If you’re among the 1.4 million customers of Arizona Public Service (APS), you are likely tired of high electric bills. Solar panels help you use the abundant sunshine while saving on energy bills. In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know when going green as an APS customer.
What Are APS Solar Rate Plans?
APS solar rate plans are a net billing program available to eligible homeowners in the Arizona Public Service territory. These allow customers to enjoy credits by exporting extra energy in their system to other consumers. The company uses a standard “buyback rate” to reimburse the amount of energy each homeowner submits to the grid. The three APS solar rate plans include:
Time-of-Use 4 PM-7 PM Weekdays
This is the former “Saver Choice” plan. The Time-of-Use plan has the highest user charges compared to the other two plans. Customers who pick this plan use less energy during these hours to save energy and utilize the off-peak hours for optimum energy use. This option is great for those with larger homes and those who don’t mind adjusting their energy usage habits.
Time-of-Use 4 PM-7 PM Weekdays With Demand Charge
Customers who choose this plan have a monthly demand charge for the optimum power usage hour during on-peak hours (4 PM – 7 PM, weekdays). This means that if you use more power during this period, the prices might be even higher, especially if you run high-powered appliances. Like the Time-of-Use 4 PM – 7 PM Weekdays plan, this plan works great for those with large homes who are willing to shift their energy usage.
Fixed Energy Charge Plan
In the Fixed Energy Charge APS plan, your energy rate remains constant regardless of the time of day or day of the week. This plan offers the most flexibility and allows consumers to worry less about their rates. It’s a great option for those who don’t use a lot of energy or have a smaller house.
APS Solar Rate Plan Off-Peak Hours
Holidays Under the Time-of-Use Plan<
Some holidays are categorized as off-peak hours. This also applies to the preceding Friday if the holiday falls on a Saturday or the following Monday if it falls on a Sunday. Holidays considered “off-peak” include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- New Year’s Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Cesar Chavez Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Christmas Eve
- New Year’s Eve
Winter Super Off-Peak Hours
The Time-of-Use 4 PM-7 PM Weekdays plan and the Time-of-Use 4 PM-7 PM Weekdays with Demand Charge include super off-peak hours with the lowest energy rates during winter. In this case, winter runs from November to April. Super off-peak hours include 10 AM to 3 PM on weekdays, excluding off-peak holidays.
How To Pick the Right Plan
Picking the right APS solar rate plan after installing solar panels depends on your energy usage habits and the APS plan you had before solar. If choosing an APS time-of-use solar rate plan, consider using appliances during off-peak hours to save money. To get the best out of these plans, refrain from operating heavy machinery during on-peak hours.
Go Solar With Solar Optimum
Living in Arizona means enjoying the flexibility of saving on energy when the sun is available and getting good rates during winter. Solar Optimum is a distinguished solar and roof expert serving Arizona. Our experienced Energy Consultants to help you understand the right plan for you. Contact us or download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar to learn more about other solar incentives to help you save on your energy bill.
