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?”

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.

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 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. 

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!