American Solar Electric

What size system do you need?
There are three main factors that help us design a system to fit your needs. If you can accurately estimate for these, you are ready to give us a call (step one above). Otherwise, the following will help you get accurate estimates, and even empower you to size the system yourself.

1. Your electrical usage (see below)
2. Available unshaded space (during the peak sunlight hours of the day) for panels (see FAQ)
3. Your budget (see prices)

Your electric bills have your usage on them, which is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Of note, solar electric power systems generate kWh’s of power and this is the basic method to determine what percentage of your usage the system will be capable of offsetting.

If you are on a standard or basic rate plan, or SRP’s time-of-use rate plan, the number you are looking for is, "total kWh used."

If you are on a time advantage, or combined advantage plans (9am-9pm), the number you are looking for is the "total on-peak kWh used."

To size a system accurately, we like to take a year’s history of your usage, which can be obtained by reviewing your past bills or directly contacting the utility company. In addition, most Arizona utility websites also feature functionality for you to review your account usage directly and this information is generally accessed by setting up a password for your account.

If you do not have past usage for your residence or business (perhaps you just obtained the property) American Solar Electric, with your input, can forecast a general range of future usage.

First Contact: Give us a call. We will discuss your expectations, and what size and type of system will best meet your wants and needs. We will discuss price, mounting location and technique, utility rebates and incentives, what to expect from a solar electric system, and address any other questions you may have.

Site Evaluation and Quote: If you are interested in pursuing a system, one of American Solar Electric’s Solutions Associates will come to your house or business to identify suitable solar array locations, take measurements, evaluate your electrical setup, review a history of your electric usage (if available) and develop system estimates for your review and consideration. These estimates will include a financial analysis detailing average annual energy savings, payback period, estimated rebates, net costs, and return on investment.

There is no charge for this service for customers within in the Phoenix and Tucson Metro Areas.

Initiate Project: Client accepts system design and system quote. A deposit is collected from the customer. American Solar Electric prepares system drawings and utility documents, coordinates system installation approval with your HOA, pulls building permits from proper authorities, and begins procurement of installation materials and major system components. Installation is scheduled with homeowner or construction superintendent.

Construction Schedule	Timeframe	Payment Schedule
Project Initiation	Day 1	15% deposit (of total project cost) required to initiate system design, permitting and engineering. Payable by cash, check, credit or money order
Design, Engineering, Permits, coordination with utility, municipality, and HOA	1 to 2 months after project deposit depending on municipality and utiilty	Upon completion, and prior to construction, the first progress payment is required. This payment is generally 20% of the total project cost.
Installation (usually takes 1-3 days)	2.5 to 3 months after deposit	Upon the completion of the system installation and successful inspection by the municipal or county building inspector the second (and final) progress payment is required this amount is equal to the sum of the deposit, progress payment one and the amount your utility will be rebating for the system purchase minus the total system cost.
Inspection & Commissioning.	3.5 to 4 months after deposit	Once your utility has successfully inspected and activated your system, the system rebate check is issued. Once received, this check is then endorsed over to American Solar Electric.

System Commissioning: After installation is complete and all electrical inspections have occurred, American Solar Electric tests various system components for safe operation and commissions the system in conjunction with the customer’s utility company.

American Solar Electric guarantees its workmanship on residential and commercial projects for a period of 2 years from the date of system acceptance. This includes all wiring, conduit and the physical installation of the major system components.

Customer Walk Through: A full walk through of the system is done prior to or after commissioning. System operation guidelines and maintenance issues are addressed with client. The System Operations Manual is presented and an optional maintenance contract is offered to the client (semi-annual maintenance for systems incorporating batteries, annual maintenance for systems without batteries).

Note: Payment is due for all remaining material and labor invoices upon completion of customer walk through and system acceptance.

If you have any questions or comments regarding our Design / Build Process or would like to make an appointment to discuss a project with American Solar Electric, please e-mail us at sales@americanpv.com or call our sales office at (480) 994-1440.