In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy designated the city of Tucson a Solar America City, and by 2021, nearly 25% of all City of Tucson facilities operated on solar power. Even though the city is doing its part and utilizing renewable resources, residents can go further and help the environment even more by installing solar panels in their homes.
Living in an area that receives constant sunshine for over 300 days a year makes it easy for Tucson residents to utilize solar power. Investing in clean energy helps the environment long-term, lowers electricity costs, and increases the value of homes. Learn more about solar power in Tucson and how you can help the environment by getting solar panels installed at your home.
Two Types of Solar
Photovoltaic (PV)
Photovoltaic (PV) is the most common form of solar and can be installed on rooftops or as utility-scale solar farms. When sunlight hits these solar panels, electrons begin to move and generate a flow of electricity.
Homeowners who install rooftop solar benefit from net metering, which utility companies use to compensate customers for excess energy that their solar systems send to local electric grids. PV solar systems also produce 80% fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Typically, large power plants utilize Concentrating Solar Power (CSP). This form of solar uses mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight and convert it into heat. The created heat produces steam that then drives the turbines that generate electricity.
Even though residential homes cannot feasibly use CSP, it’s good to know the difference between the two types of solar before installing solar panels.
Benefits of Solar Power
Switching to solar power as a Tucson resident has many benefits. Solar panels’ simplicity, ease, affordability, and sustainability beat older, traditional heating and cooling systems. In addition, there’s a range of benefits that solar power offers, including but not limited to the following:
1. Cost Effectiveness
In Tucson, energy prices continue to surge. Still, to live comfortably for more than half of the year, residents end up blasting their AC and running up their monthly energy bill rather than suffering through long and scorching conditions. Luckily, solar panels simultaneously provide relief from the simmering sun and unrealistic billing statements.
Once PV is installed, homeowners get their energy directly from the sun. They do not need to worry about paying a high energy bill ever again because the cost of utility-scale PV is lower than any other energy source.
2. Combats Climate Change
Renewable, natural, clean, and sustainable signify a severe issue: climate change. If the world continues using traditional energy methods, like fossil fuels, we’ll continue to see the scary and irreversible effects of global warming.
Even though solar is still a tiny energy segment, it’s also one of the fastest-growing energy resources in the world. PV provides around 3% of the world’s electricity and 1.5% of U.S. energy.
3. A Practical Investment
Solar panels can last up to 30+ years, unlike standard air conditioners that last 10-20 years maximum. With the help of local programs in Tucson, upfront costs will be less, your energy bill will be lower, and the newly installed solar will last longer than a quarter of a century.
4. Tax Reimbursements on Solar Panels
In Arizona, you can file for a state income tax credit that reimburses you 25% of what you spent on solar equipment. On top of that, you can get up to 26% of your original purchase on your federal tax return. In addition, the government won’t charge you sales tax on your purchase or property taxes in the future because of your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint. These reimbursements are another financial incentive for Tucson residents who want to invest in solar panels.
The Future of Solar Power in Tucson
Solar power in Tucson will only expand as residents continue to invest in their homes and utilize renewable energy. Being dependent on the sun will never be a problem in sunny Arizona. Any excess energy stored by solar panels will keep houses running on rainy days when the sun is tucked away and during power outages.
Are you searching for your perfect plot of land in Tucson, Arizona, hoping to save money, and help the environment by eventually installing solar panels? Contact me, Rick Sack, at 520.918.5477 or rick@buytucsonlots.com to find your perfect parcel of land.
