Solar—Frequently Asked Questions
How can a solar system generate electricity?
A solar energy system generates electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology. PV turns the sun’s light energy directly into electric energy.
How do I use the electricity from my solar energy system?
The electricity generated by a solar energy system works just like the electricity delivered by your Utility Service Provider. After passing through a component called an inverter, the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels is converted to alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that you access through the outlets in your home.
Will a solar energy system produce enough energy to handle all my electricity needs?
For an average Residential customer, a starter solar energy system will produce a substantial 30% - 40% of their annual energy needs for years to come. System size and efficiency impacts production. The size of system that is right for you depends on how big of a commitment you want to make to get started and how much un-shaded roof space is available.
How much electricity will my solar energy system produce?
The amount of electricity generated by a solar energy system is dependent upon several factors, primarily system size, orientation of the system and shading. A neighborhood SunAmerica Solar consultant will be able to explain what a system will produce for your home.
Do I need to be connected to the grid?
Yes. To qualify for a Utility Rebate and SunAmerica Solar assistance you will need to be connected to the grid. While you generate the bulk of your own electricity during the peak hours of daylight and demand, your utility will seamlessly take over and continue to supply your electricity at night and on very cloudy days.
Purchasing and Installing a Solar Energy System
How will I know if my solar energy system is working?
Since solar technology is motionless and noiseless, a meter is required to keep track of how much electricity your system is producing. The effect of your production will be evident on your utility bill. A special inverter can be installed to display how much power is produced at any given time. Also, if the disc on your utility service meter is rotating backward, your solar system is generating and the results will appear on your decreased utility bill.
How do I get started?
Click the MAKE THE SWITCHTM link to learn more about pre-qualifying for an Energy Reduction Plan and subsidies for your home, designed to help you responsibly MAKE THE SWITCHTM to home-based renewable energy production.
How durable is a solar energy system?
Solar energy system modules have passed a standard set of tests for durability and are built to withstand winds of up to 125 miles per hour and 1-inch hail.
Will I need approval from my homeowner’s association?
State Law dictates that Solar Water and Solar Electric Systems in Arizona are not subject to being prevented or made less effective by a homeowner’s association.
Can I add battery backup at a later date?
Yes. If you start with some battery backup, it is easy to add more. However, if you start without a backup and then later desire further independence from your Utility service using a battery backup, you may replace the inverter to one that is compatible for batteries. Systems without battery backup use a different inverter than those feeding electricity into a battery bank.
How long will it take to install?
It will typically take two to three days for a professional installation for a home.
Operational Performance and Quality
What happens at night?
Since solar energy systems require sunlight to produce electricity, your system will not produce at night. Your Utility service will continue to supply your electricity at night unless you purchase a system with a battery backup.
What happens on cloudy days?
Since solar energy systems require sunlight to produce electricity, the bulk of your electricity production will take place under sunny conditions. Output is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight available at any given moment. A system can generate 50 - 70% of its typical output under bright overcast conditions but production will continue to diminish as less light reaches the system. The more sunny days where you live, generally, the more optimal the conditions for Solar as your future home-based renewable energy source.
In what temperatures will a solar energy system operate?
Solar energy systems typically operate in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar energy systems are electronic devices that generate electricity directly from sunlight. Output drops off as the system gets hotter so it is important that systems are tested for production in hot environments.
What is the warranty on a solar energy system?
Solar energy system modules typically carry 20-30 year production warranties. The system inverter is required to carry a 5-10 year warranty on non-battery back-up systems. All systems installed on a SunAmerica Solar Program will carry an additional 5-year service warranty by SunAmerica Solar.
Will a solar energy system work with my home?
To have a solar energy system installed on your roof, your property must have a reasonable amount of non-shaded, unobstructed roof space during the key sun hours of the day. A southern orientation is ideal but east and west facing roofs can still capture most of the power of a true south-facing roof. Your roof may be flat or sloped. Rack-mounted systems on the ground and pole mounted systems are also available.
Economics of a Solar Energy System
What is Net Metering?
If a solar energy system produces more power at any given moment than the property consumes, the extra power will flow into your utility electric grid. Over any month when a solar energy system sends more power into the grid than the home takes from the grid, the difference or “net” will result in either a credit on the customer's electric bill or a cash purchase of the difference by the utility company.
Are there federal incentives for installing a solar energy system?
Substantial incentives for solar products are clearly marked on your tax return, created as part of recent stimulus packages. To understand your exact tax benefits and strategies, it is recommended you talk with your tax preparer.
Who will help me apply for the Utility Solar Rebate?
SunAmerica Solar will assist in the rebate application process to secure these rebates for you.
What size system should I get?
The size you choose is a consideration of how much you can save on your utility bills, how much your monthly solar purchase payments would be, and how much you can receive in rebates. A SunAmerica Solar representative can walk you through all of these considerations for your home. You can also look at your old electricity bill to calculate how much your home typically costs to power. But remember, you do not need to cover all of your electricity needs with a solar system to add value to your home and MAKE THE SWITCH… to home-based renewable energy production. The only other conditions in deciding proper system size is the amount of suitable space available on your roof and any future energy usage reductions your home might incur, such as with improved air conditioning technologies or a reduction in occupancy. You must have unobstructed, non-shaded roof area, either flat or a sloped, at an orientation other than North. For most homeowners, it is not advised to try and eliminate your entire bill with solar energy in your first project. Your solar system can be expanded at a later time once you have integrated the solar system into your home.
How much does a solar energy system cost?
The total cost for purchasing and installing a solar energy system is based on the size of system you require and the specific details of the layout of your property. Solar energy systems qualifying for rebates and incentives often range in cost from $6 - $10/watt.
How do I know if I got a good deal on my solar production plan?
Every solar system and configuration will generate electricity at different rates and may be financially subsidized differently. The key is generally that the end value of electricity produced on your plan makes sense TO YOU when considering the monthly solar purchase payment over a given period of time and the expected, or warrantied, offset on your electricity bill. Virtually every plan, if qualifying for utility and government rebates, will pay for itself in time but specific sizes and plans will make more sense to begin and give a better return on your investment. A SunAmerica Solar representative can explain the best path for your home.
Can I increase the size of my solar energy system at a later date?
Yes, provided you have the available roof space.
