What to Know Before Going Solar

In the first part of this series, we talked about understanding how much energy your home uses on an annualized basis, SRP and APS solar energy plans, and panel installation positions. Now we’ll focus on some additional areas important in helping you better understand solar power for your home.

Lifespan of Solar Panels

Generally speaking, a solar panel will last 25 years or more when maintained properly. In 2022, one solar manufacturer introduced panels with a 40-year warranty though they’re not yet available in the United States. Solar panels do tend to lose up to one half of a percent (0.5%) of conversion efficiency annually which is included in the warranty. Meaning there’s a guaranteed power output at the end of the 25-year warranty. Hosing the panels off a few times per year will help maintain their effectiveness. You can ensure the best performance from your solar panels by monitoring energy production in real time through a smartphone app and checking the condition of panels after every major storm in the Valley of the Sun.

Rooftop Panels

The panels will not damage your roof in any way when properly installed. They’ll actually protect the areas located directly beneath them from climate conditions. You may even find that the portions of your home directly beneath the panel installations will remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter, regardless of the other insulation installed. You’ll save monthly on heating and cooling costs when your solar panels are installed, monitored, and maintained properly.

Know Your Roof Type

The kind of roof you have makes a big difference in installation costs. Installation on Spanish tile will definitely be costlier or on shake shingles than on plain old asphalt shingle roofs. Both tile and shake are far more brittle than asphalt shingles, so additional time-intensive care is needed to ensure that any attachment points penetrating the roof are completely and properly sealed. This extra time can add at least 10% additional cost to the installation job.

Contact Cool Blew Solar

You can take the next steps in determining how best to install a solar system by reaching out to your locally owned solar installation experts at Cool Blew Solar. Cool Blew Solar is ready to help you plan out and install your home solar system at competitive rates. Call our professional installers today at 623-234-2836 to schedule your free estimate. Feel the power of the sun shining on your home.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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What to Know Before Going Solar – Part 2