Transform Your Phoenix Home with Solar Power
Black Platinum Solar & Electric has become the go-to solar panel company for countless homes across Maricopa County. Our simple, yet, thorough consultation process begins with understanding your home’s specific needs, followed by a customized design of solar panel systems that complement your household. Trust in our experienced hands to bring your solar dreams to life.
Choose Clean. Choose Solar.
A home solar panel system captures energy from the sun and converts it into electricity that can be used to power your household. This process begins with the solar panels themselves, which are composed of many individual photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells contain layers of semiconductor material, usually silicon, that create an electrical field.
When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons, which are then captured and pulled into a directional current. This flow of electrons forms a direct current (DC) of electricity. Solar panels are usually installed on rooftops, where they have maximum exposure to sunlight, but they can also be mounted on the ground or other structures, provided there is adequate sun exposure.
Once the solar panels generate DC electricity, it must be converted into alternating current (AC), the type of power used by most home appliances and the conventional electric grid. This conversion is achieved by an inverter, which forms an integral part of the solar power system. The inverter receives the DC from the panels and uses a process called inversion to transform it into AC electricity. This newly converted AC power then flows through the home’s electrical panel and is distributed to outlets and appliances.
When a system generates more electricity than the home uses, the excess can be sent back to the public utility grid if the system is grid-tied. Through net metering, homeowners may even receive credits from their utility company for this surplus energy, offsetting their electricity bills. With this efficient exchange of energy, a home solar panel system harmoniously intertwines with existing electrical infrastructures, providing a renewable source of energy that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes environmental sustainability.
FAQs About Solar Panel Systems for Homes in Arizona
The cost of a residential solar panel system can vary widely, typically ranging from $11,000-$35,000 after tax credits and incentives are applied. The final price is dependent on the system’s size and complexity.
Solar panel systems’ payback periods depend on several elements, such as your current electricity costs, utility rate structure, available incentives, and financing methods. Cash purchases may yield payback within 8-12 years, whereas financed systems may see immediate positive cash flow or reach it within three years. Please visit our financing page for more detailed information.
Roof mounting is popular for solar panels, but it is not the only option. Solar panels can also be installed on the ground or integrated into buildings in various ways, like into roof tiles or overhangs. Ground-mounted systems may incur extra costs due to additional requirements like trenching and structural support.
Solar panel systems are designed to last. Solar modules come with 25-year warranties but can function for over 40 years. Some panels in use today date back to the 1970s.
Meanwhile, central inverters often have a 10-year warranty, while microinverter systems may be warranted for 25 years. A conservative estimate for the lifespan of an Enphase microinverter system is around 30 years.
While south-facing panels are ideal, panels facing southeast or southwest can still achieve a substantial portion of their potential power output. Often, it’s advisable to go with the roof’s natural inclination instead of constructing complicated mounts.
Photovoltaic panels should be installed where they will receive ample, unobstructed sunlight daily. Shading can markedly decrease energy output. While any shade on a single panel can greatly affect the production of an entire array with a central inverter system, microinverters allow each panel to operate independently, so shading on one panel will only impede its own performance.
To access the Federal Income Tax Residential Energy Credits form (Form 5695), you can download it here.
Energy Transformation, One Solar Panel at a Time
Contact our professional electrical contractors today for a personalized estimate on solar panel installation for your Phoenix home. Whether selecting the best solar panels or navigating the solar panel wiring, Black Platinum Solar & Electric is committed to providing exceptional service that meets all your clean energy needs. Let’s work together to make solar panel installation a rewarding investment for your future.