APS homeowners are entering another solar-value transition.
The current APS residential Resource Comparison Proxy export rate is 6.171¢ per kilowatt-hour through August 31, 2026. The next annual rate has been anticipated at approximately 5.554¢ per kilowatt-hour, subject to final APS and Arizona Corporation Commission approval.
Solar is not necessarily becoming less valuable. Exporting unused midday solar is becoming less valuable.
WHAT THE APS EXPORT RATE MEANS
When a solar home produces more electricity than it is using, the excess power goes to the grid. APS applies a bill credit using the export rate assigned to the customer's qualifying tranche.
Under the current APS tariff, the rate in effect when a qualifying interconnection application is submitted can apply for 10 years, provided the installation and local approval requirements are completed within the applicable deadline. Customers should verify eligibility and timing with APS and their licensed installer.
WHY A BATTERY CAN BECOME MORE IMPORTANT
A battery may store part of the home's excess solar production for use later—such as during evening hours, higher-cost periods or an outage—instead of immediately exporting all of it.
Battery value depends on much more than the export rate. Important variables include the home's hourly energy use, retail rate plan, system size, battery controls, available solar production, backup priorities, financing and equipment performance.
A SIMPLE EXAMPLE
At 3,000 exported kilowatt-hours per year:
• The current 6.171¢ rate represents approximately $185 in annual export credits.
• An anticipated 5.554¢ rate would represent approximately $167.
• The difference is approximately $19 per year.
That difference alone does not justify purchasing a battery. The larger question is how much higher-priced grid electricity the battery may help a homeowner avoid, along with the value placed on automatic outage protection.
WHAT ARIZONA HOMEOWNERS SHOULD ASK
Before choosing solar, storage or combined backup power, ask a qualified Arizona contractor to show:
• Expected annual solar production and household consumption
• Expected exports before and after adding storage
• The utility rate and export-credit assumptions used
• Essential loads and expected backup duration
• Battery degradation and usable capacity assumptions
• Warranty coverage and replacement considerations
• Financing cost and realistic payback scenarios
THE BACKUP READY APPROACH
Backup Ready helps Arizona homeowners compare batteries, generators, solar plus storage and combined backup solutions. We do not design or install systems. We help homeowners understand the options and connect with qualified local professionals who provide final recommendations, pricing, permitting and installation.
Use our updated Backup Cost Calculator to compare planning scenarios, including the APS export-rate transition.
Important: The anticipated 5.554¢ per-kWh APS rate is pending final APS and Arizona Corporation Commission approval. Rates, eligibility rules, savings and system performance can change. Verify current information with APS and a participating licensed Arizona contractor.
