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.

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular. However, there are a few key questions many people have before going solar. One of these is “what direction should solar panels face?”

In this guide, we share all the information you should know about solar panel angling and which direction provides the best results. If you are considering residential solar panels in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ can equip your home for solar success. Call us at (520) 858-0220 to learn more about going solar in Arizona.

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face?

Solar experts agree that the optimal direction for solar panel installation is a south-facing area. Panels in a true-south direction are in the ideal angle to catch the sun’s rays and maximize your power output. However, securing your panels to face southwest or southeast can result in an impressive 92% achievable output. 

Though not ideal, east- and west-facing panels can still collect 85% of the achievable output. Panels facing north can only achieve 70% of total output. 

The way you store and use solar energy is important for determining what direction solar panels should face. South-facing panels are ideal on homes that use net metering and solar battery storage. 

South- or southwest-facing panels are best for homeowners who use Time of Use, or TOU, utility billing. TOU rates typically peak later in the day when south- or southwest-facing panels receive direct sunlight. However, this approach leaves you with less solar power during other times of the day.

Where Not to Install Solar Panels

Regardless of which direction your home faces, certain houses are not suitable for solar panels. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s guide to going solar, if your home is in a mostly shady spot under tree cover, installing solar panels may not be an ideal energy solution. Cut sun-blocking trees if possible to enhance your home’s solar potential. 

It’s also important to note the age and slope of your roof. Older, weathered roofs likely need replacing before installing solar panels.

Panels perform best on roofs with a 15- to 40-degree slope, so consider the angle of your roof as part of your decision to go solar. Consult with a solar installation expert who can inspect your roof’s angle. They can craft the best approach for switching to solar energy. 

Other Solar Solutions

Don’t fret if your roof doesn’t face the optimal direction for south-facing solar panels. You can still reap the rewards of solar energy.

Install more panels on your roof, even if they aren’t south-facing. Additional panels can compensate for less sunlight while also keeping your installation budget reasonable.

A ground-mounted solar system allows you to adjust the position toward the sun and provides easier maintenance than rooftop panels. However, this option tends to be more expensive and takes up space on your property. 

Trusted Solar Panel Experts and Installers

This guide gives you the answer to “what direction should solar panels face?” If you’re ready to go solar, turn to Solar Solution AZ to install a solar panel system for your home. Call (520) 858-0220 to schedule a consultation. 

Once you have your new solar panels installed, you’ll likely have several questions about maintenance. Since the system remains exposed to outdoor elements, solar panel maintenance takes priority for many homeowners. One of the most common questions is:  How often should you clean your solar panels?

As professional installers of Arizona’s residential solar panels, our team at Solar Solution AZ offers guidance on when and how to clean your solar panels. Call us at (520) 858-0220 to learn more about our expert solar solutions. 

How Often You Should Clean Solar Panels

How often should you clean your solar panels without professional help? You shouldn’t do it at all! At first, cleaning solar panels with warm soapy water might seem like a good idea.

But doing so on your roof without the proper safety equipment can cause a disaster. Professional cleaners have the necessary safety equipment. They also use cleaning solutions that are safe for the surrounding environment. 

Perform Weekly Inspections

While you shouldn’t deep-clean your solar panels yourself, you can take a few steps to keep them in the best condition between professional cleanings. Plan inspections on a weekly basis to stay on top of your solar panels’ condition.

Leaves, bird droppings, and branches can impact how much solar energy you receive. If you observe large debris from trees and animals, perform a quick solar panel cleaning by removing the debris.

You should perform additional checkups after severe weather. Storms and strong winds can blow larger debris onto your roof. This large debris might damage your solar panels.

Routine inspections followed by prompt cleanups and timely repairs will make your panels last longer.   

Schedule Professional Cleanings Biannually

So how often should you clean your solar panels professionally? While the frequency ultimately depends on your local climate, we recommend professional maintenance service twice a year. 

Arizona’s dry climate often calls for more frequent visits from a professional cleaner. The wind and lack of rain allow debris to travel more easily. Dirt and dead leaves get wedged inside the panel frames.

Ideally, you should have your solar panels cleaned before spring begins and in early autumn. 

Advantages of Professional Cleanings

If DIY cleaning methods still tempt you, keep the advantages of professional cleaning services in mind. 

• Professional cleanings can increase energy output by ten percent or more. 
• If you don’t have all the proper equipment, you’ll have to purchase and store it. Professional cleaners already possess the equipment.
• You can sustain injuries from working on the rooftop. Adding soapy mixtures to the equation increases the danger. Professional services circumvent that.
• Your warranty or lease may require professional cleaning. If you accidentally damage the panels during cleaning, you could nullify your warranty or be held liable by the lease’s terms. 

Call Solar Solution AZ for Advanced Solar Services in Southern Arizona

How often should you clean your solar panels? We recommend weekly inspections and twice-yearly cleaning services from a professional. Learn more about choosing a solar panel system for your home by working with our qualified team at Solar Solution AZ.

Call us at (520) 858-0220 to schedule an installation consultation.

Will you have a higher or lower average monthly electric bill with solar panels in Arizona? Solar energy is a significant investment, and financially savvy homeowners run the numbers before proceeding with an installation.

As a top choice for residential solar panels in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ shares more details, including how switching to solar power might affect the bottom line.

What Is the Average Monthly Electric Bill?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) quotes the average cost of electricity in the U.S. in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with usage in kWh. Arizona’s average monthly electric bill is slightly below the national average. However, these figures can be deceiving.

Local averages fluctuate widely between specific locations. For example, the average monthly electric bill in Phoenix is vastly higher than comparable homes in Maricopa.

What About Solar Panels?

Estimating electric bill averages becomes even more complicated when considering the addition of solar panels. Several factors come into play, and the number of households hooked on solar energy is still too small to draw a reliable figure.

Nationally, the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Residential reports that residential and commercial solar energy accounted for 3% of the country’s total electricity (2020). Solar installations are increasing as installation costs continue to fall, though. And homeowners in Arizona who install solar energy will usually report an overall drop in their monthly energy bill over time.

Factors That Influence Electric Bills With Solar Panels

How much can you expect to pay after solar panels go live? It depends on the following:

Electricity Consumption

Is consumption the same? Monthly electricity bills will likely drop after installing solar panels.

Net Metering and Connection Costs

Utility companies typically compensate customers who own photovoltaic arrays. They get net metering credits for the excess power they add to the grid. Your utility company’s connection fees and time-of-use (TOU) costs also affect the final figure.

Solar Array Configuration

Some rooftop solar panel installations eliminate high TOU charges by using a solar battery for power during peak hours.

Solar Energy Production

The average residential solar panel setup can generate 720 kWh to 900 kWh monthly. With electricity consumption hovering in this range, you can expect a significant drop in your energy bill.

How Soon Can You Break Even On Solar Installation?

Looking at electric bills over the last decade with the rise of solar panels, most Arizona homeowners can recoup the solar installation cost in five to ten years.

Get Professional Advice on Solar Installation in Arizona

Crunching numbers on a solar installation is far simpler with specific data for your region. Why not ask Solar Solution AZ for an estimate of what you can expect to save after installing solar panels in your location? We’ve served more than 3,000 customers and would be happy to show you how your electric bill will pay for your solar system.

Call Solar Solution AZ at 520-858-0220 today to determine your average monthly electric bill with solar panels and see whether a solar investment is a good idea for your Arizona home.

Solar energy is the wave of the future, and homeowners all over the country are joining in. Installing solar panels on your roof significantly reduces energy costs, allows you to claim tax credits and rebates, and reduces your environmental impact. However, if you’re considering buying solar panels for your home, there are a few things to look out for so you don’t make a poor investment.

Some solar companies want to keep you in the dark about the potential pitfalls involved with solar installations. Of Arizona’s residential solar panel contractors, Solar Solution AZ is the company you can rely on for honest answers and advice concerning your choice in solar panel installation. Call us at 520-858-0220 to learn more, or keep reading to learn about the six mistakes to avoid when buying solar panels.

1. Lowballing Your Energy Usage

When you meet with your solar contractor, they’ll want an estimate of your yearly energy consumption. Many homeowners give an unrealistically low estimate for one reason or another, and then their solar power system can’t sustain their energy requirements. If you use more energy than your solar panels can produce, your utility company may send you a steep bill at the end of the year.

2. Assuming Solar Panels Prevent Blackouts

Some people think, “Now that I have my own solar panels, my power will never go out!.” The truth is that most people have their solar system tied to the power grid. If your neighborhood loses power, your house will lose power too.

You can opt for an off-grid solar system that feeds energy to a battery bank, but those batteries will cut into your return on investment (ROI). The best option is a grid-tied system with a small backup battery for emergencies.

3. Leasing Solar Panels

People end up leasing their solar panels because the upfront cost is often significantly lower than purchasing them. However, your lease will have an interest rate, and in the end, you may wind up paying more than double the purchase price for something you’ll never own. 

Homeowners who purchase solar panels can enjoy a 30% tax credit. If you lease the solar panels, the tax benefits will go to the third-party vendor instead. Leasing can also make it harder to sell your home since you’ll have to transfer the lease over to the buyer.

4. Poor Planning

Sometimes homeowners install solar panels without thinking of the future. If you’re going to have kids or buy more appliances, your energy needs will be higher. Buy the solar system you’ll need as life goes on, not the one you need right now.

5. Overpaying

When buying solar panels from a large provider with a lot of overhead, you may see more than a 200% markup on materials and equipment.

With Solar Solution AZ, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for every step of the way.

Click the link to learn how to size battery for solar energy systems, and call us at 520-858-0220 for your free quote today!

Solar Solution, a trusted Residential Solar Company in Arizona, wants you to appreciate an often overlooked step: choosing the right battery size for your solar-powered energy systems.

Knowing how to size a battery for solar panel systems is crucial to giving your home the power it needs without overpaying for too large a system. These simple steps will make it easy to make the right choice.

Before you figure out how to size a battery for solar, keep the following questions in mind because they will help you with your calculations and planning.

Are You Connecting Your Solar Panel System to the Power Grid?

Solar power systems can either be standalone off-the-grid systems that power the home or systems that are also capable of providing power to the local power grid. Some states allow net metering, which allows households with solar panel systems to sell unused energy to utility companies.

Net metering is a controversial issue nationwide and locally in Arizona. The status of net metering might change in the future depending on the political situation. 

Your Energy Requirements

Power companies measure energy usage in terms of kilowatt hours. Know how many watts your home will draw over the course of the day, keeping in mind that your usage will likely change over the course of the day. For example, if you need an average of 1,000 watts of power for 12 hours per day, you will need 12kW of battery storage.

Depth of Discharge

Solar batteries cannot release all the energy they store. In other words, they cannot fully discharge. Your battery capacity must be large enough to meet your power needs. A lead-acid battery, for instance, only discharges to 50%, so you would have to double your battery size.

The Capacity Limitations of Your Solar Panels

Your batteries might never fully charge if they never gather enough energy to meet your daily demand. In addition to knowing how to size a battery for solar energy systems, ensure that your solar panels are large enough to meet your energy needs.

Inefficiency Factor

Batteries do not return all the energy your solar panels receive, meaning a percentage of the energy goes to waste. If a battery only stores 75% of the energy it receives and you need to store 10.000 watts, you will need to store 13,333 watts to keep 10,000 watts.

Keep the Seasons in Mind

Remember that the sun’s angle changes with the seasons. You will receive less energy from sunlight during the winter than in summer because the sun’s rays strike the Earth at an oblique angle. 

Solar Solution Provides Quality Solar Panel Systems in Southern Arizona

At Solar Solution, we’re proud of our solar panel systems and installation work, but we offer more. Explore our website to learn about the solar energy trends in 2022 and find out how to size a battery for solar panel systems. Call 520-858-0220 today to schedule an appointment and get an estimate.