Learning Center

The sun itself is much like a power plant, converting its own mass into particles of light called photons. Photons shine down through Earth's atmosphere providing us with light. When other objects absorb this light it is converted to either heat or electrical energy.

1. How do solar panels create electricity?
   
   Solar panels, or modules, are made up of dozens of photovoltaic cells, also called PV cells. These simple cells have been around for several decades...solar powered digital signs, solar powered calculators, solar powered emergency telephones along the highway...solar cells are used everywhere.
   
   Each PV cell is made up of a thin semiconductor, in this case two layers of silicon, with a unique electrical circuit connected between them. Semiconductors are crystals and are essentially the building blocks of modern electronics. They are present in just about everything that requires electricity to run.
   
   A solar module is simply a collection of interconnected photovoltaic cells that react to produce electricity when exposed to direct sunlight. Only a small percentage of the sunlight hitting a solar panel at any given moment can be converted into usable electricity. This percentage is the solar module's efficiency, a number that is gradually improving all the time as solar technology continues to advance.
2. The Southern Sky...Why it is so important
   
   You may have heard that your solar electric system works best when facing south, but you may not have been told just why that is.
   
   Here in North America, we are several thousand miles north of the equator. This means that even at its highest point in the sky during summer, the sun will still be shining at us from the southern sky. But for the most part it will be almost straight up in the air. During the winter months, however, this is not the case. The tilt of the earth moves us even further north, which puts the sun deep in the southern sky.
   
   In order for a solar module to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight, it must be tilted as closely toward the sun as possible. If our solar panels are angled too far south to compensate for the winter sun they will miss out on the summer sun, which is much higher in the sky. Likewise, if the panels are angled straight up overhead they will miss out on the winter sun in the southern sky.
   
   So, we must find a happy medium with the solar panels tilted slightly toward the south to maximize their exposure all year round.
   
   Some houses only have rooftops that face east or west. Because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, facing a solar system in these directions will take advantage of sunlight during those specific times of day. For example, if your solar energy system faces east, you will generate most of your power in the morning hours and very little in the afternoon.
3. Why solar electric systems require inverters
   
   Wouldn't a solar energy system be much simpler if we could just tie our solar panels together and head right into the electrical panel? Well the simple answer is yes...it would be much simpler. But unfortunately, solar panels produce a kind of electricity that is different from that which we use in our homes.
   
   As you know, solar modules absorb sunlight and convert it to electricity...DC power, or direct current. The problem is that businesses and residences require AC power, or alternating current. Therefore, a device is needed to convert DC power to AC power.
   
   A popular way of doing this that is still commonly installed today is to take the DC power harvested by a string of around 15 solar panels and convert it to AC power using one large central inverter. However, this system has many disadvantages. We will get to those shortly.
   
   Today, power can be converted from AC to DC using one microinverter for each and every solar panel, a method that is far more efficient than using a single string or central inverter for a group of 15 modules. A microinverter is a small device that mounts underneath a solar module and accomplishes the same task as a central inverter.
4. Why a microinverter is superior to a central inverter
   
   Simply put, central inverters bring with them many significant disadvantages when it comes to producing power.
   
   A central inverter converts the power produced from roughly 15 panels all tied together in series, one after the other. Because of this, a string of solar panels is only as good as the one that is producing the least amount of power at that time.
   
   For example, if you have a string of 15 panels tied to a central inverter and one panel is shaded slightly, this will be the same as if all 15 panels were shaded equally, significantly reducing the efficiency of your solar energy system.
   
   However, if you have 15 panels tied together using microinverters and one panel is shaded slightly, the performance will only be reduced for that one solar module. This design dramatically reduces the impact of temporary shading on your system.
   
   Also, a solar module has a power tolerance that is unique to each panel. This means that a specific solar panel rated for 200 Watts could actually produce slightly more or slightly less than its official rating. But as we mentioned above, with a string inverter, the array of panels is only as good as the one that is producing the least.
   
   Therefore, if you have 3 panels producing 200W, 195W, and 205W, a string inverter would see all of your panels as producing just 195W. A microinverter design would produce each panel's actual outputs...200W, 195W, and 205W. That's a 15-Watt difference for only 3 panels, and an average system may have 30 panels!
   
   Another significant advantage when using microinverters is its advanced monitoring system. While a central inverter can only tell you the power production of the system on the whole, microinverter monitoring provides a clean web interface that tells you exactly what each and every panel in your solar energy system is producing as well as overall system statistics.
   
   In the event of a problem with one panel in your system, Cambio Energy will be immediately alerted. The problem can be quickly diagnosed and repaired so that you can rest easy...all thanks to this state-of-the-art microinverter technology.
   
   Also, if there is a problem with a microinverter it will only affect the production of the one panel it is connected to. In the event that a central inverter experiences a problem, your entire array of 15 panels would be shut down until a technician arrives to repair it.
   
   Microinverters also provide a special feature called Burst Mode. During times of low sunlight such as in the morning or at night, microinverters will store low amounts of energy until there is enough to burst an extra bit of power. This extra energy would simply be wasted when using a central inverter.
   
   Combined, all of these advantages provide you with a significant increase in power production as well as the peace of mind that your system is running at its absolute best!
   
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An ideal solar system would offset your utility electricity bill by 100%. Because the sun is not shining at night, enough solar power must be produced during the day to offset not only your daytime consumption but also your nighttime energy needs.

You may be wondering what happens to the extra power your system produces during the day until it is needed at night. Thanks to a newly adopted system in Arizona, net metering allows this extra power to be sent back to the utility grid as a credit to your account until you need it next.

Because the ideal plan is to offset 100% of your annual utility energy costs, you will find that some months your solar electric system will produce significantly more than you need both during the day and at night. In this case, your extra power production will carry over to the following month. In fact, any extra credits will continue carrying over to subsequent months for the entire calendar year.

This metering system allows you to treat the utility grid as a battery pack. When you create excess power you store it on the grid until you need it!

If, however, you are unable to install a system that is large enough to cover all of your energy needs, you will still be tied to the grid for that extra boost.

For those that really want to go big and purchase a system that is much larger than your energy needs, utilities also offer a system called net billing which allows you to sell power back to the utility rather than receive credits that carry over from month to month.

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The most significant benefit of going solar is the immediate reduction in utility electricity costs that you'll see on your very next bill. Many home and business owners opt to install a solar electric system that produces 100% of their energy needs.

A rooftop without solar means that you are susceptible to constant rate hikes by your local energy utility. A rooftop with solar means that you have locked in the price of energy for the entire life of your system, commonly 30-40 years! No matter what size solar electric system you decide on, you'll see huge savings immediately!

And what's more, once your system is completely paid for after around eight or nine years, the power it produces for the remaining 30 years will be completely free! Not too many investments will provide you with such strong returns.

Another huge benefit is your immediate increase in property value. According to the Appraisal Journal, for every dollar your solar electric system saves you in utility energy costs, your home or building value increases by $20. In other words, a savings of $1,000 per year will increase the value of your home by $20,000, which is much more than the system will have cost you to install.

And for those concerned with increased property taxes associated with your solar investment, Arizona has a solar energy property tax exemption. You won't pay an extra cent in property taxes when you install your new solar power system.

Another major benefit of going solar is the green effect. We all want to reduce our carbon footprint and go green, and solar is a great first step in making this happen. There are not too many investments this good that will not only make you money, but will also take cars off the road, save trees, and reduce toxic waste. Many home and business owners have become more conscious of their own effects on the environment, and many buildings are working toward LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). No matter what, if your goal is to go green, solar will immediately help you achieve it.

In addition, Cambio Energy installs only solar components made here in the United States, which means a new solar system on your rooftop is immediately helping to strengthen both our local and national economies. Going solar means putting money into green technology and green jobs so that we may one day be fully sustainable.

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1. Modules
   1. Sanyo
      
      For sixty years, Sanyo has been a leading player in everything electronic, including radios, washing machines, videos players, cell phones, and much more. Today, Sanyo provides the market's best, most efficient performing solar modules.
      
      A high efficiency module essentially means more power production with less space, and at 16.2 Watts per square foot (17.4% module efficiency), Sanyo is tough to compete with. This means you pay less for microinverters, racking materials, and system attachments.
      
      Another of Sanyo's unparalleled benefits is a power tolerance of +10%/-0%, which means a panel rated for 205 Watts will provide at least that much and possibly as much as 10% more. Many of Sanyo's competitors claim to offer the highest efficiency but rate their solar modules several percent higher than they may actually perform.
      
      Sanyo is also a leading performer when it comes to high temperature environments. As temperatures increase during the hot summer, Sanyo solar modules produce 10% more electricity than conventional crystalline silicon panels in the same environment.
      
      The Sanyo silicon wafers that make up their solar modules are made in California and Oregon, which means you're supporting domestic green jobs and strengthening the economy. In addition, Sanyo plants are certified in quality, environmental protection, and safety.
      
      Because of generous incentives and rebates from utilities as well as the state and federal governments, the majority of your solar system cost is covered. This means that now is the best time to take advantage of Sanyo's high performance and efficiency for only a fraction of the cost.
      
      All Sanyo solar panels come with a 5-year product workmanship warranty and a 20-year power output warranty and will provide you power for at least 30 to 40 years.
      
      Sanyo's high efficiency, power guarantee, and superior performance mean your solar investment will pay for itself even quicker and provide you with worry-free renewable energy for decades to come.
   2. Sharp
      
      Sanyo has been a leading provider of solar panels for nearly 50 years and powers more homes and businesses than any other solar manufacturer in the world.
      
      As an exceptionally performing middle market panel, you will rest easy with Sharp's proven track record and fantastic customer service. Sharp provides customers with a 25-year warranty on power production and a 1-year workmanship warranty.
      
      Sharp solar modules also perform very well in high heat environments and are designed to withstand rigorous operating conditions. Thanks to its five decades of proprietary research and development, Sharp has established itself as a market leader in solar energy.
      
      Like all of the parts we provide at Cambio Energy, Sharp panels are manufactured in the United States, strengthening the economy and providing thousands of green jobs.
2. Microinverters
   
   Enphase microinverters have transformed the way solar energy is delivered to homes and businesses essentially making your solar panels smarter, more reliable, and much more efficient.
   
   Compared to a central inverter, which converts power for around 15 solar panels, Enphase microinverters are mounted beneath each solar panel taking up less space and providing you with a handful of important benefits. Be sure to visit the Learning Center's section on inverters for a detailed description of Enphase's clear benefits over central inverters.
   
   Here are a few of the advantages with Enphase microinverters:
   
   - Increased resilience to shade, dust, and debris
   - No single point of failure for your whole solar system
   - 24/7 monitoring on a per-module basis
   - Greater production in low-light conditions
   - Per-module tracking means much higher efficiency
   - Eliminates the space, heat, and noise of large central inverters
   - Solar panels may be mismatched and added-on anytime
   
   Enphase microinverters also come standard with an unheard of 15-year warranty, which means your solar power system pays for itself even quicker and lasts much longer. Enphase's proven track record allows them to provide customers with a 100% uptime guarantee and a rapid replacement program in the event of a problem.
3. Unirac Racking System
   
   Our solar power installations come standard with one of the industry's most popular racking systems, Unirac. Designed specially for a simple design and a more attractive look, the Unirac solar mounting system is among the best available.
   
   Unirac provides a number of different custom solar racking systems depending on your own unique needs. Whether your top priority is a racking system that is less conspicuous, allows for a simpler design, or is specially shaped to fit your roof type Unirac has the right solution for you.
   
   Unirac solar racking systems provide competitive pricing and warranties and are manufactured in the United States.
4. Cambio Guarantee
   
   At Cambio Energy, there is nothing more important than our customers’ satisfaction earned through exemplary quality and service.
   
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A solar electric system is as affordable as it ever has been thanks to the many federal, state, and utility incentives and rebates. Here are some details about how you, the homeowner, can bring down the cost of your solar investment.

1. Federal Personal Tax Credit
   The federal government now covers 30% of the cost of your solar power system through tax incentives. This means thousands of dollars in savings for your family thanks to a quicker return on investment, so you can focus on putting money back in your pockets.
   To Learn More Click Here
2. State Personal Tax Credit
   The Arizona government offers homeowners an additional $1,000 dollars off the total cost of your solar power system.
   To Learn More Click Here
3. APS & SRP Incentives
   Local utility companies are offering homeowners up to $2.15 per Watt on solar electric systems, which translates to savings of between $15,000 and $20,000 on a midsize system. This is one rebate you will definitely want to take advantage of as soon as possible as it is planned to decrease slightly as solar become more and more mainstream.
   
   APS Rebate: To Learn More Click Here
   
   SRP Rebate: To Learn More Click Here
   
   Personal Exemption: To Learn More Click Here  
4. Property Tax Exemption
   Arizona's property tax exemption means that when you add a solar power system to your home, you will not have to worry about an increase in property taxes.
   To Learn More Click Here
5. State Sales Tax Exemption
   Your solar electric system is Arizona sales tax exempt which may save you well over $1,000.
   To Learn More Click Here
6. Income Tax Subtraction for Energy Efficient Residences
   If you are looking to invest in solar on a home you are planning to sell or are worried that you may want to move out of your home someday, this tax incentive will help you. Arizona provides an income tax subtraction for those taxpayers selling an energy efficient home. The incentive is equal to 5% of the sale price with a cap of $5,000.
   To Learn More Click Here
   
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1. Initial Discussion About Solar
   When you first decide you are interested in a new solar power energy system, give us a call to schedule a free site evaluation. We will discuss by phone exactly what you are looking to get out of your solar system and answer any questions you may have.
2. Site Evaluation
   During your free site evaluation we will meet with you in person to talk about what size and type of solar electric system would be best to meet your needs. We will have a look at your rooftop and existing electrical panel and come up with the perfect system for you and your family.
3. Solar System Proposal
   At this point we will present you with a formal proposal and give you a detailed explanation of the benefits of going solar as well as a full run down on your new solar power system.
4. System Design and Preparation
   Cambio Energy will take care of each and every detail in the design process of your new solar power system so that you can rest easy. We will put together the electrical drawings, handle all communications with the city and utility company, and finalize each and every detail needed to move forward with your installation.
5. Installation and Power-Up
   Next, we will install your solar energy system and organize the inspection so that your new solar energy system can start making you money right away. We will give you a full walkthrough of the system as well as some helpful reference materials unique to your system.
   
   And that's it! You now have years of green, renewable power on your own rooftop!
   
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With the purchase of your new solar electric system, Cambio Energy will provide you with 5 years of free maintenance and monitoring! This means that you won't have to spend a moment climbing up on the roof or worrying about your solar power system.

When the panels need to be cleaned we will be there to clean them! If any panel or inverter is not performing perfectly, we will be automatically alerted so we can have someone out to fix it right away.

After your free 5 years expires, we offer additional service agreements and monitoring. Give us a call or send us an email for more details!

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If you're worried about your Homeowners' Association (HOA) prohibiting you from installing solar, don't be! State law protects your right to install a solar energy system and no HOA can stop you. Cambio Energy will take care of all the details in the event that an HOA needs to be informed about your decision to go solar.

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A solar electric system is as affordable as it ever has been thanks to the many federal, state, and utility incentives and rebates. Here are some details about how business owners can bring down the cost of a solar investment.

1. Federal Corporate Tax Credit
   Known as the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC), this federal tax incentive covers 30% of the cost of your solar power system. Also, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allows taxpayers eligible for this incentive to take the 30% as a grant rather than a tax credit.
   
   This translates to thousands of dollars in fast savings, helping business owners achieve a very quick return on investment.
   To Learn More Click Here
2. State Corporate Tax Credit
   The Arizona government offers business owners an additional 10% off the total cost of your solar power system with a cap at $25,000.
   To Learn More Click Here
3. APS & SRP Incentives
   Local utility companies are offering commercial business owners up to $2.00 per Watt on solar electric systems. They also offer long term production based incentives, which could cover as much as 60% of the entire cost of your solar installation.
   
   This is one rebate you will definitely want to take advantage of as soon as possible as it is planned to decrease slightly as solar become more and more mainstream.
   
   APS Rebate: To Learn More Click Here
   
   SRP Rebate: To Learn More Click Here
   
   
   Personal Exemption: To Learn More Click Here
4. Property Tax Exemption
   Arizona's property tax exemption means that when you add a solar power system to your building, you will not have to worry about an increase in property taxes.
   To Learn More Click Here 
5. State Sales Tax Exemption
   Your solar electric system is Arizona sales tax exempt which may save you thousands of dollars.
   To Learn More Click Here 
6. Corporate Depreciation
   Your solar electric system is considered 5-year property as far as corporate depreciation is concerned, which means large savings from tax write-offs that can be taken advantage of in a hurry.
   To Learn More Click Here
   
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1. Initial Discussion About Solar
   When you first decide you are interested in a new solar power energy system, give us a call to schedule a site evaluation. We will discuss exactly what you are looking to get out of your solar system and answer any questions you may have.
2. Site Evaluation
   During your site evaluation we will meet with you to talk about what size and type of solar electric system would be best to meet your specific needs. We will have a look at your building’s rooftop and existing electrical service entrance and come up with the perfect system for you and your business.
3. Solar System Proposal and Summary-Level Estimate
   At this point we will present you with a formal proposal and give you a summary-level cost estimate for your system. We will provide a detailed explanation of the many tax incentives and utility rebates applicable to you as well as a run down of the different components, monitoring, and maintenance that would best suit your specific needs.
4. Decision and Retainer Payment
   When you decide to move forward with your commercial solar energy system we will require a refundable retainer payment to commence the preparation and design phases.
5. System Design and Preparation
   Cambio Energy will take care of each and every detail in the design process of your new solar power system so that you can rest easy. We will put together the electrical engineering drawings, handle all communications with the city and utility company, and finalize each and every detail needed to move forward with your installation.
6. Installation and Power-Up
   Next, we will install your solar energy system and organize the necessary inspections so that your new solar energy system can start saving you energy and money right away. We will thoroughly test your system, activate your monitoring services, and give you a full walkthrough as well as some helpful reference materials unique to your system.
   
   Ant that’s it! You now have years of green, renewable power on your own rooftop!
   
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Cambio Energy provides several options for maintenance and monitoring to ensure that your investment is always up and running at 100%.

A real-time graphical interface provides a detailed per module overview of your solar system’s energy production as well as historical details and statistics. Any abnormalities are immediately reported to Cambio Energy by email so that a technician may quickly correct these issues.

We also provide periodic cleaning to remove any dust and debris that may reduce your system’s efficiency. You can rest easy knowing that your solar electric system is producing at full capacity each and every day.

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