Solar Electrical Services in Tucson, AZ
With over 280 days of sunshine per year, Tucson is one of the best cities in the country for solar energy. Flowing Wells Electric provides the critical electrical infrastructure that makes solar installations work safely and efficiently, from panel upgrades and inverter wiring to TEP interconnection and battery storage systems.
Call (520) 376-2779What sets Flowing Wells Electric apart in the solar market is our focus on the electrical work that solar installers often overlook or handle as an afterthought. Many Tucson homes need a panel upgrade before solar can be installed because the existing 100 or 150-amp panel does not have the capacity or breaker spaces required for a solar inverter connection. We perform this upgrade with solar in mind, installing a panel with dedicated spaces for solar breakers, a main breaker rating that supports the 120-percent bus bar rule, and provisions for future battery storage. This proactive approach saves homeowners from costly rework down the road.
The TEP interconnection process requires specific electrical documentation, including a detailed line diagram showing the inverter connection, rapid shutdown compliance, and proper disconnect locations. We prepare all of the electrical documentation needed for the TEP application and work directly with their interconnection department to resolve any technical questions. For homeowners who have already contracted with a solar panel installer, we serve as the dedicated electrical subcontractor, ensuring the panel work, inverter connections, and code compliance are handled by a licensed electrician with deep experience in solar electrical systems.
Battery storage is an increasingly popular addition to Tucson solar systems, and the electrical requirements are substantial. Systems like the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and Franklin WholePower require dedicated circuits, a critical loads panel, and careful integration with the existing solar inverter and utility connection. We design and install battery storage electrical systems that provide seamless backup during outages while maintaining proper TEP interconnection compliance.
Our Process
Solar Electrical Assessment
We evaluate your existing panel, service entrance, and grounding system to determine what electrical upgrades are needed before solar installation can proceed.
Panel Upgrade and Preparation
If needed, we upgrade your panel to 200 amps or higher with solar-ready breaker spaces, proper bus bar ratings, and provisions for battery storage. We coordinate with TEP for the meter disconnect and reconnect.
Inverter Wiring and Code Compliance
We wire the solar inverter to the panel, install required rapid shutdown equipment, mount disconnects, and ensure full compliance with NEC 690 and NEC 705 solar electrical codes.
TEP Interconnection Support
We prepare the electrical line diagrams and documentation required for the TEP interconnection application, and we work directly with TEP to resolve any technical review items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a panel upgrade before installing solar?
Many Tucson homes, especially those with 100-amp or 150-amp panels, require an upgrade before solar installation. The panel must have sufficient capacity and available breaker spaces to support the solar inverter connection while complying with the NEC 120-percent bus bar rule. We assess your specific panel and provide a clear recommendation.
What electrical work is required for a solar installation?
Solar installations require a dedicated circuit from the inverter to the panel, a rapid shutdown system, properly located disconnect switches, equipment grounding, and wiring that meets NEC 690 and 705 standards. Depending on your existing panel, a main panel upgrade or sub-panel addition may also be needed. These are all services that Flowing Wells Electric provides.
How does the TEP interconnection process work?
After the solar system is installed and inspected, an interconnection application is submitted to TEP with detailed electrical diagrams. TEP reviews the application, may request additional documentation, and then schedules a meter swap to a bi-directional meter. The process typically takes two to six weeks. We handle the electrical documentation and work with TEP to keep the process moving.
Can I add battery storage to my existing solar system?
Yes, battery storage can be added to most existing solar systems in the Tucson area. The electrical work involves installing a critical loads sub-panel, wiring the battery system, and reconfiguring the inverter connection if needed. We evaluate your current solar setup and design a battery integration that provides reliable backup power while maintaining TEP interconnection compliance.
Related Services
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Upgrade outdated electrical panels to 200 or 400-amp service for modern power demands, solar readiness, and improved safety in Tucson homes.
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Professional Level 2 EV charger installation for homes and businesses throughout Tucson, with panel assessments and TEP rate optimization.
Learn MoreAreas We Serve for Solar Electrical Services
We provide solar electrical services services throughout the greater Tucson metropolitan area, including the following communities.
Need Solar Electrical Services in Tucson?
Call Flowing Wells Electric today for a free estimate on your solar electrical services project.