Solar Opportunities-Arizona

Solar Offerings and Incentives

All across Arizona, it is possible to find a qualified contractor to install rooftop solar on homes and businesses. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible to purchase solar power without actually installing the equipment on your property.  These community or shared solar opportunities are listed below.  Of course, you can always install solar on your home by hiring a qualified solar installer, even if you don’t live in one of these program areas.  If so, don’t forget to claim the state and federal tax incentives. 

State Tax Incentives

Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit

This tax credit provides a property owner with a Solar or Wind energy system on their property with a personal income tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of the system or $1000, whichever is less.  A variety of solar system types are included in this tax credit. View this PDF document for eligibility requirements and more information.

Sales Tax Exemption

Arizona offers a 100% sales tax exemption for the equipment and installation necessary for the installation of solar or wind power systems. The solar energy contractor or retailer must be registered Arizona Department of Revenue prior to installation of the system. Specific equipment eligibility details and more information can be found at: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=AZ08F&re=0&ee=0 or http://www.azsolarcenter.com/economics/taxbreaks.html.

Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption

Arizona also offers a 100% tax exemption for the property value added by the installation of a renewable energy system on the property. This includes a variety of solar energy systems among other renewables. More information

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

A federal-level investment tax credit (ITC) is now available to consumers wanting to purchase small wind turbines, solar panels, or geothermal heat pumps.  The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available for equipment installed from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The credit covers 30% of the equipment cost, though some technologies have a credit cap of $2000. More details and a complete list of eligible technologies can be found here.

Local programs

Bright Tuscon
This  program that allows households to buy one solar power from the local utility without installing solar on their own property. 

Eligibility: Customers of Tuscon Electric Power

More information

Salt River Project Community Solar
This program allows households to buy solar power to offset up to 50% of their annual energy consumption. 

Eligibility: Customers of Salt River Project

More information

Bright Arizona Community Solar
This program allows households to purchase blocks of solar power to cover some or all of their energy needs. 

Eligibility: Customers of UniSource Energy Services

More information 

Green Choice 
This program allows households to purchase blocks of solar power. 

Eligibility: Customer of Arizona Public Service Company 

More information