Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is STC, and how does this affect my rebate and cost?
2. How are my electricity rates configured by my utility?
3. What is a solar photovoltaic (PV) system?
4. What is a grid-tied solar PV system?
5. Will a grid-tied solar system work during power outages?
6. What is two-way (or net) metering?
7. Will the utility company pay me for the excess electricity I generate?
8. What is Time-of-Use (TOU) metering?
Design FAQ
9. Is my home a good site for a solar system?
10. How many solar panels will I need?
11. How much area will my solar array need?
12. Where will the solar panels be mounted?
13. How long will my PV system last?
Economics FAQ
14. How much does a grid-tied PV system cost?
15. What incentives are available to help reduce my solar system cost?
16. What is the return for a PV system? Is it cost-effective?
17. What financing options are available to me?
Installation Process FAQ
18. Who takes care of all the paperwork?
19. How long will the installation take?
20. What other issues may need to be considered?
1. What is STC, and how does this affect my rebate and cost?
ANSWER: STC stands for Standard Test Condition. The manufacturer’s of solar modules test the modules at 77°F with an artificial sunlight perpendicular to the module. This is how they determine the “sticker wattage”, or what the module says it can produce. For example, the “sticker wattage” of a Sharp ND-216U1F module is 216 watts. Saying this solar module will produce 216W when it is 77°F and the sun is perpendicular to the module. Rebate amounts are based on the STC DC rating of the system.
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2. How are my electricity rates configured by my utility?
ANSWER: You might want to sit down for this one! Most homes have peak and off-peak power plans; for example the E-1 rate, or better known as the ‘9 to 9 plan’, In this plan a homeowner is being charged a higher rate (peak rate) from 9a.m. to 9p.m. The utility company will look at a full month of usage and take the day in which the homeowner used the most power. That day will be used as your average daily use for that month. For example, you have a weekday where your pool is running, you are washing and drying clothes, doing a load of dishes in the dish washer, and have the AC running. This day will reflect as your average day for the month. This drives up the cost of your electric bills, which might bring you over your baseline power limit. Once you go over your baseline, the utility company will charge a higher $/watt for power and usually attach a fee to your next bill.
^ BACK TO TOP3. What is a solar photovoltaic (PV) system?
ANSWER: A photovoltaic (solar electric) system converts the sun’s light energy into electricity by producing direct current (DC) in the PV panels. The DC current is sent to an inverter that converts the DC current to alternating current (AC) for general use in your house or business.
^ BACK TO TOP4. What is a grid-tied solar PV system?
ANSWER: A grid-tied solar PV system’s output is directly linked through your meter to the distribution lines that normally provide you with electricity. The grid effectively “stores” any excess power produced by your PV system and supplements power when your demand for electricity is greater than your on-site solar production. Grid-tied solar PV systems avoid the need for costly, toxic, and high-maintenance battery storage systems.
^ BACK TO TOP5. Will a grid-tied solar system work during power outages?
ANSWER: Due to safety regulations, a grid-tied solar PV system will automatically shut down during power outages. If continued power is essential, you can invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or generator. Grid-tied systems with battery backup are also available, although they will increase the installation costs, maintenance, and toxicity, while decreasing the performance efficiency of your solar system.
^ BACK TO TOP6. What is two-way (or net) metering?
ANSWER: In a grid-tied solar PV system, electricity can flow through your meter in either direction, depending on the amount of electricity your system is producing and how much electricity you are using. When your solar PV system is producing more electricity than you need, the surplus is pushed back into the grid, spinning your meter backwards.
At other times, you may need to draw supplemental power from the utility grid, making your meter spin forwards. Net metering keeps track of the difference between the grid-supplied electricity you use and the surplus generated by your solar PV system.
^ BACK TO TOP7. Will the utility company pay me for the excess electricity I generate?
ANSWER: No, you won’t ever get a check from APS, but the value of your net production can significantly reduce your bills. Once a year you get a “true-up” bill from APS for any grid-supplied electricity that your solar system hasn’t offset. APS won’t credit you for any extra (solar) electricity that you’ve produced that exceeds your (grid) electricity use for the 12-month period. That is why it is so important to know your annual electrical use and to have One Way Solar Systems size your solar system accordingly.
^ BACK TO TOP8. What is Time-of-Use (TOU) metering?
ANSWER: A TOU rate plan from APS bases the price you pay for electricity on the time of day and the time of year you use energy. With TOU, you typically pay more for electricity during peak hours (9 AM to 9 PM weekdays) in the summer. You pay less during all other hours (off-peak, partial-peak) and in the winter.
TOU can be very beneficial to solar PV owners since, under the net metering laws, the power company must credit you at retail rates for any excess power you produce. So, if you can “sell” your excess electricity at peak rates and buy it back at off-peak rates, your PV system will have a greater impact on lowering your energy costs.
9. Is my home a good site for a solar system?
ANSWER: A site is most suitable for a solar PV system if there is clear and unobstructed access to the sun for 5 to 6 hours during the middle of the day. Shading from trees, buildings or other vegetation will compromise the performance of a PV system. If the roof is not suitable, a solar PV system can be mounted on the ground.
^ BACK TO TOP10. How many solar panels will I need?
ANSWER: The number of solar PV panels you need depends on your electricity needs, your goals, and system design. Call us for a quick and easy consultation. We can give you an idea about your system needs in a matter of minutes.
^ BACK TO TOP11. How much area will my solar array need?
ANSWER: A general rule of thumb is that you need one square foot of roof or ground area for each 10 watts of power, or 100 square feet per kilowatt. For example, a 2.5-kilowatt system will require approximately 250 square feet of space.
^ BACK TO TOP12. Where will the solar panels be mounted?
ANSWER: Usually, PV panels are placed on an existing roof using an simple mounting structure. If the roof is not suitable, PV panels can be mounted on the ground, using a freestanding support structure.
^ BACK TO TOP13. How long will my PV system last?
ANSWER: One Way Solar uses PV panels with a 25-year limited warranty. Although panels have a useful life expectancy of more than 30 years, it is normal for panels to slowly degrade as they age, causing some reduction in output. Inverters have a 10-year warranty but you can expect to replace them after 12-to-15 years. One Way Solar provides a 2-year warranty on all other materials and workmanship to make sure that clients don’t have additional costs during this phase of the system’s life. Even with the cost of service and repairs, which are very minimal, the systems are very reliable and cost effective.te.
^ BACK TO TOP14. How much does a grid-tied PV system cost?
ANSWER: Many factors determine the final cost for a grid-tied PV system, such as: system size, type of mounting system, roof material and pitch, wiring runs and various other installation details. As both equipment costs and rebates go down, there will be changes in the final price to the purchaser.
^ BACK TO TOP15. What incentives are available to help reduce my solar system cost?
ANSWER: Arizona offers a rebate through APS and SRP. This rebate will cover up to 50% of the cost of the system and caps at $75,000.00. One Way Solar offers to carry this rebate for you so you can lower your out-of-pocket investment. If you take the rebate directly, you will be issued a 1099 form from the state and the rebate will count as income for tax purposes. One Way Solar offers to carry the rebate for you, so you don’t have to bear the tax burden, or wait months for payment.
In addition, the federal government offers a 30% investment tax credit for residential and commercial installations. Five year accelerated MACRS depreciation is also available to businesses installing renewable energy systems. Consult your tax specialist to discuss your eligibility.
While the value of your house or business will appreciate with the investment of a solar PV system, by law your property taxes cannot be raised. This makes solar the best home improvement project available.
^ BACK TO TOP16. What is the return for a PV system? Is it cost-effective?
ANSWER: The variables affecting the return on your PV system include: your electrical use, system size, future electric rates, available rebates and tax credits, loan amount and financing rate, system output and performance, among others. Though it hard to determine your exact return, solar has been proven to pay back. Paying APS or SRP will never pay you back.
When you invest in a PV system, your monthly payment will help increase the equity in your home rather than simply disappearing to APS. Plus, interest paid on your mortgages is tax-deductible.
The financial benefit of your PV system will increase dramatically as electrical rates rise, since your loan payment will remain the same!
The earlier you go solar, the faster you convert your electricity costs into a power-producing asset.
^ BACK TO TOP17. What financing options are available to me?
ANSWER: Nearly everyone seeking financing for a solar PV system has success. The best way to finance a solar PV system for your home is through a mortgage loan that includes a primary mortgage, second mortgage, or home equity loan secured by your property. More lenders are recognizing the savings offered by a solar PV system and will make every effort to qualify you for a loan because they understand you are simply transferring your electricity payment from the utility to your lender without increasing your net monthly financial burden. We also offer “Same As Cash” financing options with approved credit to help our customers.
^ BACK TO TOP18. Who takes care of all the paperwork?
ANSWER: When you invest in a solar PV system, One Way Solar will take care of all paperwork associated with your rebate. We file for your rebate, get your building permit and handle your interconnection to the grid. We make going solar easy for you!
^ BACK TO TOP19. How long will the installation take?
ANSWER: The solar PV installation itself usually takes between five and ten days, depending on the size and scale of the job. However, the entire process can take up to two to four months due to the permitting and application process.
^ BACK TO TOP20. What other issues may need to be considered?
ANSWER: It is a good idea to find out about:
- Required approval from a homeowners’ association, including covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCR’s) that may exist.
- Permit problems or illegal structures or issues you anticipate if a building inspector visits the property,
- Roof condition, including need for (and cost of) repair or replacement before installation,
- Need for (and cost of) removing trees or other vegetation that may shade the solar PV system area.