If you’re an Arizona Public Service (APS) customer, you’ve probably considered going solar to offset the rising electrical bill and even benefit from their net billing program. This program allows its participants to earn credits from the excess power they generate and send to the grid with their solar system and use them to reduce their future energy costs.
To enroll in the APS net billing program, you must follow several detailed steps that require the help of a professional solar installer. Continue reading to learn all about the APS interconnection process and its application requirements.
APS Interconnection Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The APS interconnection process is a procedure established by APS for customers with solar power systems who would want to be part of their net billing program. Note that APS only allows licensed installers to help interested clients complete this process online using the APS PowerClerk Application, while clients can only view or initiate the application process through the APS official website. The process involves a series of procedures and requires several documents to complete.
- Upload specific documents to start this process
- Wait for APS to review and request a revision of your application documents or approve the application process for the interconnection system to be built
- Have your installer provide an additional set of documentation, such as permit clearance or green tag, proof of the APS approval and a letter from the Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.
- Get your final documents reviewed by APS and wait for them to request the inspection/meter set
- Look for a door hanger left on your door and a confirmation email to signify if APS can provide permission to operate
- Have your installer provide repairs and notify APS for a rescheduled inspection/meter set if it wasn’t approved during the initial visit
Documents Needed for the APS Interconnection Application
Here is a breakdown of the documents you need in the APS interconnection application process.
Executed Contract
This contract is provided by the consumer financing, leasing or buying the distributed energy resources generation system. It contains the consumer’s letterhead and should have the following details:
- The APS customer or system owner
- Equipment
- Total system costs, including all pertinent permits
- Site address
Disclaimer
This document acknowledges that you have read and understood all procedures involved in this process, including the possibility of a change of rules that may affect their solar power installation.
Consumer Acknowledgement
Here you acknowledge you have read and understand everything provided by the contract, reviewed it and confirmed that it has all pertinent information.
Site Plan Diagram
This document contains a site plan for all systems required except a separate service generator. It should provide clear diagrams of the Generating Facility (GF) equipment, including their locations, utility meter, electric service entrance section, utility disconnect switch and lock boxes.
Electrical Three-Line Diagram
The electrical three-line diagram contains information about rotary machinery, static inverter systems and separate service generators. This document should have an electrical drawing with a stamp from an Arizona-certified electrical engineer for a commercial system. It also should detail all power generation sources, utility disconnect switches, electrical service entrances and combined panels.
Interconnection Agreement
This document acknowledges that your generating facility will operate within APS requirements. You should sign the agreement for it to be valid.
Complete Your APS Interconnection Process With Solar Optimum
If you’ve installed a solar system, it’s worth considering the APS interconnection process to benefit from their net billing program. Although it doesn’t provide full benefits, its current solar buyback rates offer significant bill savings, especially when coupled with other solar incentives in Arizona.
APS requires consumers to complete their interconnection process with the help of a licensed solar installer. As a certified solar installation company serving businesses and residents in Maricopa County and the Greater Phoenix area, Solar Optimum can help you. Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the APS interconnection process.
