Arizona Solar Center Blog

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Arizona is a land of physical and climatic diversity -

from the San Francisco Peaks to the Sonoran desert, Arizonans past and present have adapted to this land of diversity and often to conditions of climatic intensity. The heat of the desert summer sun and the cold of a mountain winter have had direct impact on the form and shape of our buildings, and the patterns of our behavior.

• NOTE: Photos obtained from the photo gallery are to be used for lawful purposes only. Any commercial use must receive prior approval from the Arizona Solar Center. Credit shall be given to Photographer along with Arizona Solar Center, and no affiliation with Arizona Solar Center is to be implied.

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• NOTE: Photos obtained from the photo gallery are to be used for lawful purposes only. Any commercial use must receive prior approval from the Arizona Solar Center. Credit shall be given to Photographer along with Arizona Solar Center, and no affiliation with Arizona Solar Center is to be implied.

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Biggest energy saver in history of Energy Department

Washington D.C. (June 29, 2009): New national minimum energy efficiency requirements for light bulbs will save more energy than any other standard ever issued by any administration, according to a coalition representing environmental and consumer organizations, state government, and utilities. The new standards, announced by President Obama today, will make the hundreds of millions of fluorescent tube lamps that light offices, stores, and factories more efficient. They also will phase out conventional incandescent reflector lamps, effectively extending the phase out of inefficient incandescent products initiated by Congress in 2007 to the common cone-shaped bulbs used in recessed light fixtures and track lighting.

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Arizona Initiatives

Governor's Solar Energy Advisory Task Force
www.azenergy.gov/Policy/GSETF.aspx

Updated: April 26, 2014:
The Arizona Legislature adjourned on Thursday, April 24 at 1:42 am -- bringing an end to the 51st legislature – second session. Of the bills the Az Solar Center was tracking – SB 1484 was signed into law by the Governor earlier this month. Two other bills, SB 1301 and HB 2403, passed the legislature and have been transmitted to the Governor for her signature.

In 2014 solar adoption makes up a very small percent of the electrical generation mix in Arizona. But the trend is accelerating in favor of solar utilization not only in Arizona, but across the country.

1. A home solar system is typically made up of solar panels, an inverter, wiring (meter and disconnect switch) and support structure.
2. A typical rooftop solar electric system is connected to the utility grid and relies upon the grid infrastructure for backup power. It will not operate in the absence of utility power.
3. A modest PV system will pay for itself during the life of the equipment, generally several times over.
4. Solar increases the value of your home.
5. Solar equipment helps protect you from rate increases and fuel cost uncertainties.
6. Use of solar helps decrease air pollution problems related to burning fossil fuels.
7. Solar Energy is measured in kilowatt-hours. 1 kilowatt = 1000 watts. 
8. To figure the cost of a photovoltaic system the system size is multiplied by the installed cost per watt.  A 1 kW system that costs $4 per installed watt would cost $4,000 (1,000 x $4 = $4,000).
9. Larger systems have a lower cost per watt.
10. Solar energy systems qualify for state and federal tax credits and exemption from state sales tax.  The cost of a solar system is further reduced by a state tax credit (25 percent up to $1000) and a federal tax credit (30 percent).
11. A one kilowatt solar system that cost $4,000 to install would be reduced by a $1000 state tax credit and $1200 federal tax credit.  The out-of-pocket cost would be $2800.
12.  A solar energy system generates units of energy measured in kilowatt-hours.  One kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the amount of electricity needed to burn a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours.
13.  A 1 kilowatt home solar system will generate approximately 1,680 kilowatt-hours per year in Arizona.  The average Arizona utility electric rate is $0.12 a kilowatt-hour – meaning the energy offset by a 1 kilowatt solar system is equal to $201.60 (1680 x $0.12 = $201.60).
14. If a 1 kW photovoltaic system cost $2800 to install (after incentives), and saves $201.60 a year in electricity costs – the payback period would be 14 years.
15. A typical Arizona home generally has an electric utility service rated at 200 amperes.  This generally limits the size of the inverter to about 8,000 watts without extra costs.  An inverter rated at 8,000 watts can generally use a photovoltaic array rated at up to 10,000 watts (10 kilowatts).
16. If the photovoltaic array is in an area without shadows, or must face other than South, the performance will be affected.
17. In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one year.

1. Solar water heaters pay for themselves in 3-10 years, depending on your hot water use and whether you are comparing to gas or electric water heating.
2. A simple passive system only adds about $15/month to your mortgage and pays for itself long before your mortgage is paid off.
3. The total costs (initial cost, fuel, maintenance) over the life-ycle of a solar water heater is one of the lowest of all water heating systems available.
4. Solar increases the value of your home and provides an appealing sales feature.
5. Your solar equipment has value independent of your house. You could sell your solar equipment or take it with you when you move.
6. Take advantage of state and federal income tax credits (25% up to $1000 state; 30% federal) and exemption from state sales tax.
7. Utility companies offer rebates for the purchase of solar equipment including solar water heaters. Check with your utility to see if any rebate applies in your area.
8. Increased use of solar will help decreases environmental problems caused by burning fossil fuels.
9. Use of solar energy creates quality local jobs by expanding the local solar industry.
10. Use of solar provides you with more independence in your personal life.

Updated Feb. 16, 2014