Going Solar as an APS Customer: Everything You Need to Know
Installing solar panels is a smart move for Arizona Public Service (APS) customers. With solar panels, you can turn the blistering Arizona sunshine into free power for your home, slashing your electric bills.
SouthFace Solar & Electric has been installing residential solar panels in Arizona territory since 2008 and we know how to navigate the APS solar process. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about going solar as an APS customer.
Steps to Going Solar as an APS Customer
Unless you’re going off-grid, your solar panels will be connected to the electric grid. That means you’re going to need approval from APS to connect to the grid. There’s a lot of paperwork involved, but don’t worry. When you choose SouthFace Solar & Electric as your solar installer, you won’t have to deal with any of it. We handle the entire interconnection process for you, from the initial application to the final inspection.
Here’s what the process involves:
1. Interconnection Application
The first step is to submit your interconnection application to APS. We will gather all the required documentation and prepare the application for you so that all you have to do is review and sign it. Then, we’ll submit it to APS for approval.
2. Interconnection Approval
APS will review the interconnection application and either request revisions or approve it. If revisions are needed, we will make the changes quickly and resubmit to keep your installation on track.
3. Final Documentation
After we install your system, we’ll submit the final documentation to APS. They require permit clearance, proof of code compliance, and a few other documents that verify your system was installed safely and correctly.
4. Inspection & Meter Installation
The final step is for APS to inspect your system and ensure it matches the approved plans. During the inspection, the APS representative will install a special electric meter so you can participate in their net billing program. We will schedule the inspection for you.
Understanding Your APS Rate Plan & Billing with Solar
Your rate plan and electric bill will change when you install solar panels. It’s important to understand how going solar will affect your electric bill so you can be prepared when making the switch.
Will You Still Get an APS Bill With Solar Panels?
One of the biggest misconceptions about installing solar panels is that they will eliminate your electric bill. This is not the case. You will still receive an electric bill every month after you install solar panels on your home, but your balance will be significantly lower, maybe even zero.
APS Solar Rate Plans
APS requires solar customers to switch to a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan. With a TOU plan, your electricity rate changes depending on the time of day and/or week. During on-peak hours (weekdays from 4:00 to 7:00 PM) your electricity rates will be higher. All other times are considered off-peak and your rate will be lower.
There are two TOU rate plans available to solar customers:
| Plan | Description |
| Time of Use | The regular TOU rate plan has a higher rate but no additional charges. |
| Time Of Use with Demand Charge | The Demand Charge plan has a lower rate but includes an additional monthly charge for your highest hour of usage during on-peak hours. |
Choosing the Right Plan
Each plan has its pros and cons and the right choice for you depends on your specific solar setup and energy usage habits. We’ll help you choose the right APS rate plan to maximize your savings and get the most out of your solar panel system.
Does APS Offer Net Metering?
Unfortunately, APS does not offer net metering. Instead, they offer net billing. Under a net billing arrangement, you can send the surplus electricity your solar panels generate to the electric grid. You’ll receive credit from APS in exchange, which you can use to buy power from the electric grid when your solar panels are not producing enough electricity. APS does not buy power back at the full retail rate. Instead, they credit you at a lower rate called the Resource Comparison Proxy Export Rate (RCP), which is equal to $0.07619 per kWh.
Should APS Customers Install Solar Batteries?
We recommend solar batteries to most of our customers in APS territory. Batteries are not cheap, but they give you greater control of your power and make solar more valuable in states that don’t offer net metering. With a battery, you can store your surplus power for your own use instead of selling it to APS at a reduced rate. During on-peak hours, when electricity rates are higher, you can use your stored energy to power your home, avoiding the increased rate and keeping your bills low.
Solar Installation for Arizona Public Service Solar Customers
If you’re tired of spending an arm and a leg on electricity, it’s time to break up with APS! SouthFace Solar & Electric can help you take control of your electricity costs with a custom solar power system for your home. We’ve been installing solar panels in Arizona since 2008 and will design a system that maximizes your electric bill savings and return on investment.
