Comments on: Layman’s Guide to Arizona Solar Rebates

By: Layman's Guide to Arizona Solar Rebates | Clean Energy Experts

Layman's Guide to Arizona Solar Rebates | Clean Energy Experts — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:52:04 +0000

[…] More Layman’s Guide to Arizona Solar Rebates via CleanTechnica.com Professionals Signup Click here to sign up and purchase real-time […]

By: Jeffrey Blumenthal

Jeffrey Blumenthal — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:52:00 +0000

TEP is not currently accepting residential PV solar applications:

http://www.tucsonelectric.com/docs/installers-notice.pdf

By: Susan Kraemer

Susan Kraemer — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:39:00 +0000

It is the warranty that is for 25 years, and the full life is around 40. Solar panels lose a half percent of output a year, so in 25 yrs, they are outputting at 12.5% less than the original rated power. So mfr cannot call a 200 watt panel that has become just a 187.5 watt panel still a 200 watt. But it is still a perfectly good lower watt panel.

By: Lajollanorris

Lajollanorris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:36:00 +0000

Thanks so much for the comments. Just to clarify, this is article is based on assumptions and not an actual quote, so there is going to be some wiggle room.

However, my sourcing for all data was from DSIRE.org, viewing my friends TEP electric bill and a contact at a national solar installer that works in Arizona regarding output.

Overall, after taking all sources, I felt that the data was accurate enough to include in the article (with the appropriate disclaimers) as an educational piece about Arizona’s rebates.

Nevertheless, I really do appreciate the comments as it does highlight some of the variabilities in solar…particularly that rebates can change from location to location as can your electric bill…even the “average” output of a solar system can be variable (ie. where it is oriented, shading issues, quality/type of components and craftsmanship).

By: Jeff S

Jeff S — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:46:00 +0000

The estimates above are incorrect. SRP shows on their website that every 1kW of array size will produce about 1700 kWh of electricity per year (approx $170 worth). Therefore, a 4 kW array like mentioned above will produce a bit under $700/year. The other miscalculation above is the install price. Prices for installation of PV in Tucson are under $5/watt for typical residential applications.

The numbers would look as follows

4 kW system
total installed cost before rebates/incentives < $20,000
AZ tax credit $1,000
Current Utility rebate $2/watt = $8,000
Remaining amount is $11,000
Federal 30% investment tax credit = $11,000 x .3 = $3,300
Final out of pocket cost to homeowner ~ $7,700
Electricity production ~ $700/year
estimated payback 11 years.

By: Nrgwise Lighting

Nrgwise Lighting — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:32:00 +0000

I doubt electricity is .30/kwh