Grid-Tied Systems
                        

The Sunshare Program, the Best of Both Worlds

Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is one of the most solar friendly utility companies in the west. The recent unveiling of the Sunshare™ program allows everyone within the TEP service area to get involved in environmental protection while saving money and adding value to their homes.

What is a Grid Tie System?

A grid-tie system combines the comfort of a grid connection and the power of solar electricity into one system. Grid-tie systems are designed to feed directly into your main electric box to reduce your use of electricity from the grid. If your solar system is producing more electricity than you are using, the system will even feed power back to the grid. TEP offers net metering for the power you feed back to the grid. This means that if you are producing more power than you are using, it will spin your electric meter backwards, reducing your monthly bill.

What is the Advantage of a Grid-Tie System?

The main advantage is its cost and low maintenance costs and hassle. Since grid-tie systems feed directly in the grid, expensive and high-maintenance batteries are not needed. Also, since you are still connected to the grid, strict system sizing calculations are not required, giving you a large range of options. You can have a system as small as 1 KWH to reduce your electric bill, or a system that is large enough to virtually eliminate your electric bills.

Is the Grid-Tie System Cost Effective?

Grid-tie systems are cost effective when viewed in the long run. Although the current return on investment is projected to be about 20 to 25 years, there are several factors to consider. The cost of electricity is projected to increase significantly in the near future. Since the Sunshare™ program is net metered, the amount received from TEP via your grid-tie system will rise in proportion with the cost of electricity, reducing the time needed for the system to return its investment.

Another fact to consider is that solar panels carry a 20-year warranty, which guarantees that the panels will last as long as your return investment. Also, installing a solar system in your house will increase both the value of your home and its marketability. How do I qualify?

To qualify for the Sunshare™ Program you must be a TEP customer and have 550 square feet of un-shaded space exposed to the true south. The location of the PV panels must be within 100 feet of your electrical distribution panel. The solar panels must to be mounted at a 32 degree angle (this can be achieved with the mounting hardware included). TEP also requires their Sunshare™ customers to report meter readings and to have a flat rate billing plan. If you fail to qualify or do not agree with any part of the program, you can still have a net metered grid-tie system designed by The Solar Store in accordance with your specifications. And, depending on your specifications, you may still qualify for the TEP rebate and the tax credit. Please call The Solar Store at (520) 322-5180 or Contact Us to find out more about the Sunshare™ program, or any other solar system.

More Information

If you would like more information on the Sunshare Program, please read over the following .pdf files from TEP for specifications and requirements.

The Hardware Buy down Options

The Hardware Buy down Agreement

The Grid-Tie Application

Sunshare Links:

TEP

Greenwatts.com

The Arizona Solar Center

< Back to Solar Electric