Arizona is built for going solar. With its long and sunny summers, you can transform hours of clear and cloud-free sunlight into electricity for your home. There are many benefits of going solar: reducing your energy bill, shrinking your footprint, achieving energy independence, and even getting money back for the excess energy you send into the grid. There are nearly as many different ways to go solar in Arizona as there are different benefits in the first place, so explore these three popular options to find the right fit for you.
1. Grid-Tied Systems
Grid-tied systems are what many suburban homeowners may think of when they imagine solar energy. Your home is connected to the electrical grid, but you’re no longer fully dependent on it. Some of the key advantages of grid-tied systems are:
- You can still get energy through the grid when you need it.
- You can significantly reduce your energy bills, especially during the summer.
- Depending on your local systems, you might have access to net-metering programs that give you discounts and credits for electricity you provide back to the grid.
If you choose this option, work with a solar system expert to understand your local regulations and programs, as well as any permitting requirements.
2. Off-Grid Systems
On the opposite end of the spectrum are off-grid systems, which are entirely independent. If you have a rural or remote property where the grid simply doesn’t make sense or you want to power some at-home features entirely off of solar energy, you can have energy independence. However, you may want to take additional steps to ensure you have backup power, such as a generator, for night-time or cloudy usage. A battery is also a helpful storage mechanism for excess or backup power.
3. Hybrid Systems
If you like the advantages of both systems above, consider a hybrid approach. You can have two disconnected solar energy systems, or you can add a battery to your on-grid system so you can store excess energy up to a point before releasing the rest to the grid. Customize your system to meet your exact needs and always have electricity on hand. However, that extra complexity can increase the initial expense and expenses over time.
Choose Your Solar With Solar Optimum
At Solar Optimum, we specialize in solar energy, and we’re ready to help you create your own personal approach to going green and generating your own power. Talk to us today about different systems, installation options, and considerations in your local region of Arizona. You can also request a free quote to take the first step!
