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what are the different types of solar panels

What Are the Different Types of Solar Panels?

What are the different types of solar panels? If you decide to take the plunge into renewable energy, it’s time to start exploring your options.

As the go-to expert solar installers in Arizona, we know a thing or two about photovoltaic technology and its many splendid variations. Keep reading as we break down the fine points and help you find your perfect match. If you want to start exploring more options, call Solar Solution AZ at 520-858-0220.

What’s a Solar Panel?

Solar panels work by encouraging particles of light called photons to force electrons free from their usual orbitals. This action generates a flow of electricity. 

Each panel houses multiple individual solar cells, often made from layers of phosphorus, boron, and silicon. The phosphorus and boron provide the negative and positive charge, respectively, and the silicon sandwiched in between serves as the semiconductor.

Panels typically contain 60, 72, or 90 solar cells for maximum efficiency. 

Exploring the Spectrum of Designs

What are the different types of solar panels? We can group them into the following:

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Do you see dark, almost-black panels while cruising around the block? Those savvy property owners have monocrystalline panels named after their single silicon crystal structure.

The pure material makes them the longest-lasting and most space-efficient option today for a higher upfront cost. If you want a long-term investment and don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks, this might be the system for you. 

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels have silicon as their primary ingredient, but the latter uses multiple silicon fragments melted together. It’s also cheaper because this construction style has less material waste, but it also translates into lost energy and space efficiency. 

Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell Panels

PERC systems increase the solar energy produced through a new passivation layer on the rear surface of each cell. This technology:

  • Reflects light back into the cell for more photon absorption
  • Reduces the natural tendency of electrons to inhibit and recombine the electron flow within the system
  • Utilizes a broader range of light wavelengths, including 1,180nm particles that silicon wafers don’t absorb

Beyond their highly efficient capabilities, PERC panels also have a smaller physical footprint ideal for tight spaces, like city rooftops and small urban properties. 

Thin Film Solar Panels

Thin film models are the new kids on the block that sport very fine and flexible layers. They’re lighter and easier to install because the panels don’t need a frame backing.

Keep in mind that these panels are not as efficient as their silicon-based cousins, and they require a substantial amount of space.

Which One Is Right for You?

What are the different types of solar panels, and which one should you choose? Other features to consider include temperature efficiency, hail and hurricane ratings, power capacity, and warranty conditions. 

Our proficient crew at Solar Solution AZ can guide you through all your options, from polycrystalline and thin film to PERC. Dial 520-858-0220 today or explore our blog for more information on “How do solar panels work?”

how does leasing solar panels work

How Does Leasing Solar Panels Work in Arizona?

As the technology that uses renewable resources becomes more in demand, you’ve probably considered harnessing the power of the most consistent renewable resource: the sun. However, many people can’t afford the upfront costs of solar panels, so what options do you have?

At Solar Solution AZ, we provide residential solar solutions in Arizona. Our technicians suggest leasing solar panels. But how does leasing solar panels work in Arizona? Read on to learn more about this option. 

What Is a Solar Lease?

When people lease solar panels, they enter into agreements with solar companies. The companies collect monthly payments while the leassee uses the panels on their properties. Solar leases enable you to harness solar power without paying out of pocket upfront. 

Solar Lease Terms

How does leasing solar panels work in Arizona? Different solar companies use varying terms for their agreements. Most leases can last 20 years or more.

Like renting an apartment, leases usually include regular maintenance in their terms. You may also pay more with each year’s lease. 

Pros of a Solar Lease

Solar panels offer your family numerous benefits. Like many people, reduced energy costs probably attracted you to solar panels at first. Since your home doesn’t use the energy grid, you don’t pay for fluctuating electricity expenses. 

You also have power regardless of storms or other natural disasters. As long as your solar panels remain intact, your household can continue with business as usual. Other advantages of a solar panel lease include:

  • No costs upfront
  • The solar company takes responsibility for any maintenance and upkeep of the equipment
  • Predictable lease payments
  • Leases last almost as long as a solar panel’s lifespan

A solar lease offers various attractive perks. If you want to make your home more energy-efficient, solar panels get you off to a great start.  

Cons of a Solar Lease

While solar panels offer a fantastic, green solution for most homes, they also come with a few disadvantages. For example, you can’t rent solar panels while earning solar tax incentives. Any tax credits allotted for solar energy go to the owners of the panels, so the money goes to the solar company from which you lease. 

Other disadvantages include:

  • Your lease payments can increase each year.
  • Solar panel purchases offer better long-term investments than leases.
  • Leased solar panels may cause difficulty if you wish to sell your home.

When you enter into any lease agreement, you take calculated risks. The benefits should outweigh the risks. Do the math to learn whether you’ll benefit more from making a purchase later or leasing right now.  

Find the Perfect Solar Solution in Arizona

We hope we answered the question, “How does leasing solar panels work in Arizona?” As an Arizona resident, you know that the sun provides one of the few constants in life. If you want to harness solar energy for your home, we can help.

Check out Solar Solution AZ’s residential transferable loan program to see if you qualify. Call us today at (520) 858-0220 to discover a wide range of residential solar solutions that fit your home.

arizona solar tax credit

Arizona Solar Tax Credit: What You Need to Know

Do you want to learn more about the Arizona solar tax credit? You can go over the facts about this credit with our team at Solar Solution AZ, Arizona’s top-rated commercial solar panel contractors. Get the details about solar power by calling us at 520-858-0220

Your Options for the Arizona Solar Tax Credit

Property owners in Arizona have several ways to save money on installing these systems through tax credits. When you install solar panels, you may consider the options below. 

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The Solar ITC allows you to reduce the tax you owe to the Federal government by a maximum of 26% of the cost of your solar energy device. This credit also applies to batteries used to store solar energy on your property. 

The Federal ITC can reduce your payments on your personal income tax. However, it does not directly reduce your taxes—it simply drops your tax liability for all applicable years. 

Generally, the Solar ITC applies to the year you install your solar power system. However, property owners can use this credit over multiple years in some cases. Speak to a solar professional to learn more. 

Arizona State Residential Solar Tax Credit

Property owners may also qualify for state tax credits for their solar systems. This credit may cover 25% of the total cost of your system. However, the credit only covers a maximum of $1,000, so it may not address 25% of the costs for all property owners. 

Note that you may claim the credit over several years. However, even if you draw on the credit for multiple years, you cannot exceed the $1,000 limit. You may learn more about this credit with a tax professional. 

Additional Solar Tax Savings in Arizona

Tax credits represent only one way to save money on installing a solar-powered system. You may also qualify for an exemption for some components of your solar energy system through the following. 

Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption

The property tax exemption gives you a chance to exempt the cost of your: 

  • Solar panels
  • Solar pool, water, and space heaters
  • Solar-powered appliances
  • Solar thermal heaters 

You may want to discuss this exemption with a tax professional to ensure that it covers all applicable pieces of solar equipment. 

Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption

Finally, Arizona offers a sales tax exemption for the sale of solar systems. This exemption helps reduce the tax burden when purchasing any solar energy device. It also helps mitigate the expenses of installing your solar power system, helping you save money. 

Speak to Us About the Arizona Solar Tax Credit

You can turn to our team for all your solar power installation needs. Find out more about powering your home or charging EVs with solar power by reaching out to us. We’re ready to apply our solar experience to answer your questions. 

Call Solar Solution AZ at 520-858-0220 to learn about your Arizona solar tax credit in Tucson.

solar panels for business

Solar Panels for Business: How Can They Help?

Solar energy is becoming a compelling option for business owners and residents across the country. These panels can effectively produce electricity for a home or business, reducing reliance on the power grid and positively impacting the environment. While most of the discussion in the media regards residential applications, solar panels for business can also bring significant benefits.

If you’re looking for experienced commercial solar panel installers in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ can help. Installing solar panels on a business or industrial property can be more challenging than residential applications, so finding an installation company with commercial experience is essential. With years of experience designing solar energy systems for business owners in the area, Solar Solution can handle your installation quickly and easily. 

What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy refers to specialized panels that absorb energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. Solar panels typically operate on the roof of a building, but other applications are available depending on the nature of the property. 

Benefits to Consider

If you’re considering solar panels for your business, thoroughly weighing the involved factors is crucial. While the initial installation of solar panels can seem intimidating, the benefits of these installations can far outweigh the cost over time. 

Energy Cost Savings

The most obvious benefit of solar panels is reduced electrical bills. Because these panels generate electricity on sight, you will be significantly less reliant on the energy grid for your power. While most businesses still purchase some energy from the market, the largest commercial solar systems can be fully self-sustaining in ideal conditions. 

Government Incentives

While the energy cost savings can be impactful on their own, there are other ways to save money with solar. With a federal tax credit, businesses can often deduct the cost of the equipment and installation from their taxes. Solar tax credits offer business owners a way to mitigate their solar system’s initial cost and make solar energy for businesses an even more compelling option.

Environmental Considerations

Solar energy also offers business owners an excellent way to improve their company’s environmental impact. With climate change concerns and adverse weather effects growing each day, a shift toward renewable and clean energy sources is an integral part of the solution. By choosing a solar energy system for your home or business, you can do your part to help reduce our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and other limited resources. 

Get Started Today

By reading this article, you learned a lot about solar panels for businesses and how they can positively impact you in multiple ways. To learn more about solar energy services, and if they are right for you, feel free to explore the rest of our website. However, if you feel confident that solar energy is right for you, it’s time to get started. For an effective solar energy system for your southern Arizona business at an affordable price, call Solar Solution at (520) 858-0220 to speak to a helpful representative today. 

Solar Panels for Churches

At Solar Solution AZ, we bring innovative solutions to the solar industry and to our own community here in Southern Arizona.

We have pioneered a solar panel program for churches that maximizes the savings and the credits available to the often-overlooked facilities.

We have helped a growing number of non-profits and churches turn to clean solar energy, dating back to as early as 2012.

With one of our solar programs, you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of owning solar panels without having to maintain the panels.

Churches and non-profits that have switched to solar with our programs have been able to save over 20% in the first month and over $50,000 over the lifespan of the solar panel system!

We specialize in churches and make solar a one-stop shop, whether you need a carport-mounted system or a roof-mounted solar panel system.

We have solar panel system financing available at very competitive rates!

Call us today to see how much you could be saving today at 520-858-0220!

Solar Panels Tucson

Does solar really save you money in Tucson?

What are the benefits of going solar in Tucson Arizona?

Why do you see so much solar power in Tucson?

With over 50 years of Tucson solar experience and over three thousand solar panel customers, we know a thing or two about solar panels in Tucson!

Solar energy works great in Southern Arizona and Pima County! Anyone who has been to Tucson knows that it’s sunny (and full of cactus), but did you know that solar panels actually produce more in Tucson because of how much sun there is? We have over 300 days of sunshine per year here in Tucson, more than enough to get your home energized on clean power!

The local electrical utility companies, TEP, TRICO, SSVEC, APS, UNISOURCE, etc… all have great programs for homeowners to go solar! The electric companies have to meet certain quotas for renewable energy, so they want you to switch to solar power! You are able to stay connected to the grid while making your own renewable power for less than what the electric companies would have charged you!

The government tax credit is still in effect! The federal government will cover 30% of your solar panel system cost through their federal investment tax credit!

We have flexible $0 down solar programs! Get started with solar with no money out of pocket and flexible solar purchase and solar lease options!

When you want the best for your home in Tucson, go with the best solar panel installation company! Join the Solar Solution AZ family today! (520) 858-0220

Are Solar Panels Really Free in 2018? Will the Government Pay For My Solar?

What is all this about the government paying for your solar panels?

We have all heard the pitch before. “Get free solar from the government!” or “The federal government will pay you to put solar panels on your house!

There is a lot of truth to this statement, but the whole “free solar” thing is misleading at the very least.

The basis for this claim is that most solar programs require no money down and no out-of-pocket expenses upfront. The first bill or payment you will receive comes after your solar is installed and is typically less expensive than your current electric bill and will (at least mostly) replace your electric bill.

This does not mean the solar is free, but instead, it is less expensive than electricity through the utility company.

For those of you more familiar with financial lingo, this is called cash-flow positive. It means that there was no “hit’ on your finances or no money out of your pocket, but you will see immediate savings.

For instance, if your electric bill is $150, then with going solar, you would have a $0-20 electric bill and roughly A $110 solar payment. You would be saving at least $20 a month the very first month and more as electricity rates increase.

This is made possible by the solar federal investment tax credit. If you pay income taxes, then the federal government will effectively pay for 30% of your solar panel system. This makes solar power much cheaper than what you are currently paying to TEP/TRICO/APS/SSVEC/UNISOURCE.

The Arizona State government also pays a flat $1000 tax credit on the value of a solar panel system as well.

Most investors consider this a very lucrative financial decision, even a no-brainer.

Why have the electricity company middle-man your power and charge whatever they want? Take control of your electricity usage by making your own clean power for much less than the electric utility!

Give our solar experts a call at (520) 858-0220 to see how much you will save today!

We Work with TRICO!

Can solar be installed on my home if I have TRICO electric utility? Will solar save me money if my home is connected to TRICO? Does TRICO allow solar panels on my home?

YES! We can install onto homes connected to the TRICO Electricity Grid! 

YES! Our solar panels WILL save you money in TRICO!

YES! TRICO Absolutely allows solar panels on your house!

As the largest local solar installer in Southern Arizona, we have taken a stand to ensure that all of our community has access to cheap renewable energy! We have designed a solar program to work with TRICO customers to save them money on their electric bills.

There have been some changes with how solar customers connect to TRICO’s electric grid that has kept some solar installers from working with TRICO customers, but not Solar Solution AZ!

We have solar programs in TRICO that can save you over 20% the first month and over fifty thousand dollars over the lifespan of the solar panel system!

Regardless if you are looking at purchased, financed or leasing options, have your solar solutions!

We even offer ground mount, carport, roof-top mounting, and solar panels for mobile homes!

No matter your solar woes, we have your solar solutions! Give us a call to see how much you can save today! (520) 858-0220

Are Solar Panels Really Free in 2018? Will the Government Pay For My Solar?

What is all this about the government paying for your solar panels?

We have all heard the pitch before. “Get free solar from the government!” or “The federal government will pay you to put solar panels on your house!

There is a lot of truth to this statement, but the whole “free solar” thing is misleading at the very least.

The basis for this claim is that most solar programs require no money down and no out of pocket expenses upfront. The first bill or payment you will receive comes after your solar is installed and is typically less expensive than your current electric bill and will (at least mostly) replace your electric bill.

This does not mean the solar is free, but instead, it is less expensive than electricity through the utility company.

For those of you more familiar with financial lingo, this is called cash-flow positive. It means that there was no “hit’ on your finances, or no money out of your pocket, but you will see immediate savings.

For instance, if your electric bill is $150, then with going solar, you would have a $0-10 electric bill and roughly A $120 solar payment. You would be saving at least $20 a month the very fist month and more as electricity rates increase.

This is made possible by the solar federal investment tax credit. If you pay income taxes, then the federal government will effectively pay for 30% of your solar panel system. This makes solar power much cheaper than what you are currently paying to TEP/TRICO/APS/SSVEC/UNISOURCE.

The Arizona State government also pays a flat $1000 tax credit on the value of a solar panel system as well.

Most investors consider this a very lucrative financial decision, even a no-brainer.

Why have the electricity company middle-man your power and charge whatever they want? Take control of your electricity usage by making your own clean power for much less than the electric utility!

Give our solar experts a call at (520) 858-0220 to see how much you will save today!

5 Reasons to Go Solar

Living in the Southern part of Arizona has its advantages…consistent warm weather, proximity to California, some beautiful scenery, relevantly close vacation destination (Mexico), and about 286 days of sunshine per year. For those of us in solar energy, that’s like pennies from heaven, a never-ending supply of energy we can use for our homes. It’s important to remind ourselves of the main core reasons to go solar. So that withstanding, here are 5 reasons to go solar in no particular order..because they’re all important.

Reduce Your Electricity Bill

If this is news to you, you may have arrived here accidentally. It’s by far the number one reason people look at going solar for the home or business in the first place. Some homeowners can reduce their rates by more than 60 %, on average you will reduce your electricity bill by 40% or more.

Helping the Environment

It is true you can help protect the environment by adding solar panels to your home, but by how much? That’s an easy one for us. According to the most recent EPA study, the average American home emits about 20 metric tons of carbon a year. To put that into some perspective, this study claims that the average vehicle creates about 4-5 metric tons a year. So, 4 cars equal 1 home. Adding solar panels to your home reduces this carbon footprint by 4-5 tons annually, so it’s like getting rid of a car that runs on gas.

Improves Home Value

Never once have we heard, that having solar panels on the home I just bought was a real pain. It just doesn’t happen. Though it may be true that people sometimes wrestle with the decision to go solar, people seem to be excited when they look to buy a home that already has the functionality installed..who wouldn’t want lower electric bills.

Protecting Yourself From Rising Energy Cost

We’ll use that as our benchmark since about 60% of electricity is created by coal. So to keep this relative, the average home price in Arizona is about $175,000. In 1970, the average home price was $62,000. An increase of about 180%. Not really that bad…coal prices have increased about 1400%. That’s the equivalent of the average Arizona home costing close to $1,000,000.00. With solar, you can protect yourself over the long haul against rising energy costs.

Create Jobs Locally in a Growing Industry

Most solar companies, like Solar Solution Az, are locally owned and operated. The solar industry has led the way over the past decade in creating jobs faster than almost any other industry in the United States.

These are just a few of the many reasons people should go solar in their home or business, after reviewing our site, we’re sure you’ll find your own reasons.

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