Yavapai County in Arizona is a beautiful place to live—it gets over 270 days of sunshine a year, well over the national average. If you are considering installing solar panels on a home in Yavapai County, your first check should be your main electrical panel. Your main panel is where the power utility (and solar energy) will connect with the rest of the house.
Many homes in Yavapai were built several years ago, so it’s important to make sure your main panel is in good condition, has sufficient capacity, and is solar-ready.
Understanding Your Main Electrical Panel
Your main electrical panel is where electricity enters your home and is distributed to various circuits by way of a breaker box. It contains bus bars, circuit breakers, and has a maximum amperage rating.
Typical main panel sizes are measured in amps. 100, 150, 200, and 400 amps are among the standard sizes. Older main panels in Yavapai tend to have a smaller capacity with less modularity for new additions. The wiring may also be older and less robust. If your panel is too old, small, or in poor repair, you may need an upgrade before your solar installation.
Yavapai-Specific Considerations
Yavapai County poses a few specific concerns when it comes to main panel condition and solar-readiness. Heat stress, dust, and dry climate debris can cause problems over time. If your home is old enough to have fuses instead of breakers, you will definitely need an upgrade (and should have had one decades ago).
Local building codes, regulations, and utility companies require 120% capacity for solar installation based on the busbar rating. If your panel is rated for less than 200 amps, you may need an upgrade as well.
Key Factors to Assess in Your Main Panel
When assessing your Yavapai main panel for solar, keep an eye on these key factors:
- Amperage Capacity: Know the minimum requirements for the solar panel installation you desire. Calculate for your home’s current and future electrical needs in terms of electrical capacity.
- Available Breaker Space: You need at least two additional breaker slots available. If your panel is full, you can upgrade or add a subpanel depending on your amperage rating.
- Panel Age and Condition: Older panels and panels that are worn out (degraded wires and components) are more likely to need to be replaced. Look for badly outdated panel types like fuse boxes and discontinued brands
- Grounding and Bonding: In Yavapai’s often dry conditions, it is vital to ensure your panel is properly grounded and bonded in alignment with current code requirements.
- Location and Accessibility: Make sure your main panel is well-positioned for solar integration. If not, you can add a sub panel in a more convenient location.
When to Upgrade Your Main Panel
Upgrade your Yavapai home’s main panel if:
- The panel is old, outdated, and needs to be replaced anyway
- The panel does not have the amperage capacity for solar
- The panel does not have available breaker spots
- The panel is poorly positioned for home power upgrades.
Consider pairing your panel upgrade with other home electrical upgrades for safety, energy efficiency, and modernization (ex: more and better outlets, new lighting, EV charging, etc.) throughout the home.
Yavapai Main Panel for Solar
If you live in Yavapai, start your solar assessment at the main panel. You will want to partner with a skilled solar installer who can help you assess your roof and electrical system for solar readiness. Consult with Solar Optimum for personalized evaluation and solutions. Contact us today to get a free quote on a solar panel system.
