LEARN

 

  • How Solar Energy Works

  • Factors To Consider

  • How To Make Your Home Energy Efficient

  • How To Decide On A Solar Installer

  • How To Compare Quotes

  • Steps to Go Solar

  • Guide To Federal Tax Credit

  • Solar Loans 101

  • How To Read Your Bill

  • Community Solar

HOW SOLAR ENERGY WORKS

Factors to Consider When Installing Solar on Your Home or Business

Are you considering if solar power is the right option for you, your home, or your business? These are some of the primary factors to consider when thinking about going solar.

Roof Orientation- The roof does not need to face perfect solar South (195 degrees). A roof with a +/- 90 degrees orientation and a pitch between 5–12 will typically be suitable for rooftop solar.

Shade-free site- The roof space should be located in a shade-free area. In order to maximize solar performance, it is ideal that there is a clear solar window from 9am-3pm, year round.

Obstructions- Vent pipes and chimneys should be avoided on the roof as well as roof features such as dormers, cent pipes, and other roof mounted utilities as they can make it difficult to install solar arrays.

Roof Characteristics- Asphalt and standing seam metal roofs are ideal choices when installing a solar system.

Roof load- Talk to your solar installer about the local requirements (IB 153) for the installation of PV Solar to ensure your roof has the appropriate structural capability.

Solar-Ready- If you are not ready for solar yet, your home can still be prepared for a future installation. Talk to your builder, contractor, licensed electrician and/or solar installer to determine what steps can be done prior to installing solar. Some of these preparation items can include: identifying the solar roof area, future equipment location, and possible interconnection pathways.

MAKE YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT

When a solar installer designs a system for your property, they look at two items: the attributes of your roof and your energy usage. Implementing efficiency measures in your home will lower your energy usage. The effect of lowered energy usage will reduce the size of the solar system needed in order to meet your energy goals.

Making A New Home Energy Efficient

Making An Existing Home Energy Efficient

  • Learn More About Energy Efficiency

  • Learn More About CPS Energy Energy Efficiency Rebates

How to Decide on a Solar Installer.

How to Compare Quotes

 
 

SOLAR STEPS

Solar Loans 101

Solar loans are similar to many other loans you may have used in the past. You agree to borrow an amount of money from a lender to finance your solar system, you then agree to pay it back, plus interest, in monthly installments, over time.

How to read your energy bill

How to read your solar bill

Community Solar

Community Solar gives you financial benefits of solar ownership without having the panels on your rooftop. With this “roofless” solar model, a centrally located facility is built within the community it serves, allowing multiple residents and business owners to buy panels in the same array. The solar power produced is fed back to CPS Energy’s grid, and the utility applies credits on customers’ electric bills for their renewable generation.