Going Solar in Arizona? Help?

Question

Myself, my girlfriend, and our newborn will tentatively be going to be moving to Chandler, AZ sometime around January or February, due to a better job opportunity. We were looking at houses, and they look fantastic. We come from Los Angeles, so the inexpensive housing is pretty enticing.

My question specifically is about power usage/power bills in Chandler. I'm aware that the A/C will probably be run 6+ months out of the year, obviously, and that the power bills, depending on the square footage of the house, can be very expensive. Is solar power a better option? If I belong to an HOA, will they allow me to use solar panels? Is there a solar generator I could use and hook up to the house so the electric company isn't charging me at all?

Answer 1

While it is true, that HOA rules outlaw solar heating, the state over rides that rule and will allow it. I know because I live in a gated community with HOA. Check into the many solar companies here in the valley and you'll save a lot of money. Good luck.

Answer 2

Going solar in the Phoenix area is a fantastic idea. However, there are certainly HOA's that will not allow it. You'd better check with the HOA where you plan to live before you put anything in. Solar paneling is expensive, and it takes a number of years before it pays for itself. On the other hand, it is a great investment because once it is paid for, you not only pay electricity, it is sometimes possible to sell the electricity you get back to the power company. In addition, of course, when you get ready to sell your house, buyers will be willing to pay a little more.



Personally, I wouldn't use the A/C for six months of the year. I live in southern Arizona and, it is true, it is not as hot here (my weather is similar to the weather in Tucson), but I don't even have A/C, and I don't miss it. In fact, I didn't even bother to turn on my swamp cooler this year. People use way too much A/C in my opinion. In the Phoenix area, it is accurate that you will need some A/C, it is true. But try not blasting it. You might be surprised that you really don't need as much as you think.



Good luck!

Answer 3

1