid independence regardless of weather. Evaluating your energy requirements is vital to design a system that aligns with your goals.