Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat household water. In Phoenix, with over 300 sunny days each year, a solar water heater can provide up to 90% of a family’s annual hot water needs. For more on solar water heating systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
Will I have hot water on a cloudy day?
Yes! Even on cloudy days the water heating system can still generate a substantial portion of your hot water. The automatic electric back-up system will help to provide a consistent supply of hot water during cloudy weather. For more information on solar water heater systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
Will I have hot water overnight?
Yes. Our water storage tank is specifically designed to hold heat longer so you won’t have to rely on use of the electrical back-up. For more on solar water heating systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
How hot can solar heated water get?
Solar water heaters can heat water to temperatures above 212 degrees F. A high limit temperature control is a standard feature on all of Pacific West Solar water heating systems. Normal operating temperatures in the storage tank should not exceed 140 degrees F. For more information on solar water systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
Do I need a specific kind of roof for the solar panel?
Nope. Our high quality, lightweight solar collectors can be mounted on any flat, pitched or tile roof. In some situations a wall or ground mount is more appropriate. For more details and information on solar hot water heater systems please go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
How do I claim the tax credits and utility rebates?
The Federal Tax Credit is 30% of the cost for a domestic solar energy system. The Arizona State Tax Credit is $1000. These tax credits are used to offset your income tax liabilities and are available when your tax return is filed. Public Utility rebate programs currently provide incentives payable upon completion of a system installation. For more on solar water heating systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
How much maintenance do solar water heaters require?
How much maintenance do solar water heaters require? Most solar water heaters require some scheduled maintenance and manufacturers generally all have maintenance schedules for their equipment. It is important to find out from your contractor what these procedures are, their cost and frequency when considering any type of solar water heating system. For more on solar water systems go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
How much can you save with Solar Hot Water?
It will depend on the size of your system and the way you currently heat your water. Typically water heating represents about 15% of your utility costs. A Pacific West Solar solar water heating system will pay for itself with the energy savings earned over a 3 to 4 year period. To find out more on solar water heaters, please go to: https://pacificwestsolar.com/solar_water_heating_questions.html
APS wants to raise home solar rates
If approved, APS would reduce home solar energy savings from 70% to 20-40%. It’s not too late to stop them! Please contact your Arizona Corporation Commissioner and tell them NOT to allow APS to raise rates on home solar customers.
Peter Reed