Thanks to local solar incentives, Arizona moved into 4th place for installed solar (behind California, New Jersey, and Nevada). In 2010, Arizona installed 54 Mw of solar power, more than doubling its 2009 output. Across the United States, 878 Mw of solar was installed.
Arizona’s push for solar was helped by local rebate programs from Arizona Public Service Co (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP). Also, Arizona has been working hard to attract solar manufacturing. Arizona had success with Suntech and Power-One, who moved their facilities in state.
Additionally, the Arizona state government set the goal of generating 15% of electricity from renewable energy, including Arizona, from renewable sources by 2025. To support this growth, Arizona has set up a variety of programs to protect solar consumers. These programs include:
- Arizona Solar Watchdog Program
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors
The Arizona Solar Watchdog Program maintains the safety and integrity of the growing solar industry. The program educates prospective solar consumers to research solar contractors and solar installers. This includes checking their licenses, credentials, and work history. Consumers need to be certain that they are dealing with experienced contractors who are qualified to install solar on their homes.
In addition, every Arizona solar contractor must be registered with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Using their state-issued license number, solar prospects can use the Arizona Solar Watchdog Program to investigate solar contractors.
To get to 15% renewable electricity production in Arizona, the state will be creating more programs and incentives to install solar. Check back often to learn about these new programs.
Use our solar calculator to determine how much an Arizona Solar Installation costs.
