Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) installed the first of 1,500 free residential solar projects earlier this month. This residential rooftop solar program enablesâ APS to partner with customers and the state’s local solar installers.
Harmon Solar is one of several installers taking part in the program. The company completed the first installation — a 6kW system — on the home of Gregg Dufort in Phoenix.
“It is a good program,” said Dufort. “I’m a fan of solar but it’s cost prohibitive to do a 20-year lease. I did my research and this program was a ‘no brainer.’ I checked on the obligation option when you sell because I plan on moving and renting this home — the renter would benefit from the $30 credit. It is a good deal with no investment.”
The APS Solar Partner Program will generate up to 10MW of electricity, enabling approximately 1,500 customers to participate. Local companies will install the systems and APS will operate and maintain the equipment while paying participating customers $360 a year through the life of the 20-year program, totaling $7,200.
APS has teamed up with local solar installers, including members of the Arizona Solar Deployment Alliance (ASDA), for this program; all involved share a common goal of making solar energy sustainable for the long-term in Arizona.
"The members of ASDA are thrilled to be working with APS for this program,” said Sean Seitz, president of ASDA. “This novel program means more business for Arizona rooftop solar companies, more jobs and more clean, low-cost energy. At the same time, this shows a real spirit of cooperation between the utility, Arizona residents and our rooftop solar businesses. That's a big step forward for the future of rooftop solar in our state."
According to a report from Arizona Central, APS launched a pilot project in Flagstaff in 2009, where it owns the solar panels on 125 customer homes and the homeowners get a discount on power. The company won approval last year to expand on that concept and install free solar on houses in metro Phoenix for a cost of about $28.5 million.