If you’re considering the switch to solar energy, you probably have a lot of questions. Many homeowners are new to solar panels and have questions like, “Do solar panels need direct sunlight?” 

As one of the leading solar installers in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ wants homeowners to have all the information they need before making the transition to renewable energy. In this guide, the team shares how solar panels use the sun to power your home and store excess energy for later use.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels work by absorbing light from the sun’s rays and converting it into usable energy. The panels are photovoltaic—they use particles of light called photons to generate electricity.

Can Solar Panels Work in the Shade?

If solar panels absorb photons from sunlight, do they work when it’s overcast? It turns out photons are present in both direct and indirect sunlight. So, even when there’s partial shade, your home’s solar panels are still getting the photons they need.

Essentially, that means solar panels can still power your home without any sunlight, though it depends on several other factors. For example, the following are some things that help your solar panels work for you, no matter the weather conditions:

Solar Panel Batteries

Solar panel batteries are a fantastic investment for homeowners looking to optimize their panels. These solar cells take any excess energy your panels generate during times of direct sunlight and store it for later use. It’s a backup for times of complete darkness, such as overnight or during bad storms, but it also helps on days that are less sunny than you need.

Inverters

Do solar panels need direct sunlight if batteries aren’t in use? That depends on the inverter your system has in place. 

Solar inverters convert direct current from your solar panels into alternative current electricity, which powers your home. The type of inverter your system uses will impact how much energy you get in times of little to no sunlight. For instance:

• Central string inverters only require sunlight on one panel for the entire system. 
• Micro inverters require sunlight on all panels for better energy performance.

Duration of Shade

One of the main factors impacting how well your solar panels work is the duration of shade or sunlight hours. The solar panels will typically need direct sunlight for around four hours per day for optimal use. If there are sunny periods scattered throughout the daylight hours, your panels should still be generating electricity.

If you have darkness or severe thunderstorms lasting several days without sunlight, this will impact how much energy your panels create. Your system then relies on things like solar batteries for the energy your home needs.

Optimize Your Solar Panels with Solar Solution AZ

Do solar panels need direct sunlight to function in your area? How do solar panels work for your needs? Solar Solution AZ’s technicians can explain the mechanism behind solar panels, the installation process, and your renewable energy journey, so call 520-858-0220 today for a consultation!

Do you have solar panels but wonder why you’re not producing as much energy? You could benefit from a solar energy audit.

As a trusted Arizona solar installer, Solar Solution AZ provides energy audits for your solar panels. Keep reading to discover all the benefits of the audit. To learn more, call us at 520-858-0220.

What Is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit for solar power is the process by which an expert assesses the system’s energy consumption and usage, and it helps determine its financial viability, efficiency, and health. The auditor inspects every aspect of the system, including the panels, inverters, wiring, and other components.

The Benefits of Regular Energy Audits

According to manufacturers and solar experts, you should audit your solar panels annually. With yearly inspections, you’ll gain several benefits.

Assesses Performance

One of the biggest advantages of yearly audits is that they assess not just the quality of your solar panels but the entire system performance. While the solar panels are the most important aspect of your solar power system, its performance can wane in other areas, such as the inverter, the batteries, or even loose connections.

If the auditor detects poor or inconsistent performance they can’t trace to external factors, such as poor weather or inadequate orientation, they can look for the issue in one of these components.

Identifies Issues

A solar energy audit can find problems with your solar panels and other components before they become major issues. The most common issues an audit detects include:

• Weather damage
• Broken components
• Faulty installation
• Dirty panels

These issues can reduce your system’s ability to produce the amount of power you require and can turn into serious problems that require expensive repairs.

Improves Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of a solar audit is its energy efficiency. You installed solar panels for a more efficient and cost-effective way to produce energy, which is why efficiency matters.

An audit can help reduce or reverse the dwindling efficiency that comes from damage and age, but the auditor can also suggest modifications you can implement based on emerging technology.

Saves Money

When you compare the cost of the audit to the amount of savings it produces, you can consider the expense an investment. By avoiding costly repairs and increasing your efficiency, you’ll notice a significant return on the money you pay the auditor.

Maintains Compliance

Auditors maintain extensive knowledge about local solar codes and regulations. When they inspect your solar panel system, they help you stay compliant and avoid fees that come from penalties and fines. 

Let Solar Solution AZ Perform Your Energy Audit

Are you convinced you need all the benefits that come with a solar energy audit? As the leading solar power expert in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ provides a wealth of energy-saving tips, reliable installation, and energy monitoring services. We can increase your energy savings and help you cut the cord from utility companies.

To schedule a consultation, call us at 520-858-0220.

Many Arizona residents are making the switch to solar energy and installing solar panels on their homes and businesses. However, many don’t understand the installation process or how long it takes to complete, so how long does it take to install solar panels?

Our team at Solar Solutions is here to explain more about solar panels and how long installation takes in Arizona.

Solar Solutions is your experienced solar installer in Arizona. If you want to upgrade your Arizona home with top-quality solar panels, call our experts at (520) 858-0220.

Why Go Solar?

Solar power is one of the cleanest forms of energy. Switching to a residential or commercial solar panel system helps diminish your carbon footprint while potentially decreasing your monthly energy payments. Solar panels provide exceptional energy, even if the power grid goes down, keeping your electronics up and running without harming the environment.

How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?

Solar panel installation requires more than just securing panels onto your property’s roof. It consists of several steps and inspections that many home and business owners might not be aware of, so how long does it take to install solar panels?

Although panel installation times range from six hours to three days, the whole process can take several months. Below are the primary installation steps and their average duration.

• Site assessment: one week
• Custom solar panel system design: two to three weeks
• Building and electrical permit application: two to seven weeks
• Equipment ordering and installation scheduling: one to four weeks
• Installation: six hours to three days
• City Inspection: one to two weeks
• Utility interconnection and operation permission: two to six weeks

If everything goes smoothly and as planned, technicians can complete the entire process in two and six months. This might sound extensive, but many Arizona residents believe it’s worth the wait since it provides greener energy and can help them save money on their energy bills.

Additional Factors That Can Extend Installation Times

Although technicians can install most residential and commercial solar panels within six months, other factors can extend the process. Below are some additional elements that affect installation times:

• HOA (Homeowner’s Association) approval
• Roof repair 
• Unpermitted service panels and structures
• Equipment availability

At Solar Solutions, we take great strides to install your solar panels in a reasonable amount of time while ensuring a first-rate process. Our team will guide you through the process and help you with anything you need along the way.

Contact Solar Solutions for Outstanding Solar Panel Installation in Arizona

Next time you wonder, “How long does it take to install solar panels?” contact our experts at Solar Solutions. Our technicians will equip your Arizona home or business with top-quality solar panels that provide decades of exceptional power without adversely affecting the environment. We take the stress out of buying solar panels and will have your system installed in no time.

Give our Solar Solutions team a call at (520) 858-0220 and upgrade your Arizona property to solar energy today!

Are you looking into solar power and wondering, “Do you need batteries for solar panels?” As the expert solar installer in Arizona, our team at Solar Solution AZ offers the following advice on how to decide which battery is best for you. For the answer to all your solar questions or to book a consultation, call us at 520-858-0220.

When Are Solar Batteries Essential?

Solar batteries are essential for an off-grid system to store any excess energy for when your panels experience reduced production. If you’re planning to install a grid-tied system that uses net energy metering (NEM) to sell back your excess power to the utility company, batteries aren’t as necessary. However, many homeowners still find it useful to store energy for low-production periods.

Types of Solar Batteries

Homeowners can choose from four primary types of solar batteries.

Lead-Acid

Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest and most common battery options. While they’re the most affordable, they can’t hold much excess energy, so they are best for grid-tied systems that require minimal storage.

Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion batteries are the latest in battery technology, making them the most expensive. They’re compact, efficient, and can hold a significant amount of energy. They’re great for off-grid systems or solar panels that aren’t in areas with the most sun.

Nickel-Cadmium

These batteries are durable and function in extreme temperatures, making them perfect for airlines and the transportation business. However, they’re rare in residential homes because they contain toxic ingredients and are bad for the environment.

Flow

Flow batteries rely on chemical reactions to reproduce stored energy. While they’re incredibly efficient and can discharge 100% of their storage, they require significant space and cost.

What To Consider When Selecting Your Solar Battery

If you’re wondering, “Do you need batteries for solar panels?” evaluate the following considerations before going solar so you can choose the best battery for your system.

Your Needs

Will you use the battery intermittently or for long periods? The longer you go without generating energy, the greater energy storage you’ll require.

Capacity

Experts measure battery capacity in kilowatt-hours, and the same type of battery can have different capacities depending on its size. You can determine your required capacity by calculating your average energy use and purchasing a battery whose capacity equals or exceeds the extra power you produce. 

Safety

Consider how much space you have for the battery and how much maintenance you can afford. In general, avoid nickel-cadmium batteries to prevent the risk that comes with disposing of them.

Cost

What battery can you afford? If you don’t need much energy storage, consider saving money with a lead-acid battery.

Contact Solar Solution AZ for All Your Solar Energy Needs

Do you need batteries for solar panels? If you’ve decided a battery is the best fit for your current or future solar power system, our Solar Solution AZ experts can help you choose the best one. We can also teach you how to size a battery.

To book a consultation, call us today at 520-858-0220.

With endless hours of sunlight most of the year, Arizona is an amazing location for solar energy generation. So, keep reading if you’ve been wondering, “How many solar panels can I fit on my roof?”

As the best provider of Arizona residential solar, Solar Solution AZ can answer these questions and more. Call us to learn what solar can do for you!

Determining Solar Panel Density

If you want to calculate how many panels you can fit on your roof, start with how many square feet you have available and the size of your solar panels. Most solar panels are three feet by five feet, for a total of 15 square feet. If you have 250 square feet of available space on your roof, dividing the 250 by 15 fits around 16 panels on your roof, with a little space left over.

However, it’s better to have a professional like Solar Solution AZ measure how much space your roof has available for solar panels so that you can avoid safety risks.

Establishing Power Output

How many solar panels can I fit on my roof? Does that figure reveal the amount of power available? The power a solar-paneled roof generates is not too challenging to calculate.

Each standard panel can generate two kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day. In the example above, the entire system (16 panels) would generate 32 kWh daily. However, the following factors can affect total output:

• South-facing panels provide the most consistent power because they face the sun.
• Cloudy days or stormy weather reduce output.
• Larger or smaller panels than the standard size will generate different power levels.
• Shady patches from trees or taller buildings could mean significantly less output.

This is the current situation. However, with the future of solar power, there’s no telling how effectively upcoming solar power generators will perform. It isn’t a stretch to assume that you’ll achieve a greater amount of energy with smaller panels as technology improves.

Increasing Solar Power

The average home in the United States uses about 30 kWh of power each day. If your solar panels produce that much, you can completely cut your reliance on the utility company. And if they produce more than your property needs, you can store the excess energy or, in some cases, sell it back to the power company to make money.

If the solar power system doesn’t produce enough energy to meet your needs, can you enhance its generation capabilities? Technically, the first step would always be to reduce your overall energy consumption rather than generate more energy. For example, upgrading your appliances and lighting to be more energy efficient is a great start.

Another option would be installing additional ground-mounted panels to increase your output. Unfortunately, there’s no other way (yet) to increase the output of individual panels.

Contact Solar Solution AZ for Solar Panel Installation

How many solar panels can I fit on my roof? Whether you’re wondering how long solar panels last on your roof or whether you can afford a solar system, Solar Solution AZ can help. Schedule a consultation at 520-858-0220 today!

Do solar panels work better in summer? Many people may believe so, considering how cloudy and gloomy winter days can be. However, while aspects of summer can certainly be beneficial for solar panels, there might not be as much of a performance difference as most people think.

This post will discuss how solar panels work in both summer and winter. When you’re ready, contact the Arizona residential solar experts at Solar Solution AZ, and schedule a free consultation for residential solar power.

Types of Solar Energy

You probably think of solar energy as sunlight absorbed by solar panels, and that’s partially true. Photovoltaic solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity even in cold winter months.

On the other hand, thermal solar panels require heat to create energy. Since they convert heat instead of light, they work best in the summer months. 

The best type of solar panels for your home depends on the type of roof you have and the weather conditions where you live. A professional solar installer can help determine which type will work best for you.

Solar Panel Performance in Winter Months

If solar panels work off heat and light, what happens in winter months when the weather is cold and cloudy? It may surprise you to find out that solar panels often work more efficiently in winter months.

Though solar panels have far less direct sunlight in winter months, there is more ambient light reflected from clouds and snow. Cooler temperatures and ambient light create the ideal circumstances for solar panels to absorb energy and convert it into electricity.

Solar Panel Performance in Summer Months

If winter weather conditions are ideal for solar panel performance, do solar panels work better in summer when there are more daylight hours?

It’s a bit of a trade-off. Longer days give solar panels more time each day to absorb energy, even though the high temperatures make them less efficient. A solar battery will store excess electricity so you never have to worry about running out during fluctuating weather patterns.

In fact, your solar panels may end up generating more energy than you can use. In that case, you can sell excess electricity to the city, making solar energy even more efficient.

Affordable Solar Panel Installation

Solar panels are a good investment when you want to reduce utility bills and invest in renewable energy. You can combine solar and LED lighting for maximum energy efficiency. 

Do solar panels work better in summer? If they rely on heat, yes; if they rely on light, then they actually might be more efficient in the winter. If you want to upgrade to solar energy, contact Solar Solution AZ in Tucson, AZ, by calling 520-858-0220. During our free consultation, we will determine if your roof is in good condition to handle the addition of solar panels. We will also discuss the pros and cons of each type of solar panel and safely install the best type for your home.

Many people use solar power systems in addition to electricity from the power grid to supplement their household energy consumption. If you frequently deal with power outages, you might ask, “How long can a solar battery power a house?”

Several factors affect the answer to this question, but 10 kWh batteries can power an average home for 24 hours. If you need residential solar systems in Arizona, contact Solar Solutions AZ. Call 520-858-0220 to learn more about solar batteries.

Factors that Affect Solar Battery Power

In recent years, weather-related power outages rose 78%. If your home frequently loses power, you might wonder if solar power could be helpful. Solar power is ideal for everyday electricity needs, and it can also supply your home with emergency backup power.

A 10-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery can power a home for approximately 24 hours. However, this estimate depends on several factors.

Battery Sizes/Storage Capacity

Your battery storage capacity determines how much power your home can access at one time. Most homes have a single 10 kWh battery, which means that a fully charged battery can only supply 10 kW per hour.

If you want to expand the battery capacity for your home, you can install multiple units. However, most homes get by just fine with a single battery. You’d likely only lose power completely during an extended power outage that lasts longer than one day. 

Battery Health

To ensure the battery’s longevity, never let it fall below 5-10% charge. On the other hand, keeping it continually charged to 100% can cause overheating and degradation. 

Solar Power System Output

How long can a solar battery power a house? Calculate your available solar energy with the following equation:

The battery’s kWh rating x The number of sunlight hours per day x Your system’s performance rating

Performance ratings are also called power ratings. They essentially describe how efficient your system is. Under ideal conditions, your performance rating would be 100%, but it’s usually a bit lower than this.

Your Home’s Electrical Requirements

Finally, consider your home’s electrical requirements. The more energy you use, the faster you’ll drain your battery. Essentials may include refrigerators/freezers, electric stoves, water heaters, and lights. Heating and AC systems are important, but they consume three kWh every hour.

How to Make a Solar Battery Last Longer

A standard 10 kWh battery can power a house for about 24 hours (as long as the heat and AC aren’t running). The charge lasts even longer if it’s a sunny day and you are careful about your energy consumption.

Follow these tips if you want to extend the battery charge during a power outage:

• Wash your hands and dishes in cold water
• Don’t run your heating or AC
• Unplug unnecessary appliances
• Keep the refrigerator closed

Get Solar Power for Your Home

So how long can a solar battery power a house? Quite a while, especially if homeowners follow energy-saving protocols. We understand that buying solar panels and investing in a solar system can be overwhelming. That’s why the experts at Solar Solution AZ are here to help. Call 520-858-0220 to harness the power of the Arizona sun.