How to Go Solar in Arizona: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Going solar in Arizona is one of the smartest financial moves a homeowner can make — but the process involves several steps, and the decisions you make early (which installer, which equipment, which financing) have a big impact on your long-term results.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from your first energy audit to flipping the switch on your completed system. Before you dive in, it's worth reviewing current Arizona solar panel costs and the incentives available to you — understanding the economics upfront helps you evaluate proposals with confidence.

Step 1: Understand Your Energy Needs

Before you talk to a single installer, understand how much electricity your household uses. Pull your last 12 months of utility bills and find your average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. Most Arizona utilities provide this on the bill or in your online account.

For an APS or SRP customer with an average bill around $175/month, that typically represents about 1,100–1,400 kWh/month in usage, depending on rate schedules. A solar system sized to offset 90–100% of that usage would typically be 7–9 kW in Arizona (using 1,650 kWh/kW/year production estimate and full sun exposure).

Use our solar savings calculator to see how a range of system sizes would perform for your specific bill and utility. This gives you a baseline before any installer tries to size a system for you.

Step 2: Assess Your Roof

Solar panels perform best on:

• South-facing roof sections (in Arizona, southwest-facing can also be excellent)
• Roofs with minimal shade from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings
• Roofs with at least 10–15 years of remaining life
• Adequate structural integrity to support panel weight (2–4 lbs/sq ft)

If your roof needs replacement soon, it's almost always better to replace it before installing solar — removing and reinstalling panels later costs $1,500–$4,000 in labor. Read our guide to roof types and solar in Arizona to understand how tile, shingle, and flat roofs affect the installation.

For the optimal tilt and orientation in Arizona's climate, see our article on best roof orientation for solar in Phoenix and Tucson.

Step 3: Research and Shortlist Installers

Arizona requires solar installers to hold a Registrar of Contractors (ROC) license. Always verify a contractor's license at azroc.gov before proceeding. Look for:

• ROC license active with no violations
• NABCEP-certified installers or technicians (industry gold standard)
• Established local presence (at least 3–5 years in business)
• Strong reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau
• Transparent about equipment brands and warranties

Get at least three quotes. Price differences between installers for the same equipment and system size can be 15–25%. Our detailed guide on how to choose a solar installer in Arizona covers all the red flags to watch for.

Step 4: Evaluate Proposals

When installer proposals arrive, compare them on these key metrics:

Watch out for: Installers who quote "monthly savings" without showing you the full system cost, payback period, and financing details. Always ask for the net present value of the system after incentives.

Step 5: Choose Your Financing

How you pay for solar dramatically affects your total savings. There are three main options:

Cash Purchase

Highest long-term savings. You receive the full 30% federal ITC and Arizona's $1,000 state credit. Typical 25-year net savings: $40,000–$70,000+ depending on system size and utility rates.

Solar Loan

You still own the system and qualify for all tax credits. Monthly loan payments are typically less than your current electric bill, making it cash-flow positive from day one. Common loan terms in Arizona: 10–25 years at 4–8% APR.

Lease / PPA

You don't own the system and don't get the tax credits (the installer keeps them). You pay a monthly rate for the power the system produces. Lower upfront risk, but significantly lower long-term savings. Can complicate home sales.

Our complete solar financing guide compares all three options side by side with real numbers. You can also compare them interactively using the financing comparison tool on our homepage calculator.

Step 6: Sign the Contract and Submit Permits

Once you've chosen an installer and financing, the installer will:

1. Conduct a site survey (measuring roof, assessing electrical panel)
2. Design your system using solar design software
3. Submit permit applications to your local city/county
4. Submit an interconnection application to your utility (APS, SRP, or TEP)

Permitting typically takes 2–6 weeks in the Phoenix metro area. Some cities are faster. Flagstaff and smaller municipalities can take longer. Utility interconnection approval adds another 2–4 weeks.

Step 7: Installation Day

Installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on system size and roof complexity. The crew will:

• Install racking on your roof
• Mount and wire panels
• Install inverter(s) in your garage or utility area
• Connect to your main electrical panel
• Install monitoring equipment

Arizona's heat means experienced crews typically start early (6–7 AM) and finish by midday in summer. The electrical work requires a licensed electrician. Your installer should handle all of this.

Step 8: Inspections and Permission to Operate

After installation, two inspections are required:

1. City/county inspection: A building inspector verifies the system meets code. Usually scheduled within a week of installation.
2. Utility inspection: Your utility (APS, SRP, or TEP) sends an inspector to verify interconnection. This triggers Permission to Operate (PTO).

Once you have PTO, your system is energized and you start generating and saving. Total time from contract signing to permission to operate: typically 8–12 weeks.

Step 9: Monitor Your System

All modern solar systems include monitoring apps that show real-time production data. Set up your monitoring account on installation day and check it regularly — especially in the first few months to confirm the system is performing as projected.

Arizona's dust and monsoon season debris can reduce production by 5–10% if panels aren't cleaned. Our Arizona solar panel maintenance guide covers when and how to clean your panels and what to expect from the harsh Arizona climate.

Step 10: Claim Your Tax Credits

When you file your taxes for the year the system was installed:

• Federal: Complete IRS Form 5695 to claim the 30% ITC
• State: Complete Arizona Form 310 to claim the 25% / $1,000 state credit

Work with a tax professional if you have any questions about your eligibility or how to carry forward credits. For details, see our federal solar tax credit guide and Arizona state credit guide.

Special Considerations for Arizona

Heat and Panel Performance

Arizona's summer heat — regularly exceeding 110°F — reduces solar panel output temporarily. A well-designed system accounts for this. See our article on how Arizona heat affects solar panel efficiency and which panels perform best in Arizona's heat.

Battery Storage

Arizona's grid is generally reliable, but summer monsoon storms can cause outages. A home battery adds backup power capability. It's also increasingly valuable as APS and SRP push customers toward time-of-use rates. Our battery storage guide for Arizona covers when a battery makes financial sense.

Renters and HOA Members

Renters cannot install traditional rooftop solar, but community solar programs are emerging in Arizona. For HOA residents: Arizona law protects your right to install solar regardless of HOA rules. See our guides for solar options for Arizona renters and Arizona HOA solar rights.