APS Solar

What is the APS Solar Partner Program?

The APS Solar Partner program, renowned for its achievements, merges customer rooftop solar installations with groundbreaking research. The program enrolls eligible participants in specific areas. These participants enjoy a $30 monthly bill credit for a span of 20 years. This arrangement enables APS to delve into the utilization of cutting-edge technology for measuring the influence of solar energy on the grid. Furthermore, it aids APS in comprehending the optimal methods of integrating and managing rooftop solar energy production throughout different times of the day. APS’s ultimate goal is to ensure the consistent provision of secure and dependable energy to our valued customers.

What is the APS Solar Communities Program?

Imagine the prospect of saving approximately $600 per year on your energy bill for the next two decades. The APS Solar Communities program offers a distinctive chance for limited-income and moderate-income customers, who may not have previously explored solar energy, to contribute to the advancement of solar power in Arizona. We take care of the entire installation process and any necessary maintenance, allowing you to reap the benefits of the bill credit without any additional hassle.

To be eligible for the program, single-family homes must meet the following criteria:

1. The home should have a west, south, or east-facing roof with minimal shade. This allows for optimal solar exposure and energy generation.
2. The roof must be in good structural condition, ensuring its ability to support the solar panel installation safely.
3. The roof should have enough space to accommodate a minimum of 8 solar panels. This requirement ensures that the solar system can generate a substantial amount of energy.

It’s important to note that homes with existing solar installations are not eligible for the program. Additionally, mobile homes do not meet the eligibility criteria. However, manufactured homes can qualify if they meet the “single-family” requirements and successfully pass a review process. Townhomes and condominiums can also be considered if they meet the “single-family” requirements, and the owner has ownership rights to the roof space.

When you make the decision to install solar panels, it’s crucial to have a well-designed plan that maximizes the benefits of your system. APS’s range of residential plans provides you with options to save money or even earn credits on your monthly energy bill.

Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays

Formerly known as Saver Choice, this plan is designed to provide you with optimal energy rates based on the time of day. By reducing your energy consumption during on-peak hours, specifically between 4pm-7pm on weekdays, you can effectively save on costs. Customers who opt for this plan have the flexibility to manage their expenses by shifting their energy usage to lower-cost off-peak hours and minimizing energy consumption during the higher-cost on-peak hours.

With APS’s Time-of-Use plan, you can benefit from the following features:

• Lower-cost off-peak hours: Take advantage of discounted energy rates during specific off-peak hours, allowing you to save on your energy costs.
• Off-peak holidays: Enjoy reduced energy rates during off-peak hours on designated holidays, providing you with additional opportunities to save.
• Winter super off-peak rates: During the winter season, benefit from even more favorable rates during super off-peak hours, maximizing your savings potential.

By selecting this plan, you have the flexibility to optimize your energy usage and capitalize on cost-saving options during specific times of the day, holidays, and the winter season.

Time-of-Use 4pm-7pm Weekdays with Demand Charge

Formerly known as Saver Choice Max, this plan operates on a time-of-day energy rate structure. By minimizing energy consumption and effectively managing energy demand during on-peak hours (between 4pm-7pm on weekdays), you can achieve significant savings.

Customers who choose this plan gain the ability to control their costs by shifting energy usage to lower-cost off-peak hours and strategically staggering their energy consumption during the higher-cost on-peak hours, specifically between 4pm and 7pm on weekdays. This approach allows for better management of energy expenses and maximizes the potential for savings.

Introducing our Time-of-Use plan, offering you the following features:

• Lowest-cost off-peak hours: Take advantage of the most affordable energy rates during specific off-peak hours, allowing you to minimize your energy expenses.
• Demand charge: Benefit from a demand charge, which takes into account your peak energy usage during specific periods. By managing your energy demand effectively, you can optimize your costs.
• Off-peak holidays: Enjoy reduced energy rates during off-peak hours on designated holidays, providing you with additional opportunities to save.
• Winter super off-peak rates: During the winter season, benefit from highly favorable rates during super off-peak hours, maximizing your savings potential.

With this plan, you have the flexibility to make the most of the lowest-cost off-peak hours, manage your energy demand, and capitalize on cost-saving opportunities during off-peak holidays and the winter super off-peak hours.

As of June, 2023, the current buyback rate for APS Solar is 8.465 cents. According to SunValleySolar, As in previous years, APS has received approval to evaluate and potentially adjust the buyback rate for surplus solar energy that is fed back into the grid. Any modifications to the rate will come into effect on September 1, 2023. If you have been contemplating the switch to solar power, this is an excellent opportunity to secure improved savings before any potential changes occur. Don’t miss out on this advantageous time to make the transition to solar energy.

Date Effective	APS Solar Buyback Rate	Unit
September 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018	12.9 cents	per kWh
October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019	11.61 cents	per kWh
October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2021	10.45 cents	per kWh
October 1, 2021 – August 31, 2022	9.405 cents	per kWh
September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023	8.465 cents	per kWh

RCP Export Rider

RCP (Net Billing Solar Purchase Energy Rider) is a program that calculates the surplus solar power you generate but don’t consume. It provides you with a monthly bill credit based on the prevailing RCP purchase rate. This credit is applied to offset your APS billed amount for that particular month, and any remaining credit is carried over to the following month’s bill. At the end of the year, if your accumulated monthly bill credits exceed $25, we will issue you a refund check. The RCP program ensures that you receive appropriate compensation for the excess solar energy you contribute to the grid.

EPR-6

EPR-6 is a net metering program that offsets excess kWh generated but not used against the kWh supplied by us during the billing month or subsequent bills if needed. You remain responsible for paying any kWh difference based on your service plan. For example, with a time-of-use plan, excess energy sent back to the grid is applied to corresponding on-peak or off-peak usage. With a standard rate plan, excess energy sent back to the grid is credited kWh for kWh. Banked excess energy at year-end is purchased back at the EPR-6 export rate.

Legacy EPR-6

Legacy EPR-6, a net metering renewable energy rider, allows the netting of excess kWh produced but not used against kWh supplied during the billing month or subsequent bills if necessary. You remain responsible for paying any kWh difference based on your service plan. For example, on a time-of-use plan, excess energy sent back to the grid applies only to corresponding on-peak or off-peak usage. With a standard rate plan, excess energy sent back to the grid is credited kWh for kWh. At year-end, any banked excess energy is purchased back at the EPR-6 export rate. Please note that Legacy EPR-6 is a frozen program and no longer available to new customers.

EPR-2

EPR-2 is a net billing renewable purchase energy rider that rewards you for the surplus power you generate but don’t consume. You receive a monthly bill credit based on the prevailing EPR-2 purchase rate. This credit is applied towards offsetting your APS billed amount for the respective month, and any unused credit is carried forward to the following month’s bill.

E-56R

E-56R is a net billing renewable purchase energy rider designed for customers with a generating nameplate capacity exceeding 100 kW-ac who do not meet the qualifications of EPR-6. Similar to EPR-2, it measures the excess power you generate and don’t consume, providing you with a monthly bill credit based on the current EPR-2 purchase rate. The credit is applied towards offsetting your APS billed amount for the respective month, and any surplus credit is carried forward to the following month’s bill.

Here’s a breakdown of the process for transitioning to solar power in APS according to PhoenixSolarPanelSystems.com:

Step 1: Get a Proposal

Get an official solar project proposal for free from Alternative Energy

Step 2: Choose Financing Option

Choose whether you want to do financing or pay cash

Step 3: Sign Agreement

Sign the agreement and APS interconnection worksheet

Step 4: Conduct Site Survey

We conduct a Site survey to ensure everything will work as proposed and submit a permit

Step 5: Interconnection Application

Alternative Energy, LLC will submit the interconnection agreement to APS, locking in your rate. You can also download the APS interconnection agreement. Additionally, your installer will provide you with other required documents, including the interconnection application, Site Plan, Electrical Three Line Diagram, and Authorization form. APS may request additional documentation if needed.

Step 6: Interconnection Approval

Once your interconnection agreement and supporting documents are submitted, APS will review your application and either approve it or request revisions. In most cases, you’ll receive approval upon your initial installation request. However, if you’re incorporating a battery storage system, the process may take longer due to detailed specifications. This may involve iterative revisions between APS and your installer. APS approves the application and the Permit is approved from your local city.

Step 7. Solar Install

Next we schedule the installation of the system.

Step 8: Final Documents

Once your solar system is fully installed and compliant with codes, your installer will provide APS with additional documents to verify the completion of your installation.

Step 9: APS Inspection

Upon receiving the final documentation, APS will schedule an inspection to ensure your solar system aligns with the approved plans. During the inspection, an electric meter will be installed, enabling participation in the net billing program of the APS Solar Programs. Your APS coordinator will communicate any necessary fixes to your electrical system design to your installer. APS will conduct a follow-up quality check once the identified issues have been resolved.

Step 10: Permission to Operate (PTO)

Once your system passes the APS inspection and the meter is installed, your solar system will be officially activated. APS will leave a door hanger at your residence and send you an email confirming your permission to operate. At this stage, you are successfully enrolled in the APS Solar Program.

By following these steps, you can smoothly transition to solar power with the support of your solar installer and APS.

In addition to the 30% Federal tax credit, APS allows residential customers to use the 25% Arizona solar tax credit, which can give you back up to $1,000, according to SolarReviews. However, make sure you own your system to receive APS rebates. According to APS, “When leasing a rooftop solar system, incentives such as tax credits and depreciation are given to the system owner, not the homeowner“.

There are other APS solar rebates and incentives that can save you money as well. PhoenixGreenTeam says, “Upgrading to utilities like solar hot water heaters can also help lower your energy bill“.

We pride ourselves on being the best residential solar panel installation for APS customers in Phoenix because we make other energy improvements to your home before even thinking about installing solar panels. Most homes in Phoenix aren’t that energy efficient and waste a lot of electricity. So, yes you could install residential solar panels without doing these upgrades first but, you will still be paying a higher electric bill.

Receive a free APS solar quote in Phoenix or find out about solar panels in Arizona by giving us a call today at (480) 744-1803 or by filling out our contact form.

Our APS Solar Installation service area encompasses the entire Phoenix Metropolitan Area including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Youngtown, Arizona cities.