Photovoltaic systems
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert energy from the sun into electricity. Arizona is an ideal location to install solar systems because we receive a relatively high amount of annual sunshine.
Overview
What are the benefits of solar power?
- Produces no emissions and is replenished naturally
- By offsetting fossil-fueled-power, it avoids the release of 2 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.5 gallons of water for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced
- Makes use of one of Arizona’s greatest natural resources – sunshine
- May reduce monthly electric bills for participating customers
Are utility incentives available?
UES does not offer financial incentives to customers who install solar electric PV systems at their home or business. Thanks to falling PV prices, such incentives are no longer necessary to encourage widespread adoption of solar power systems. This helps keep UES' rates down, since previous incentives were funded through customer-funded surcharges.
Homeowners who purchase a PV system may qualify for federal and state tax credits to reduce the cost of the system. Talk with a tax professional about current tax credits available to you for a renewable energy system. You can also view federal and state tax credits at dsireusa.org.
Is solar generation right for me?
The decision to install a photovoltaic system on your property should be made after you consider a variety of factors. Local building codes, availability of sunlight, maintenance requirements and the cost of other alternative energy options such as wind, should all enter into your decision to install solar generation. In most populated areas of Arizona a solar generator is more cost effective than other forms of renewable generation, such as wind. This is especially true if your house has a south facing roof slope that is free of shade for the majority of the day.
How can I connect to UES' grid?
The forms below must be completed, signed and submitted to TEP before your system can be connected to our local distribution system. Submit completed forms via email to renewables@uesaz.com or by mail to UniSource Energy Services, P.O. Box 3099, Kingman AZ, 86402.
How do I get started?
Review the “FAQs” and “Technical Requirements” tabs for more information. The “Installer Resources” section has information on how you can find a licensed solar installer and how your installer can submit the appropriate solar application to connect to UES' grid.
FAQs
How do I find a qualified contractor or installer?
The contractor installing your system must have a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) that authorizes them to install the kind of system that you purchase. UES does not endorse any contractor/installer. A customer may hire any qualified, licensed contractor of their choice. UES does require the installer to also possess an Arizona business license that is active and in good standing.
Contractors are required to pass a solar trade exam with the AZROC in order to obtain the proper license classification. Some license classifications can be confusing and a contractor's license status may change at any given time. Please refer to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website for the most up to date information and for appropriate licensing guidelines at AZROC.
What is the non-incentive application process?
What can I expect from my system?
Expected system output: For every 1 kW (1000 watts of DC power generated) an estimated 130 to 150 kWh will be produced monthly (approximately $15.00 monthly). This figure is a rough estimate and is dependent on a variety of factors such as weather conditions and time of the year.
What happens if my solar contractor is unable to get the panels or inverter that we listed on our application and we have to substitute with another wattage or manufacturer?
We realize that in today's solar market, what is ordered is sometimes not available. We will work with you or your contractor and accept like substitutes providing they meet all of the requirements of our system specifications.
Do all systems need to meet the UL-1703 standard?
Yes. All photovoltaic modules must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of UL-1703. All other electrical components must be UL listed. This includes the inverter, which must be certified as meeting the requirements of IEEE-1547 and must be UL-1741 certified.
Does UES allow customers to self-install PV systems?
Yes. Installation must follow applicable codes and standards. UES reserves the right to discontinue this option if UES finds self-installed systems do not adhere to applicable codes and standards or exhibit poor quality workmanship.
What are the available state and federal tax credits?
Consult with a tax professional about current tax credits available to you for a renewable energy system. You can also view federal and state tax credits at dsireusa.org.
Am I really making a difference in the environment if I install a solar PV system?
Absolutely! As customers use the energy from their solar PV systems, they use less power from the utility. This allows us to reduce the amount of fuel used at our power plants, thus reducing emissions. Together, we are working today for a bright tomorrow.
Technical Requirements
SR-702 Interconnection Requirements for Single Phase Distributed Generation
SR-710 Interconnection Requirements for Single Phase Distributed Energy Storage
- All systems shall be installed with a horizontal tilt angle between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, and an azimuth angle of +/- 100 degrees of due south.
- A system must include a dedicated performance meter (on grid-tied systems, supplied by UES) to allow for monitoring of the amount of electricity produced.
- Photovoltaic modules must be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of at least 20 years.
- All photovoltaic modules must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of UL Standard 1703.
- All other electrical components must be UL listed.
- The inverter must be certified as meeting the requirements of IEEE-1547 — Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic Systems — and it must be UL 1741 certified.
- The utility meter, inverter, and utility disconnect will be installed in a location readily accessible by UES during normal business hours.
- PV Production meter sets and net meter exchanges will be delayed for any project that has not followed the Installer PowerClerk Process.
Installer resources
- Contact a licensed solar installer for an estimate. Please refer to the AZROC website.
- Meet with your installer to complete all required UES program documents. Installer is responsible for submitting the appropriate application for your system.
- UES will review your online application and submitted program documents, to ensure it conforms to program requirements
- UES will respond with a reservation acceptance letter. The letter will be emailed direct to the customer within 30 days upon receipt of properly completed reservation packet and online application.
- Installer notifies UES that installation is complete by submitting the to Installation Certification Form to UES.
- UES installs solar production meter and will exchange billing meter for a net-billing meter upon receiving the Installation Certification Form from installer and notification of approved final electrical inspection form.
- UES, at their discretion, will perform an acceptance test to verify system performance.