Clean Energy | Rooftop Solar

Solar Buyback Decrease Looms as APS Deadline Approaches

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Rooftop Solar

Solar Buyback Decrease Looms as APS Deadline Approaches Buyback Decrease New solar-qualified homeowners in APS territory should expect to see a 10% decrease in the value of home solar energy as the Arizona Corporation Commission nears their annual APS buyback hearing. However, homeowners this month are in a great position to be grandfathered at the … Read more

Why Should I Go Solar in the Spring?

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 by Rooftop Solar

4.3 kW system in Flagstaff Arizona featuring QCell and Enphase inverters.

#1: Beat the Summer Rush! Some homeowners put their solar pursuits on hold during the winter months because thinking about solar energy during the coldest, wettest, and cloudiest time of year isn’t the easiest thing. As a result, they don’t start thinking about solar again until longer days return. Every year we see a solar … Read more

Low Solar Output in Winter? Should I Be Concerned?

March 21, 2023March 7, 2023 by Rooftop Solar

10.27 kW system in Flagstaff during snow storm

Going solar is the best way to take charge of your home’s energy production and use. It allows you to take advantage of the changing energy potential and need year-round. During the winter months, you may notice a sizable drop in production, and if it is your first time around, you may be reasonably concerned. … Read more

Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

March 21, 2023November 17, 2022 by Rooftop Solar

Habitat for Humanity Rooftop Solar partnership sign

Rooftop Solar is excited to announce our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and their Starter Home Project. A direct response to Flagstaff’s housing crisis, the home is the first in the program and can be seen on the northwest corner of Butler and O’Leary in Flagstaff.

The Starter Home project is a campaign by Habitat for Humanity to create sustainable, affordable housing. The best part is that Habitat for Humanity has devised a system of homeownership where homeowners receive equity in the home each year they live there. Homeowners will earn $10,000 back each year for 10 years, allowing them to save for their second home.

Rooftop Solar is donating a solar system valued at close to $11,000. It will provide a 130% offset of an average homeowner’s energy use, leaving the new Starter Home’s owner with no electricity bill and possibly a utility credit! Over the guaranteed life of the system, the homeowner will save about $12,500. The energy produced by the system has the carbon-reducing power of planting 1,530 trees!

Rooftop Solar is very proud of our partnership with Habitat for Humanity and of our ability to give back to the Flagstaff community this way. It’s a perfect fit! Watch for the news of many more Starter Home projects in the near future.

System size: 1.74 kW DC

Number of panels: 6

Panel brand and wattage: REC 290

Inverter type: Enphase IQ 7 Plus Microinverters

Features: Online monitoring portal, 30-year warranty covering parts and service

System Value
Energy Offset	130% annually
Energy Harvest	3,122 kWh/year
Annual Consumption	2,410 kWh/year
Financial Impact
Year 1 Savings	$437.08
30-Year Savings	$12,479.70
15-Year Payback	117%
30-Year Payback	287%
Environmental Impact
Carbon Offset	131,124 pounds of CO2
The equivalent of trees planted	1,530
The equivalent of miles driven	140,490

Solar Installation in Flagstaff, AZ, Andy V

April 11, 2023November 15, 2022 by Rooftop Solar

“Rooftop installed a big ground mount solar unit for us. They used their magic box to determine ideal angles and location. Installation was completed last year and I haven’t had any issues with it, but have been saving a bundle of $$ by replacing propane and gas (car) by switching cars and appliances to electric. It more than pays for my electric bill.”

Click here to read our other great reviews on Google

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Andy went solar back in January 2019 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Andy’s system consists of 32 REC 290-watt solar panels with a Fronius inverter.

System Size: 9.3 kW

Module Type: REC 290 / 32

Inverter: Fronius Primo

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What was your main motivation to go solar?

While I appreciate the value of renewable/green energy, my main motivation was financial. This solar installation alone was pretty good value, but the tax credit makes it a financial no-brainer. My tax credit was large enough that I was able to replace my home appliances and heating with electric and also buy a cheap electric car. And now the payments I am making on the solar loan are significantly less than what I was paying for heating gas, car fuel, and electricity put together.

What is the best part of having solar?

I love looking out the window at the solar panels soaking in the sunshine. Here in Arizona, we love our few rainy and snowy days, but now seeing my panels drink in the photons is a great feeling too. When I first got the solar installed, I would keep the app up on my screen and see realtime how much energy we were pulling down. The second best part is watching the credits pile up on my APS “bill.”

What was the most enjoyable part of the process of going solar?

Some people may want to get into a lot of the technical details about panel types, placements, etc. I, however, preferred to have the Rooftop engineers and techs come up with the best solutions. They would give me all the plan details, but I happily deferred to their expertise and let them do all the work. They did a fantastic job, and I have no regrets whatsoever.

A Guide to Enphase Monitoring

April 11, 2023May 19, 2022 by Rooftop Solar

Besides solar panels, solar inverters and the monitoring they provide are the most important measuring tool for your solar array. Being able to identify problem areas with your system is an important part of owning a solar home, and will provide the peace of mind needed for this investment. When you sign up with Rooftop … Read more

CPUC Proposes Huge Cut to Solar Buyback

March 28, 2023January 5, 2022 by Rooftop Solar

Rooftop Solar system in San Diego, California

This month the California Public Utilities Commission, (CPUC) the governing body which oversees California’s utility companies, is making a decision on a new system for valuing solar. They call this new system ‘Net Billing’, and it is a proposed overhaul to the Net Energy Metering (NEM 2.0) system. This system has provided growth to the … Read more

ACC Votes to Do Away With Solar Grid Access Fee

March 28, 2023December 17, 2021 by Rooftop Solar

11.1 kW Rooftop Solar installation in Phoenix, Arizona with Silfab 360 watt modules.

ACC Votes to Do Away With Solar Grid Access Fee As a final result of their most recent rate case this month, the Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to do away with APS’ grid access fee for solar homeowners. The ACC is the governing body that oversees APS’ rates and overall finances. It is estimated … Read more

Update to California’s Proposed Solar Buyback Decrease

March 28, 2023October 7, 2021 by Rooftop Solar

Update to an article originally published on June 23, 2021: Net Metering in San Diego is Under Attack SDG&E, PG&E, and SCE have submitted their proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission. It is important to note that their proposal is just one added to the case for consideration, but it is very important nonetheless. … Read more

Types of Solar Panels

October 27, 2022April 8, 2021 by Rooftop Solar

Solar panels in front of pine trees in Flagstaff, Arizona.

One of the most common considerations for any solar homeowner is what solar panel types are available and which is the best option for you. This question comes up when considering the efficiency, aesthetics, and of course the cost of the system. Generally speaking, there are three different types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and … Read more