Solar Power, Solar Panel Systems, Tax Credits, Buy or Lease… it can all be confusing.
If you are in the process of considering a solar panel system, we want to ensure you have the best information available, including the environmental and financial benefits of going solar. Here are some of the most common questions we get. Don’t see an answer to your questions about solar below? Give us a call today!
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Depending on the location and system size, solar installations typically pay for themselves in 10 to 20 years.
It depends on when you need to replace your roof. If you need a new roof within the next few years, you should probably replace your roof before installing solar panels.
A typical solar array will last for 25 to 35 years. Removing and installing your system can be expensive after you replace your roof, so you should finish any roof maintenance or replacements before you install your solar panels. When your home is inspected by our installers, they will tell you if your roof needs any repairs before you get solar panels.
Your solar panels will make more power on sunny days, but you can still generate energy on a cloudy day. The installer will always analyze your roof and your home’s position to determine the best location for maximizing sunshine.
While solar panels can boost your home’s value, they generally won’t increase your property taxes. In Texas, Arizona, and many other states, solar panels are eligible for a property tax exemption.
The installation timeline depends on the size of your system and how your roof is set up. In general, we can handle the entire installation in just 2-4 weeks. The process of finding financing, assessing the site and permitting, makes it take a little longer.
The size of your solar array is determined by the amount of power you need and the size of your roof’s footprint. As a general rule, each solar panel will produce between 250 to 300 W. If you have 10 panels, you’ll typically make between 2,500 and 3,000 W or 1 kW.
A typical array has 5 kW (each kW is worth 1,000 W). If your roof has a smaller footprint or more shade issues, your installer might recommend a higher efficiency panel to maximize the limited space.
Your production capacity is reported in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You’ll see this figure on your current electricity bill. Because Arizona, Texas, and similar areas have a lot of sunshine, they are great spots for producing electricity.
To figure out how much money solar power will save you, you should start by looking at your current utility bill. Your bill will show you how much electricity you currently use each month as well as the amount you are paying for it.
By investing in solar power, you save money while benefiting the environment. Because it is from a renewable energy source, solar power doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, it can reduce health problems by producing fewer particulates and air pollutants.
Leasing can be a great way to go solar at a more affordable rate, but you will only be able to claim the solar tax credit if you buy your solar panels. Luckily, we offer Zero Down Financing that allows you to claim any available tax credits.
We provide the best equipment on the market. All of our panels come with a 25-year warranty, while our inverters have warranties from 12 to 25 years. Along with peace of mind, you will also be able monitor your solar system’s production from you cell phone to see how much it produces each day.
Some of RED LION SOLAR’S customers have been able to cut their summer electric bill in half or more, which can be a massive savings when bills are several hundred dollars every month. If you produce more electricity than you use, it goes into the power grid and the power company credits you (applicable to power company).
Additionally, if you purchase your panels (rather than lease), you are eligible for tax credits. The federal tax credit is currently 22% in 2021, while the Arizona solar tax credit is 25% with a cap of $1,000. There is also a property tax exemption if the solar panels increase the value of your home as well as an exemption on the sales tax up to 5.6%.
The best roof for solar is one that faces south and has a large, shade-free surface area. However, we can fit efficient solar systems on a variety of roof types and roof locations. Our experts will come to your home to give you a no-cost assessment of your roof, how much electricity you can generate and more. Give us a call today!
The simple answer is, not much. Most panels are installed at an angle, so debris doesn’t typically gather on them. If you have trees that drop a lot of leaves, you will occasionally want to make sure the panels are not covered. And we almost never have to worry about snow accumulating on the panels throughout our Arizona base.
You will need to fill out IRS Form 5695 to claim your federal tax credit. The two-page form is submitted when you file your personal taxes on tax day. Arizona uses Form 310 to file the credit. Call RED LION SOLAR today to find out how to get started on your solar install and claim the Solar Tax Credit.
Modern solar panels last approximately 25-30 years. This assumes your system is high quality and was installed correctly. RED LION SOLAR stands behind every installation with a warranty up to 25 years.
When sunlight (photons) hits the silicon in the photovoltaic cells, it knocks electrons free from the atoms, creating a flow of electricity. The panels comprise anywhere from 32 to 96 cells that are all linked together in one panel. Then each panel is linked together and that electricity is fed to the homeowner’s electrical panel. Solar power is completely renewable and green!