Business Programs
Solar Electric Photovoltaic
(PV) Systems
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 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. This is especially true if your business has a south facing roof slope that is free of shade for the majority of the day.
Solar power benefits.
- Produces no emissions and is replenished naturally.
- Reduces greenhouse gases.
- Saves the release of 2 lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO2) for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced.
- Saves the use of one-half gallon of water for each kWh of solar energy produced.
- Saves the release of other emissions that result from the burning of fossil fuels such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide or mercury.
- Makes use of one of Arizona's greatest natural resources - sunshine.
- Provides customers with options to reduce their electric bills.
What incentives are available to UES customers?
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' electric 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.
- 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 Non-Incentive Residential PV Application Process.
Find the latest requirements and process information by viewing the New Installer packet.
Next Steps
- 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.
Online Application
UES PowerClerk Application Log In