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Frequently Asked Questions » How long does it take to install a typical solar electric system? Have a question that we've not answered? Please contact us to ask further questions and for a free on-site evaluation of your home or business in Southern Arizona. Q: How long does it take to install a typical solar electric system?A: A typical solar electric system is installed in 3 working days. Q: How much does the typical solar electric system cost net utility rebates, state and federal tax credits?A: A 3000WDC system will produce 50% of the electricity of the average American home and will cost approximately $8000 after utility rebates, state and federal tax credits are applied. Q: How much will the typical system (as above) reduce my electric bill each month?A: The 3000WDC system mentioned above will reduce your monthly electric bill by approximately $50. Q: What is the payback period for the typical solar electric system?A: Please see the Solar Payback page. Q: What steps are involved when installing a solar electric system?A: Please see Solar Installation Process page. Q: How am I credited for electricity I sell back to the utility?A: TEP customers receive retail credit for the electricity they send back onto the grid. On an annual basis, they will not be credited for electricity beyond what they use in that year. Q: I am using “Time of Use” metering. How will installing a solar electric system affect this service?A: TEP customers using “Time of Use” metering will not be credited for electricity they send back to the grid. As an alternative, they can discontinue “Time of Use” metering and elect to use “Net Metering” instead. “Net Metering” tracks the electricity you provide to TEP, the electricity you buy from TEP, and the net difference of these values. Q: I have a tile roof. What are my options for installing a solar electric system?A: Tile roofs tend to be built very near roof framing maximum loading conditions so additional weight, in this case PV panels, should not be added directly to the roof surface. Alternatives include: utilizing garage and porch areas which are flat and not tiled, removing tiles in the area where a PV array will be installed to reduce roof loading, considering a ground mount system. Q: What maintenance is required once my solar electric system is installed?A: No maintenance is required. You can increase annual system production by approximately 2% by washing your PV panels once a month. Simply wash with water and a squeegee. An additional 5% gain in system production can be achieved by changing the tilt angle of your array each season. Q: At what angle will my solar array be set?A: The optimal fixed angle for a solar array in Tucson is 32 degrees. Tilt angles as low as 20 degrees can be used with only a 2% loss in annual system performance. Q: What is required of my electrical service to support a Grid-Tied solar electric system?A: The main service panel must have at least a 100A rating and two circuit breaker spaces must be available on the main service panel or other sub-panels on the property. Q: Can my Home Owners Association (HOA) prevent me from installing a solar electric system on my house?A: No. Arizona state statute (July 2007) specifically addresses the right for homeowners to install a solar electric system on their home. HOAs cannot require any changes in the solar electric system which would make it significantly more costly or reduce system efficiency. Have a question that we've not answered? Please contact us to ask further questions and for a free on-site evaluation of your home or business in Southern Arizona. |
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