What Is Net Metering and Is it Available for Solar Panels in Arizona?

Net metering is a solar incentive program through which your grid-tied solar energy system sends any excess electricity that it generates — but doesn’t immediately need — back to the grid in exchange for a credit on your utility bill. This gives you the opportunity to offset the cost of your electricity used at night or when your solar PV panels aren’t producing enough energy. Unfortunately, as of 2020, Arizona does not have a net metering program, though utilities such as Arizona Public Service (APS) and Tucson Electric Power credit homeowners that export power to the grid at a lower ‘export rate’.