Rooftop Solar for Homeowners

What You Should Know About Residential Solar Systems

No matter where you are in your solar journey — from exploring a new investment, starting the installation process or trying to understand how solar might affect your bill — we're here to help.

Is Your Home a Good Fit for Solar?

When considering solar energy for your home, evaluate factors like roof condition, orientation, shading, and climate. Understand the benefits, costs, and payback period, which is the time it takes for savings to cover the initial investment. Choose a reputable solar company by researching their experience, reviews, warranties, and financing options. Ask about installation, maintenance, and energy production. Be cautious of scammers offering deals that seem too good to be true; verify credentials and read the fine print before committing.

Thinking About Going Solar?

Wondering if solar is right for your home? Our Solar Analysis Tool makes it easy to find out!

See if your home is a good fit
Estimate potential savings
Explore system options

Factors to Consider

Is Solar Right for Your Home?

Installing a solar (PV) system is a big decision. Before you invest, consider:

Sunlight availability
Local building codes
Upfront and long-term costs
Potential savings
System maintenance
Neighborhood policies or requirements
- HOAs can enforce rules that are “reasonable” and do not:
  - Effectively prevent installation
  - Impair the device’s ability to function
  - Adversely affect the device’s cost

Our Solar Analysis Tool can help you explore your options—whether buying or leasing—and estimate:

System size needed
Upfront and lifetime costs
Estimated savings
Payback period

Understanding the Payback Period

Your solar payback period depends on factors like:

Your energy use
System size and cost
Available tax credits
Electricity rates

Selecting an Installation Company

Selecting a reputable, experienced solar installer is key to a successful project. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

What to Look For

Licensed & Qualified: Make sure the installer is licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) and has an active Arizona business license.
- Check license status at roc.az.gov or call 877-692-9762.
Bonded & Insured: Ask for proof of insurance and bonding.
Local Expertise: Tucson-based installers are familiar with TEP’s process and requirements.
Multiple Quotes: Get detailed proposals from several companies. Compare pricing, warranties, and system specs.
References & Reviews: Ask for at least 3 references. Check for complaints or issues via the Better Business Bureau or Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Written Agreements: Document all changes and review contracts carefully before signing.

Questions to Ask Installers

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded? Can you show proof?
How many similar systems have you installed?
Can you provide customer references?
How much energy will my system produce?
What are my estimated savings and payback period?
What are the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing?
Can the contract be renegotiated? Is it transferable if I sell my home?
How long will the equipment last?
What warranties are included? Are extended warranties available?
Should I consider the age and condition of my roof?

Important Notice: TEP Does Not Endorse Solar Companies

Be cautious of anyone who calls or visits your home claiming to be a “preferred” or “approved” solar contractor for TEP. TEP does not endorse or partner with any solar company.

If this happens, please report it by calling us at 520-623-7711. If possible, provide the name of the company and the salesperson.

Before signing any contract, always verify the company’s credentials and do your research to ensure you're working with a trustworthy installer.

Getting Started with Solar

TEP ensures safe integration of residential solar systems with the grid. Your installer handles design, permits, installation, and maintenance, ensuring efficient operation. TEP reviews and approves the application to interconnect to ensure your system will be connected to the TEP grid safely. Once the system is installed, TEP will complete the final inspection and review in order to issue the Permission to Operate. After Permission to Operate has been issued, the solar installer will energize the system.

How TEP and Your Installer Work Together

TEP is here to support you and your installer every step of the way

From application to approval—to make sure your solar project is safe and meets all TEP’s service requirements.

Throughout the process, you or your installer may interact with a few different TEP teams, including:

Customer Solar Interconnections Team
Technical Specialist Team
Energy Services (Engineering)
Design Services
Metering

We will keep you updated regularly to help your project stay on track.

How You Can Help:

You can help avoid delays by:

Providing your correct address and email
Signing the Interconnection Agreement promptly
Making sure TEP has easy access to your property (no locked gates or pets in the yard)

What Happens After Installation:

Once your installer submits the Notice of Completion, TEP will review the Notice to ensure the system installed matches the drawings that were approved. We will then release your project to our Metering Department to set your Distributed Generation Meter and issue Permission to Operate. Your installer can turn on your solar system.

Your Installer’s Role

Your solar installer plays a key role in making your project a success. Here’s what they’re responsible for:

System Design & Planning

Designing a solar system that fits your home and energy needs
Calculating system size, layout, and expected energy production
Providing a detailed cost estimate, equipment info (make/model), and a project timeline

Managing the Application Process

Submitting your Interconnection Application and project drawings to TEP
Getting all required permits and inspections from the Authority having Jurisdiction
Notifying TEP of any major project changes
Following TEP’s Distributed Generation Interconnection and Service Requirements
Work with TEP through required corrections or changes to the application

Installation & Activation

Scheduling a power kill with TEP Design Services if needed—and letting you know in advance

- Submitting a Notice of Completion and “as-built” photos once installation is done
- After TEP installs your new meters and issues Permission to Operate, the installer will:
  - Walk you through the system
  - Turn it on and ensure everything is working properly

Expectations and Milestones

TEP Solar Interconnection Process

Steps to Installing a Home Solar System

Here’s what to expect during your solar installation journey with TEP:

Application Submitted
Your solar company submits the Interconnection Application and required documents to TEP for you.
Initial Review (Within 7 Days)
TEP reviews the paperwork to make sure everything meets program requirements.
Technical Review (Within 14–21 Days)
TEP checks the system’s technical details. You and your installer will be notified if it’s approved or if changes are needed.
(Note: Larger systems over 20 kWac may take up to 21 days.)
Equipment Pickup
Your installer picks up TEP-supplied equipment from our designated vendor.
Installation & Notification
The installer completes the installation and submits a Notice of Completion with photos of the finished system. TEP may schedule an inspection.
Meter Installation
TEP installs your solar production meter and completes a meter exchange.
Permission to Operate
Once approved, TEP issues Permission to Operate, and your installer can turn on your solar system!
Your installer will walk you through the system, turn it on, and ensure everything is working properly.

What happens if your solar installer ceases operations or stops serving your area?

If your solar installer goes out of business or leaves the state before finishing your project, we understand how frustrating and uncertain that can feel. You're not alone—and TEP is here to help.

We’ve updated our process to make it easier for customers in this situation (commonly referred to as “orphaned projects”) to move forward and get their system up and running.

We’re Here to Support You

Our team will work with you to:

Review your project status
Help you understand next steps
Work with your adopting installation company
Guide you toward meter installation and system activation

Check out our FAQs for orphaned projects to get quick answers and learn how to keep your solar journey on track.

What to Expect After the Installation is Complete

After your solar installation is complete, you'll need to select a Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing plan that best fits your energy usage patterns. TEP provides resources like "The Scoop" video to explain billing and how excess energy credits work. Excess energy credits are earned when your solar system produces more energy than you use, which can offset future bills. Understanding billing and credits is crucial to maximizing your savings and ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment.

Understanding Your Bill

Selecting a TOU pricing plan

With a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, the cost of electricity changes depending on when you use it. Rates are higher during “on-peak” hours—when demand is greatest—and lower during “off-peak” times.

If you have solar panels, it’s especially important to use electricity during the day when the sun is shining. That’s when your solar system is actively producing power for your home. Using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, or charging electric vehicles during these sunny hours can help you make the most of your solar energy.

When you have solar panels, your system generates the most electricity during daylight hours. Especially around midday. Using major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and charging electric vehicles during that time allows you to consume your own solar power directly.

Once the sun goes down or on cloudy days, your home uses electricity from your energy storage system or TEP’s grid. During on-peak hours electricity is higher cost, especially if you’re pulling from the grid. Using energy when your panels are generating it saves you the most money. Here’s a breakdown of TEP’s seasonal peak hours:

Summer (May-Sept): 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Winter (Oct-April): 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Monthly & Annual Credit Use

If your monthly solar credit is more than your bill, the extra credit rolls over to the next month.
Each October, if your credit balance is over $10, TEP will send you a payment.
- Rider 4
- Rider 14

Make the Most of Your Solar with a Time-of-Use Plan

With a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan, the price of electricity changes based on when you use it:

Higher rates during on-peak hours (when demand is highest)
Lower rates during off-peak hours

Got Solar? Timing Matters!

To get the most value from your solar system:

Use electricity during the day when your panels are producing energy.
Run appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and charge electric vehicles while the sun is shining.
This helps you use your own solar power instead of buying electricity from the grid.

At night or on cloudy days, your home uses power from TEP’s grid—especially during on-peak hours when rates are higher. Even though extra solar energy you generate during the day is sent back to the grid, shifting your usage to daylight hours can help lower your energy bills.

How Solar Credits Work

Once your system is up and running, TEP will install special meters to track:

How much energy you use
How much extra solar energy your system sends back to the grid

That extra energy earns you credits, shown on your bill as “KBH” (kilowatt banked hours).

About the Credit Rate:

Your credit is based on TEP’s Rider-14 Export Rate (RCP).
The rate is locked in for 10 years from the date your application was submitted.
After 10 years, your credit will be based on the current rate, which may change annually.

Monthly & Annual Credit Use

If your monthly solar credit is more than your bill, the extra credit rolls over to the next month.
Each October, if your credit balance is over $10, TEP will send you a payment.

If your system was installed before 2018 and you're on a grandfathered plan, check out TEP’s Rider-4 Net Metering for details.

Click here for a complete list of TEP's Statement of Charges.

Maintaining or Expanding Your System

For maintenance and repairs of your solar system, contact your installer to address any issues and ensure proper functioning. In case of power outages, reach out to TEP for assistance and updates. If you need to make changes to your PV system after installation, consult your installer to manage modifications and ensure compliance with regulations.

Who to contact and when

Power Outages & Your Solar System

If there’s a power outage, your solar system will automatically shut down. This is a safety feature that protects utility workers by preventing electricity from flowing back into the grid while repairs are being made.

No battery? Your system won’t produce power during an outage.
With battery storage? You may still have power, depending on your system setup.
Once power is restored, your system will restart—though it may require a manual reset.

Maintenance & Repairs

If your solar system needs service:

Contact your solar installer for maintenance or repairs.
If the DG meter needs to be removed, a clearance from your local permitting authority (AHJ) may be required.

Thinking about expanding your solar system? Here’s what you need to know:

Adding Panels or Inverters

If you want to add more solar panels or another inverter, your installer must submit a new application to TEP for approval.

What Happens to Your Rate when your expansion is completed?

If you're on a grandfathered net metering plan (from before Sept. 20, 2018), you can keep your original rate for the full 20-year term—as long as the system expansion doesn’t require upgrades to TEP’s distribution system.
If you're on the RCP (Resource Comparison Proxy) rate, your original export rate is locked in for 10 yearsfrom the date your interconnection application was submitted unless your system size increases by 1 KW or 10%.

After 10 years, your credit rate will be based on the current RCP rate at that time, which is updated annually but cannot decrease by more than 10% per year.

Documents and Resources

Expectations and Milestones
Exporting Systems Interconnection Agreement for Projects 20 kWac or Greater (Effective Nov. 16, 2020)
Exporting Systems Interconnection Agreement for Projects 20kWac or Less (Effective Jan 27, 2020)
TEP Solar Analysis Tool
TEP Consumer Acknowledgment
Landlord Authorization Form
DocuSign Guide
Distributed Generation Interconnection Rules
Solar Estimate website
Beyond Net Metering
Power Kills at a Glance
Solar Project Records Release Form

Rooftop Solar for Homeowners

What You Should Know About Residential Solar Systems

Is Your Home a Good Fit for Solar?

Thinking About Going Solar?

See if your home is a good fit

Estimate potential savings

Explore system options

Is Solar Right for Your Home?

Understanding the Payback Period

What to Look For

Questions to Ask Installers

Important Notice: TEP Does Not Endorse Solar Companies

Getting Started with Solar

TEP is here to support you and your installer every step of the way

What Happens After Installation:

Your Installer’s Role

TEP Solar Interconnection Process

Steps to Installing a Home Solar System

What happens if your solar installer ceases operations or stops serving your area?

We’re Here to Support You

What to Expect After the Installation is Complete

Selecting a TOU pricing plan

Monthly & Annual Credit Use

Make the Most of Your Solar with a Time-of-Use Plan

Got Solar? Timing Matters!

How Solar Credits Work

Monthly & Annual Credit Use

Maintaining or Expanding Your System

Power Outages & Your Solar System

Maintenance & Repairs

Adding Panels or Inverters

Documents and Resources

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