Category Archives: Solar

Go Solar Now or Wait?

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Solar panels have become commonplace on the roofs of homes and businesses in the greater Phoenix area. This certainly makes sense when you consider that we get more than 320 days of sunshine per year. Yet, switching to solar energy isn’t always a simple decision. There are important considerations to weigh before going solar.

Your Roof

Some roofs are more conducive to solar panels and will deliver better returns than others. Those that are north or northwest facing are optimal. You also don’t want the solar system to be shaded by trees or other buildings.

Your Panel Options

Traditional, roof-mounted solar panels are the most common option, but, you may want to consider a ground-mounted system that can be installed anywhere on a property. This is often a good choice if there isn’t sufficient roof space. Panels also come in different levels of efficiency. Higher efficiency panels have a higher upfront cost but offer greater returns.

Your Rebate Eligibility

It’s important to factor in any potential rebates and tax credits that can reduce the total cost of your solar installation. Take the time to review state and federal options, as well as utility company incentives. Your Cool Blew solar expert will also help you gain a better understanding of these savings. The Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is the largest source of cost savings, providing a 30% credit on qualified expenses. The State of Arizona also offers a $1,000 credit. If you’re considering solar, you may want to act sooner than later. Some of these incentives will be going away within the next two years.

Your Solar Contractor

Not all solar contractors are created equal. It’s a wise decision to choose an installer with the credentials and experience to maximize your return on your investment. Cool Blew is an SRP certified solar repair company in Peoria and was named a top ten qualified contractor by APS. Offering top-of-the-line products from leading brands, including GreenSky and SUNPOWER, we can help you start gaining the significant savings of solar.

Call Cool Blew today to schedule a consultation at 623-872-2900.

Should You Go Solar in 2018?

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You’ve probably seen an increasing number of solar panels on the roofs of your neighbors’ homes. There are many reasons why homeowners are jumping on the solar bandwagon in large numbers. Yet, protecting the environment and reducing energy costs are the most common.

Whether you’re considering solar for environmental, economic or other reasons, there are plenty of benefits to reap when you decide to make the shift. Here are some of the top reasons why 2018 may be the year it makes dollars and sense for you to go solar.

You’ll slash or even eliminate your electric bills

Imagine not getting a triple digit air conditioning bill in the summer. Here in the Valley of the Sun, there’s no shortage of power from the sun’s rays. Shouldn’t you be taking advantage of this natural resource that we have in abundance all year-long?

You’ll increase your property value

Having an eco-friendly home is a major selling perk in the Greater Phoenix area. In fact, many real estate studies have shown that homes equipped with solar energy systems are appraised at higher values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes.

You’ll no longer have to worry about jumps in energy costs

Eliminate your reliance on the utility company, and you will never have to worry again about their next rate hike. By investing in a solar energy system, you can protect yourself from escalating energy costs.

Protects the Environment

You’ll significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint by switching to solar. An average residential solar panel system will eliminate up to four tons of carbon emissions each year. This is equal to planting over 100 trees annually.

Help Your Local Economy

By choosing a local provider of solar panel repair in Peoria, like Cool Blew, you’re supporting your community, instead of a large-scale corporation.

Get a Great Return on Your Investment

Solar should be thought of as an investment with returns that match other investments, like stocks and bonds. Because of the savings on your electricity bill, you can expect to pay off your system in seven to eight years while seeing a return on your investment of 20 percent or greater.

Find out more about solar solutions by calling Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

Is It Time to Consider Solar Panels?

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There is no metro area more suitable for solar panels than Greater Phoenix. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, we’re ideally situated to capture the power of the sun. Yet, many homeowners are reluctant to make the shift to solar because they believe it’s too expensive. The good news is solar is more affordable than ever.  There are low-cost loans, rebates and even 3rd-party-ownership models that can let you lease a solar power system without having to commit to buying one.

What Is the Savings?

Here in Arizona, the average solar system will save you nearly $33,000 over 20 years. This savings is seen each month in your utility bill. In other words, you can say goodbye to those frustratingly high summer electricity bills that are a result of air conditioning usage.

Most solar experts will tell you that the system typically pays for itself within five to seven years. When you consider that the average system has a 25-year expected life-span, you can begin to calculate how much you’ll save over time. It’s substantial!

Many homeowners wonder if there’s value if they don’t plan to be in their home for 20+ years. The answer is still yes, it’s worth it. Solar adds considerable value to a home which means that it will sell faster at a higher price with functioning solar panels on the roof. And, solar doesn’t add anything extra to property tax. At Cool Blew, we can help you calculate your planned electricity demands to help you gain a clear idea of your long-term savings from adding solar to your home.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Unlike many other home improvements, solar panels require surprisingly little maintenance. Because there are no moving parts, there’s little to do except a quick rinse with a garden hose every few months. And, solar panels can even help protect the areas of your roof located under the panels. It’s important to work with an experienced solar installer to ensure panels are placed in the optimal location on your roof.

Want to find out more? Call Cool Blew today, a solar repair company in Peoria. We’re here to answer your questions and to help you determine the best option for your home and family.

Stay Cool and Save with a Solar Attic Fan

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Temperatures are rising once again in the Valley of the Sun. While we are gearing up for another long, hot summer in the greater Phoenix area, there is a solution that ironically uses the sun that to help keep your home cooler and more comfortable. It’s a solar attic fan, designed to ventilate your attic which can quickly reach over 140 degrees on a hot summer day. With this cost-effective, solar solution, you can substantially lower the temperature inside your home. The benefits of a solar attic fan also include:

  • Reduced energy usage, resulting in lower utility bills
  • Less wear and tear on your HVAC system
  • Reduced aging of roof shingles

How a Solar Attic Fan Works

Powered by the sun, this attic fan creates air circulation which pulls hot air and moisture out of your attic. The result is a cooler home and a reduced load in your air conditioning system. There are solar attic fans for nearly every type of roof found in Arizona homes and commercial buildings. The most popular residential model is installed directly on the roof and is powered by a remote solar panel. Running on solar energy, it is small, quiet and reliable – especially here in sunny Arizona! Solar attic fans can be attached to shingle, shake and tile roofs and have a low profile so they blend seamlessly with the roof line.

Remove Moisture during Monsoon Season

Along with hot temperatures, Valley homeowners know that it can get downright muggy during the upcoming monsoon season. Moist air rising from the inside of a home can condense and cause mold and mildew to form inside your attic. With a solar attic fan, moisture is removed so that humidity can’t lead to costly damage to insulation, sheetrock, trusses and drywall.

Advanced solar attic fans include real-time status updates to intelligently run the fan at the most optimal times to reduce attic temperature and moisture. They can also be powered after dark with electricity to enable attic temperature to continue to cool after the sun sets.

Learn more about the benefits of solar attic fans from the experts at Cool Blew. We’re here to help you stay cool all summer long! Solar installation Peoria.

The Dollars and Sense of a Solar Water Heater

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Are solar water heaters worth the investment? Arizona homeowners commonly ask this question. Thanks to the warm climate in Peoria and throughout the greater Phoenix metro area, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” A solar water heater offers more benefits than most home improvements and can even deliver a significant return on your investment. Here are a few of the many reasons why it makes dollars and sense to make the switch.

Did you know? Solar water heaters may seem like new technology, but they’ve actually been commercially available since the late 1800s.

Cost Savings

Perhaps, the most important benefit of a solar water heater is that you’re going to save money each month on your electric bill. In colder, less sunny areas of the United States, solar water heaters need to be augmented considerably by water-heating electricity. This means the cost-savings is less impressive. However, Arizona homeowners can expect a water-heating bill decrease of 90 percent or more! In hard numbers, you can expect to save $50 or more per month, depending on your family’s size and average water usage. You may also be able to reduce the cost of your initial investment. There are utility rebates, as well as federal and state tax incentives that can help make a solar water heater very affordable.

Reduction in Your Carbon Footprint

By relying on the sun to heat your water, you are also conserving nonrenewable fuels every time you turn on your shower, washing machine or dishwasher. This results in a corresponding reduction in pollution. Thus, a 90 percent decrease in energy use results in a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. Over time, this really adds up!

Increased Home Value

Installing a solar water heater definitely increases a home’s value in sunny Arizona. In fact, homeowners often regain the full cost of their investment once they sell because homeowners will pay a premium for green energy features, such as a solar water heater.

Considerations

Like with any home improvement, it’s important to weigh the cost of the investment versus the benefits. You’ll also want to consider your community’s building codes and regulations, as well as the construction of your roof. Ideally, solar thermal collectors should face south to maximize the amount of solar radiation reaching the collectors. You will also want to ensure there is plenty of space on the roof that isn’t obstructed by shade, trees, electrical cables or vents. Your best bet is to work with a professional solar water heater installer who can help ensure you gain the full benefits of this smart home improvement. Call the experts at Cool Blew today to find out more about the benefits of solar water heaters.

Is Your Home a Good Candidate for Solar Panels?

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Solar Panels

Are you considering solar for your home? Some homes are better candidates than others, although living in sunny Arizona is usually enough in itself! There is plenty of sun to provide energy, and the facing of your home isn’t as important as you might think. You can have solar panels installed southeast, east and north-northwest.

It’s not just which properties are a good fit but also which households. Homes with large families consume a lot more energy than a couple of empty nesters and are probably going to see more benefits from going solar.

In this post, let’s look a few of the most important factors that determine whether or not your home is a good candidate for solar power.

How much are you currently paying for energy?

The purpose of going solar is to pay less than you currently pay for electricity, lock in your electricity rates and generate your own clean energy.

To determine if solar energy will be a cost effective switch for you, calculate how much energy you use on a monthly basis and how much your utility company charges. Many areas have different tiers of usage and are charged differently depending on the tier they’re in.

The general rule of thumb is that if you spend $100 or more on electricity each month, solar is a good investment. Going solar replaces utility energy with solar energy, and you want to see a return on this investment. If you’re already paying $100 or more each month, you will see a reduction on your energy bills.

What type of roof do you have?

The type of roof that your home has makes a difference, as it impacts the cost of installation. It’s easier and more cost effective to install solar panels on Spanish tile or shake compared to asphalt shingles since they are more brittle.

On the other hand, asphalt rooftops are generally stronger and more durable, so they make a good choice for solar panels, too. The difference is that installation takes more time and is more labor intensive, so it costs more on the front end.

How old is your roof?

Aside from the type of rooftop that you have, it also matters how old it is. If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, it’s recommended that you replace it. Solar panels have an average life expectancy of 30+ years, so a roof that is at the end of its life won’t hold up to a brand new solar panel installation.

Additionally, solar panels should always be installed on roofs that are in good condition. As long as you choose a qualified installer, the solar panel installation won’t harm your roof.

How much sunlight does your home see?

Living in Arizona, there is no limitation to sunny skies. That said, some homes naturally receive more sunlight than others. Consider the amount of shading that your home receives from nearby trees or obstructions. The more clear space, the better.

We also talked about the direction that your home faces. South facing is ideal, but this makes more of a difference for homes in the Northern hemisphere. There are many other options you can go with – east and north – and still receive plenty of energy.

If you are considering adding solar to your home, we recommend calling Cool Blew for solar installation in Peoria. One of our installers will be happy to come out, take a look and provide you with a custom quote.

Photo Credit: FreeImages.com/NevilleMicallef

How Much Will Solar Increase The Value Of Your Home?

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How Much Will Solar Increase The Value Of Your HomeThe money-saving value of a solar power system is obvious. Whatever the initial investment might be, what the homeowner gains back in reduced utility costs over time and the tax rebates and other possible incentives, makes solar energy a clear economic winner.

But there is another financial benefit of solar that many overlook, and that’s its effect on the value of a home. Continue reading

How To Estimate The Cost Of A Solar Power System

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How To Estimate The Cost Of A Solar Power System-CoolBlewYou have many things to consider when making the decision to switch to solar power. You must weigh the cost of installation against the benefits of having access to a cheaper power source.

As with any home improvement project, it is important to factor in how the project affects your overall property value.

Learn how to estimate the cost of a solar power system.
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Is Purchasing Solar Energy Panels Worth It?

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Is Solar Energy Worth It-Solar Panel Installation In Peoria-CoolBlewSolar panels can provide your home with energy for a very long time and are virtually maintenance-free. Provided the sun continues to shine, photovoltaic modules can provide power for decades. A solar power system consists of not only solar panels, but also batteries, regulators and inverters. The cost of these items and configuring the system can seem high, but the return you can see on your investment and the money you can save in the long run can definitely be worth it.

Fortunately, there are also programs designed to make the process of paying for and installing solar power systems easier for the average person. They include: Continue reading