What happens if I run my electric meter backwards and don't tell my utility?

Sooner or later the utility will figure this out, and you will get a terse letter (or worse) from them. This is one of the reasons behind the general switchover to the new “smart” meters. Also, on some of the older meters, backfed power is measured as usage and you could get billed for the power you produce in addition to the power you use. The third reason, and the one the utilities really get hot about, is the chance you could electrocute a lineman working in your neighborhood during an outage. With modern inverters, this is not possible, as a grid-tied inverter can’t operate without a grid waveform to follow, but the utilities and OSHA don’t want to take that chance.

Is 3% or 4% or 5% a reasonable projection for electric rate escalation?

One of the uncertainties in making a decision to go solar is figuring how long it will take to pay for itself – and a factor in that is the cost increases you can expect from your utility. One of the advantages to producing your own electric power is that you “lock in” your cost of power and are immune from the utility cost increases. With our banks ever printing more money, you know inflation will raise utility rates sooner or later. Plus with the costs of conventional power generation certain to rise, higher utility rates are baked in the cake. Where is our future energy going to come from? No nuclear plants are being built. Hydroelectric dams are maxed out. Coal industry is facing stiff new environmental regulations. All the cheap oil and gas reserves are history. Sunshine is on your doorstep, and it’s more affordable than ever to convert into electricity.

Will that tree to the south of my roof shade the system and reduce its output?

Yes, it very well can. Here in the sunbelt, we love our shade trees – and many homes (like mine) are unsuitable for solar because of all the shade. But there are alternatives. I just had to build a nice big shop building to have a place for my solar array! How would you like a solar carport? (I mean “solar support structure.”) There is also new solar technology that mitigates the effects of shade, so have your local solar pro come out and explain the different possibilities.

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

We don’t recommend worrying about cleaning your roof mounted solar panels. If they are mounted at a tilt of 15 degrees minimum, the rain will do a good job of cleaning them. The little gain you would get from cleaning them all the time is far outweighed by the effort and danger of getting on your roof to do it. If your solar array is ground mounted, then it will tend to get dirtier. And also hitting it with a hose from time to time is much easier – so go ahead. (Solar panels are “dishwasher safe.”

Is there a catch with a 'no money down' deal?

One of the things that makes grid-tied solar so affordable is the 26% Federal tax credit. However, many people can’t make use of it because they do not have enough tax liability – so large financial companies have stepped in with no-money down leases, which transfer the tax advantages of solar to them and provide the homeowner with attractive monthly payments. There is a catch, though – while you are avoiding the probably rising utility payments, you are committing to 20 years of payments on the lease. If and when you want to sell your home, that lease (while very transferable) can become a hindrance to the sale. And besides, the investment value of a simple cash purchase of the solar system greatly exceeds that of a no-money down deal.

I had a little roof leak last year. Is it OK to put solar panels on my roof?

Roof leaks can be disastrous. Do not install solar on your roof if it is in bad shape. Removing and replacing a solar array costs about $75 per PV panel, so it will really add to the cost of doing roofing. If your roof has less than 10 years of life left, either re-roof the area where the solar is going, or wait till the roof is at the end of its life.

What is an off-grid solar system?

Off-grid systems are the traditional type of solar system and operate separate from the grid. The system has to be big enough to drive the entire load of the home as well as store the power for the periods without sunshine. This means larger power converters (called inverters) and a large bank of batteries. Off-grid systems can easily cost twice what an on-grid system does, while being less efficient and needing regular battery maintenance. Generally, only homes located well outside the service area of utilities are candidates for an off-grid system. However, because land that is not served by a utility is considerably less expensive, it can make a lot of sense to spend those savings on an off-grid solar setup and never pay utility bills again (you will be buying replacement batteries every few years, though).

What types of on-grid technologies are there?

TYPES OF ON-GRID TECHNOLOGIES: STRING INVERTERS (Sunny Boy, ABB, Fronius, Schneider, etc.) MICRO-INVERTERS (Enphase) DISTRIBUTED INVERTERS (SolarEdge) What is an on-grid STRING INVERTER? The most common way to convert the solar array power (high-voltage DC) to house power (240Vac) is with a string inverter, so-called because the solar PV panels are wired together in a series string so that their voltage adds together to be higher than the AC voltage that the inverter is converting to. This is one of the main reasons why solar systems have become so much more efficient. But because all the PV panels are in series, they need to be the same size, oriented the same direction and shade-free. In general, they all work together and are only as powerful as their 'weakest link.' Avoiding shade is the best solution. Shade on one panel bottlenecks the rest of the 'string' and the losses are compounded. String inverters are typically still the most cost-effective and reliable way to harvest sunshine. These inverters usually come with a 10 year warranty (which can be extended to 20 years) and have the best reliability track records in the industry. What is a on-grid MICRO-INVERTER? Micro-inverters have come into the solar field and have captured a growing segment of the market. The concept is to have an individual small inverter for each solar PV panel. This has the advantage of maximizing the power generated by each panel as it is not affected by its neighboring panels as in a string system. The panels do not have to be matched or the same orientation and shade on one does not affect the others. They’re a good solution for shady Arizona roofs – however, it means installing these sophisticated electronic modules under the solar array where temperatures can skyrocket! While these inverters typically carry 25 year warranties (to give you the confidence to buy them), chances are these will actually need to be replaced one by one long before that time on your roof. Some panel manufacturers are even integrating them right into the panel which puts the normally ultra-reliable PV panel at risk of needing replacement when the micro-inverter fails. These inverters cost more to buy and more to install, but have the nice feature of being connected to the internet and you can monitor your solar production on each panel. They also have a nice safety advantage in that when the system is shut off – say in event of a fire – the array is shut down as well. What is an on-grid DISTRIBUTED INVERTER? In between the string and micro-inverters is a technology where you have a bit of both. There are really two steps performed by an inverter. First, it manages the solar power from the array, optimizing it for the best voltage and current. Second, it converts (or inverts) the DC power to AC (alternating current) and manages the interconnection with the grid. The SolarEdge inverter system mounts a minimum of electronics with each panel to perform Step 1 and then sends all their combined power to a single wall mounted box down below to perform Step 2. This provides all the advantages of the micro-inverter system with somewhat less risk of failures up on the roof.

What is a Flush Mounting System?

For pitched roofs greater than 15° (3/12 pitch), it is very nice to just mount the solar array directly onto the roof. A typical 18° (4/12 pitch) roof is almost the universal pitch used here but will only lose 3.5% productivity over the optimum 25° pitch. A panel tilted less than 15° will not self-clean in the rain and is not recommended. A flush mounted array uses mounting brackets fastened through the roof into the framing structure in order to meet the wind loading requirements of the building code. Aluminum rails are then fastened to these brackets with the solar panels clamped down with special devices that electrically tie the whole array together for grounding protection. The array typically sets off the roof surface by 4 or 5 inches, which is important to allow cooling air under the array. These flush mounted arrays can typically be seen from the ground and it is nice to use a mounting system that doesn’t stick out on the ends. The best looking arrays are a simple rectangular shape with no sign of the mounting system underneath. The wiring should be secured up under the array, out of harm’s way. Screening systems are available when pigeons or squirrels are a problem. Unfortunately, very few roofs were designed with solar in mind, and there are often obstructions in the way of vents, skylights and equipment preventing a nice clean rectangle. Your installer should be an expert at finding the most aesthetic way to get the most solar panels on your roof, even if it means re-plumbing a vent or two. Of course, it doesn’t make sense to install solar on a shingle roof that is nearing the end of its life. Our policy is to not put solar on roofs with less than 5 years of life and to require a signed waiver for roofs with less than 10 years of remaining life.

What is a Tilt Rack mounting system?

For roofs with less than a 15° pitch (like the many Santa Fe style flat roofs here in the Verde Valley), tilt racks are needed to get the PV panels facing into the sunshine better. Legs are added to rear mounting rails to produce about 20° tilt, lifting the top of the panels to about 24 inches off the roof. This can be very unsightly especially from the rear, but most flat roofs have a parapet surrounding them that very effectively hides the array. Also because of this tilt, the rows in the solar array must be spread out (at least 4 ft gap between) to prevent them shading each other. The tilt can be lowered to 15° to be less visible at a production loss of about 6%. Roof penetrations become critical with flat roofs and extra flashings and professional roofers may well be needed depending on the type of roof coating involved.

What is a Tile Mount system?

For either flat tile or S-tile roofs, a special bracket is used beneath thetile to shift the mounting point from where there roof’s framing lies to a point under the center or high spot of the tile. A hole is drilled through the tile at this point so that water will drain away from the penetration. Tile mounts are a time consuming process and cost accordingly more, but of course last much longer as well. Another option is to remove the tile completely from the area under the array, put down a composite roof so that the solar array sets recessed into the tile roof and looks very nice as a result. On new construction, this saves the cost of tile in this area.

What is a Standing Seam Steel mounting system?

Standing seam steel roofs are some of the best for installing solar. A special clamp block attached to the seams holds onto the solar panels and no penetrations are needed, making for a very secure, waterproof roof that lasts virtually forever. Because the array is just attached to the steel roofing, we have to ensure that enough nails were used in the mounting the roofing to handle the wind loading of the array. Leasing companies will not finance solar systems for certain types of roofs like this as well as corrugated (tin) roofs, mobile home roofs, or foam roofs.

What is a Ground Mount system?

We recommend roof mounted solar arrays wherever possible, as they are safer and less expensive than ground mounts; however, ground mounted arrays can certainly be done. Roof mounted panels generally stay cleaner from all the dust and debris that blows around at ground level, but on the other hand, ground mounted arrays are convenient to wash off by hand, whereas we do not recommend cleaning roof mounted arrays at all. Leasing companies will not finance ground mounted systems. Ground mounted systems typically entail substantial foundations to handle the large wind loads caused by these solar “wings” as well as need trenching to connect into the electrical service panel.

What is an Electrical Equipment Mounting system?

A word about mounting the electrical equipment. All of the Verde Valley is in APS territory. Not all utilities require it, but APS requires a dedicated safety disconnect in the solar system to ensure the system can’t energize the power lines during outages when linemen might be working on them. (This is not possible due to the inherent nature of inverters to shut off when there is no grid to synchronize to, but it’s an OSHA rule…). APS also requires a dedicated power meter just for the solar so APS can keep up with their reporting requirements to the RES (Renewable Energy Standard) set by the AZ Corp. Commission. These electrical boxes are to be located near the regular Service Entrance (breaker box) so APS can find them 24/7 when needed in an outage or by a meter reader. When you have solar, you have to grant APS access to this location at any time, and it can’t be enclosed by a fence and can’t be accessible by your dog. Sometimes it takes rearranging your fences and gates, sometimes we have to run the solar power out to an accessible location and then back to the service, sometimes we can get approval from APS to locate the equipment somewhere else on the property, but then identify it with a permanent map at the service. The electrical service has to be 5 times larger than solar system’s output to meet the backfeed rule in the electrical code. This means for a typical 200A service, 40 amps is the max which equates to a 7700 watt inverter. This makes the largest array size for a typical home to be no larger than 9kW. To go higher than this means either upgrading the service to 400 amps (cost ~$1500), downgrading the main breaker to 175 amps (if possible), or doing what is called a line side tap (very few manufacturers allow this in a residential service). If putting solar on a home under construction, please use the new type of electrical panel that is 'solar ready.' 100 amp panels are limited to a 3.8kW inverter (4.5kW array). It is very common to have to upgrade these small panels, which many homeowners want to do anyway, and by making it part of the solar install it can be eligible for the solar tax credit as well. The inverter does not have to be located next to the electric service panel, although this is commonly done. They are made to be located outdoor or indoors – our only rule is to not locate them in the direct summer sun. The inverter is a hard-working expensive piece of electrical gear, and it is worth it to baby them a bit. Inside the garage is common, although anytime they are located indoors, the inspection process can be hampered because inspectors generally will not go into an occupied home without an escort. Inverters have a nice display with lots of info on how well the system is performing, and it is nice to locate the inverter in a convenient spot where you can check on it as you get out of the car every day, for example. Most inverters have built in capability for hooking up to the internet, and you can monitor them that way. When solar systems are financed through leases, they always include remote monitoring to ensure the system is working properly because they generally include a performance guarantee which pays you if the system is performing poorly.

What financing options are available?

There are three ways you can finance a solar system – each with its advantages and disadvantages. Generally speaking, if you can afford to purchase the system and can make use of the tax credits, you will be way ahead in the long run. If you can’t afford it but can use the tax credits, then a loan (either home equity or unsecured) is the best option. If you can’t afford it and can’t use the tax credits, then a lease is for you. Currently in the U.S., most residential roof top systems are being accomplished through the third party leasing companies (SolarCity (Tesla)/SunRun/Sungevity/ Sunpower). Tesla (formerly SolarCity) has great marketing, is now a public company and has good access to capital uses in house installation crews, but (as reported by watchdog.org) it suffers in customer satisfaction. SunRun is a nationwide leader in leased solar systems and marketed through Costco and Home Depot. Sungevity is not as competitively priced yet has good quality standards. SunPower is a vertically integrated American company that uses its own panels and rebranded inverters and is known for the highest prices in the industry.

What tax incentives are available?

INCENTIVES: 2013 – APS installation rebates ended. At one time, APS was paying $3 per installed watt to encourage the adoption of solar. Now that solar has dropped to less than $3 per watt total and Arizona’s RES program is ahead of schedule, APS has terminated its incentives. 2014 – APS instituted a solar 'tax' of 70 cents per installed kW per month. 2015 – APS is threatening to increase the solar 'tax' to $21 per month. 2016 – Federal 30% tax credit was due to sunset. It was extended another 5 years. 2017 – APS successfully revamped its entire rate structure, eliminating Net Metering, implementing a fixed RCP buy-back rate for excess solar power, and greatly raising the on-peak rates to 24 cents/kWh in their 'saver' plans. 2018 – The Arizona referendum to increase the RES target to 50% renewable generation was voted down. 2019 – APS was allowed by the Corporation Commission to reduce the RCP rate another 10% to 10.45 cents/kWh. 2020 – The federal solar tax credit will begin to taper off going to 26%. 2021 – Federal solar tax credit will decrease to 22%. 2022 – Federal solar tax credit will decrease to 10%. 2023 – Federal solar tax credit eliminated for residential and stays 10% for commercial.

Verde Solar Power FAQs

Q: Why do I need a building permit for solar?

Here on the Good Ship America, it’s not the good old days of freedom in the Wild Wild West. With solar electricity, you are not just dealing with electricity (one of the big sources of consumer injury and property loss) but with grid-tied solar, which is what makes PV solar viable for consumers. You are backfeeding power into the grid, which is something that was never planned for (akin to swimming upstream) and something the utilities struggle with. With solar, you are now a power producer, and the utilities demand a higher standard of safety and quality. All sorts of extra rules to ensure that nothing can go wrong require the installation be done under a building permit with a licensed electrician, be inspected by a local code inspector, and also by the utility’s inspector.

Q: Can I use the power from my solar system during a blackout?

The typical grid-tied type solar system’s one drawback is that it can’t operate during a blackout. “You mean I just paid $15,000 for this solar stuff and during an outage I’m gonna be in the dark just like my neighbors?” Without the expense and efficiency and reliability loss involved with batteries, a solar system can’t run on its own. But wait! There is a new inverter now from SMA with a feature called Secure Power Supply that provides a limited amount (15 amps) of power when the sun is shining. No batteries, no extra cost. Also, energy storage is seen as the next big advancement for the solar industry, and lots of companies are working on ways to incorporate it into a home solar system. This will be a great thing to help improve the stability and reliability of the grid as well.

Q: Who covers the warranty on my solar installation and solar equipment?

One of the big advantages of solar power is its reliability. Photovoltaic solar panels have no moving parts, and with our automated, high volume production processes, quality is assured and you can figure on them lasting double the warranty life of 25 years. The trick is choosing a panel manufacturer that will last as long as their panels do, so that (just in case there is a problem) the warranty will still be honored. Your installer will typically cover any service for 10 years, which is the warranty life of the solar electronics (inverter). Some brands of inverters (the small ones that mount on the roof) offer longer warranties to try and match the array warranty, but locating hard working electronic circuits on hot roofs is really not conducive to reliability, and these long warranties are really just marketing ploys. They may replace these units for free, but they aren’t paying the installers to do the service calls, and do you really want the hassle of someday replacing these modules one by one as they fail – even if it is covered by warranty?

Q: If I sell my house, how will the new buyer value my solar installation?

It used to be that solar was a limiting factor in the sale of your home. However, it is getting to be the opposite now that it is becoming much more commonplace. “How come this nice home doesn’t have solar power?” A home with low utility bills is attractive to buyers and to mortgage lenders. The accepted appreciation due to a solar system is 20 years worth of savings – meaning that a solar system will generally pay for itself outright if you figure the appreciation in home value. What you do need to be careful about is committing to long term solar lease financing that can impede the sale of a home.

Q: How much will I save with my solar system?

The savings you will see from your solar system depends mostly on how you finance its purchase. A cash purchased system will pay for itself in 6 to 8 years typically and will cost half as much as just paying the utility for the warranty life (25 years) of the array – and the array will last 40 or 50 years. (Plan on replacing the inverter every 10 to 15 years) You will also need to pay to remove the array every time the roof needs to be recovered. Purchasing with a solar loan will take 15 to 20 years with payments that save you a little off your old electric bill – and it’s a good way to go if you can make use of the tax credits. Solar leases also take 20 years to pay for, but for those unable to use tax credits, it’s a good long term deal.

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar power & Energy

Everything You Need to Know: Verde Solar Power FAQs

Getting Started with Solar

Why do I need a building permit for solar?

In the modern era, grid-tied solar demands a higher standard of safety and quality. You, as a power producer, back feed power into the grid, requiring installation under a building permit with a licensed electrician. This ensures compliance with safety rules and quality standards set by utilities.

What if I need a new roof?

We recommend getting roof maintenance or replacements before installing your solar, as we do not re-install for free if you need a new roof.

I had a little roof leak last year. Is it okay to put solar panels on my roof?

Avoid installing solar on roofs with less than 5 years of life and be cautious with roofs under 10 years. Ensure the roof’s integrity to prevent costly removal and replacement during solar array maintenance.

Utility Interaction and Maintenance

What happens if I run my electric meter backward without notifying my utility?

Running your electric meter backward can lead to issues, including unexpected charges and safety concerns for utility workers. New “smart” meters help address this, ensuring accurate measurement and minimizing potential hazards.

Can I use the power from my solar system during a blackout?

While typical grid-tied solar systems can’t operate during blackouts, advancements like SMA’s inverter with Secure Power Supply provide a limited amount of power when the sun is shining, offering some relief during outages.

Who covers the warranty on my solar installation and solar equipment?

Solar panels boast high reliability, lasting beyond their 25-year warranty. Choosing a panel manufacturer that aligns with this reliability is crucial. Installers usually cover service for 10 years, matching the warranty life of the solar electronics.

Cost and Financing

If I sell my house, how will the new buyer value my solar installation?

Solar installations increase home value, attracting buyers and lenders. The appreciation due to a solar system can often pay for itself outright, but be cautious with long-term solar leases that may impede the sale.

Is financing available?

Yes! Verde Solar Power partners the the Federal Housing Administration to make solar power more accessible and affordable.

How much will I save with my solar system?

Savings depend on financing. Cash purchases offer quicker payback (6-8 years), while solar loans (15-20 years) and leases (20 years) provide savings over time.

Is 3% – 5% a reasonable projection for electric rate escalation?

Forecasting electric rate increases is challenging. Solar provides a hedge against utility rate fluctuations, allowing you to lock in your power cost and achieve long-term savings.

Types of Solar Systems

What basic types of solar systems are there?

There are three basic types: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. On-grid systems, being the most common, contribute excess power to the grid and do not require energy storage.

What is an on-grid solar system?

On-grid systems instantly convert solar power to grid-compatible AC, supplying power to the house and contributing excess to the grid. String, micro, and distributed inverters are common technologies.

What is a hybrid solar system?

Hybrid systems combine features of on-grid and off-grid systems, providing continuous power during outages with a smaller battery backup.

What types of solar panels are there?

There are three main types: Polycrystalline, Monocrystalline, and Thin Film. Each has its advantages, with Polycrystalline being a cost-effective choice, Monocrystalline offering higher efficiency, and Thin Film suitable for large-scale installations.

What types of PV mounting systems are there?

Mounting options include flush mounting for pitched roofs, tilt racks for flat roofs, tile mounts for tile roofs, standing seam steel for metal roofs, ground mounts, and electrical equipment mounting.

Incentives and Resources

Incentives

Solar Tax Manual – regularly updated resource guide to federal tax benefits for solar.
Tax Form 5695 PDF – “Residential Energy Credits”
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) – State-by-state information on renewable energy incentives; comprehensive source of information on solar incentives and policies

Other Solar Resources

Arizona Solar Society
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) – National trade association of solar energy manufacturers, distributors, and contractors.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – U.S. Department of Energy laboratory researching all aspects of renewable energy. They have an extensive list of similar links.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) -Grassroots non-profit organization that promotes the use of solar technologies.
Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA)
Arizona Solar Center
Solar Energy International (SEI) – Recognized throughout the world as a leader in solar technology training.
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) – Volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades.

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