Solar Net Metering Arizona

After months of acc arizona corporation commission hearings tep tucson electric power has scrapped their solar net metering program for a new solar export program.

Solar net metering arizona. The decision replaces arizona s current retail rate net metering policy with export credits based on short term valuation methods which solar advocates say will undermine customer choice and. In addition the commission eliminated net metering for new solar customers through the implementation of the arizona value of solar decision that was issued in december 2016. Solar panels in arizona produce about 70 more power than in states such as new york. As a result new solar customers will no longer be compensated for the excess energy they export to the grid at retail rates.

Last month arizona regulators concluded a closely watched proceeding on the value of solar by ending retail rate net metering and to the frustration of solar advocates siding with utility. When your solar system produces more energy than needed in your home the excess power is sold to your utility through the grid. It s hard to miss the news. Net metering was pioneered in the united states as a way to allow solar and wind to provide electricity whenever available and allow use of that electricity whenever it was needed beginning with utilities in idaho in 1980 and in arizona in 1981.

In arizona the state s rooftop solar export rates have been saved for at least another year. In some cases rooftop solar customers in certain areas may still be eligible for net metering. Today net metering has largely been phased out in our state on account of a controversial decision by the arizona corporation commission in 2016. Does arizona have a net metering law.

An excellent solar output means that it takes less solar panels to reach the desired output. Net metering in arizona is a public policy and political issue regarding the rates that arizona utility companies pay solar customers sell excess energy back to the electrical grid the issue has two political sides. Utility companies that to pay solar customers the wholesale rate for their excess electricity and solar panel installers and solar customers who want utility companies to pay. In vermont and utah net metering is under attack in danger of being significantly devalued or eliminated.

This move was taken in mid september of 2018. Tep ends solar net metering program in tucson and southern arizona.