From net metering to tax rebates and more, there’s no shortage of financial incentives to install solar for your home. And there’s one more exciting benefit to enjoy if you’re one of the 1.2 million Arizona Public Service (APS) customers. APS is running its own net billing program that helps solar-qualified homeowners save money by sending excess energy to their local power grid. Continue reading to learn more about this program and how you can join and save.
What is the APS Net Billing Program?
APS provides a net billing for homeowners with solar systems. The program will credit any excess electricity your system sends back to the grid, which will offset part of your overall utility bill.
APS customers under this program must use Time of Use (TOU) rate plans. This means the payback credit varies depending on the time you send extra energy to the grid. For instance, if you send electricity back to the grid during on-peak hours (usually between 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.), you’ll get a better return since electricity rates are higher. Conversely, sending it at off-peak hours (any other time of the day) will lower your rates.
Please note that Arizona Public Service reviews its rates annually on September 1st. Current rates are $0.846 per kWH, but APS is set to raise its rates by an average of 11.3% by December 1st, 2023. If this increase is approved, you should lock into the program now and take advantage of the savings.
How Do You Join the APS Net Billing Program?
Joining the Arizona Public Service solar program is very simple. Here’s a step-by-step process of how to sign up:
Step 1: Application Process
Your solar provider can help you with the APS solar interconnection application online. To complete the application, you must submit the form along with an authorization and an electrical three-line diagram.
Step 2: Interconnection Approval
Once you and your solar provider submit the application, APS will either approve it or request a revision. However, if you’re adding a solar battery to your system, it will take longer since you’ll need to send more of those details to APS. Once your application is approved, you can start the installation process.
Step 3: Final Document Submission
After your solar provider completes the installation, they’ll need to submit documents to APS showing that the system is ready and up to code.
Step 4: Inspection and Installation of the Net Billing Meter
Once APS receives the final documents, they will schedule an inspection to ensure the solar system matches their requirements. After they approve it, they will install a unique electric meter to be used for the program. If there’s an issue with the installation, they will recommend what to fix and schedule another inspection at a later date.
Join the APS Net Billing Program Today With Solar Optimum
The APS program is a great way for Arizona homeowners to shrink their electricity bills with the energy generated by their solar system. Adding this to the other exciting financial incentives available on the state and federal levels, there’s no shortage of opportunities to save with solar.
If you’re looking to go solar with a reliable provider that has years of experience serving customers in Arizona, Solar Optimum is here to help. We specialize in professional installations and long-term maintenance to keep your system running smoothly for years to come. If you’re ready to take the first step to saving with solar in Arizona, contact us today and get your free estimate!
