APS offers incentives for installing the following types of renewable electric systems:
· Grid-tied and off-grid solar rooftop panels
· Solar water heaters
· Solar space heating
· Grid-tied and off-grid wind generators of one megawatt or less
* Incentive amounts vary based on the type of technology installed.

The following Web sites maintain information on dealers and installers:
Arizona Solar Center
Find Solar
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Solar Buzz
Find installer license information at Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Price is only one factor to consider when selecting a renewable energy installer. Here are some other considerations:

· Is the company experienced?
· Will the company provide a copy of their current business license?
· Do they have any unresolved complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors?
· Does the company have any judgments or liens?
· Will the company provide references?
· Does the company have a record with the Better Business Bureau?
· How many systems has the company installed in the last year?
· How long will the installation process take?
· How long will the company monitor the installations after they are completed?
· What is the warranty period? What does it cover?
· What repair services are offered? What are the rates?
· What type of operation or maintenance training is available?

Installers must hold an active license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors that is appropriate for the technology you are having them install. APS will require all C-05, K-05, L-05, and C-37R licensed contractors to obtain their written authorized restrictions/scope of work document from the AZ RoC.
· PV installations should be performed by an Arizona licensed contractor holding one of the following certifications: C-11, K-11, L-11.
· Solar water heating Installations should be performed by an Arizona licensed contractor holding one of the following certifications: C-37, C-37R, K-77, K-78, L-77, L-78.
· Other license certifications may be approved if demonstrated to be appropriate. License information about your contractor can be obtained from the website of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) or can be verified by contacting AZROC by phone at (602) 542-1525.

No, APS does not sell or recommend a specific system. Check with qualified installers for their recommendations on the correct system to meet your needs.

A 30% tax credit is also available to homeowners, capped at $2,000 until 1/1/09, then uncapped (part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008). Find information about tax incentives at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.

Homeowners can claim a 25% tax credit (maximum of $1,000 credit) on solar devices installed on a residence. This is a one time tax credit and restricts the homeowner for additional credits for solar purchases made for the same residence in subsequent years. Find information about tax incentives at the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy.

Money raised through the renewable energy tariff is used to help pay for renewable energy projects, such as the Solana Generating Station. Additionally, funds generated through this monthly charge are available to APS customers in the form of incentives for installing renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind mills.

On December 16, 2008, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) amended and approved the APS implementation plan for the Renewable Energy Standard (RES), formerly know as the Environmental Portfolio Standard (EPS). The increased charge/cap began January 7, 2009.

The monthly charges are as follows:

· All kWhs: $0.007937
· Residential Cap: $3.17 (previously $1.32 per month)
· Non-Residential Cap (demand less than 3,000 kW): $117.93
· Non-Residential Cap (demand of 3,000 kW or higher per month for three consecutive months): $353.78

To get the full retail value for the energy your PV system produces, it is best to size the system to closely match the electric usage during daylight hours. This allows you to maximize the displacement of purchased electricity. When you sell energy back to APS you can choose to be paid at the wholesale rate -- avoided cost -- specified in the EPR-2 rate or you can select our EPR-6 net metering rate.

Yes, though they produce less electricity. Under a light overcast sky, panels might produce about half as much as under full sun.

Generally, 1,000 watts of photovoltaic modules (DC peak rating) produce approximately 4 to 5 kWh per day. For example, if you install a 3,000 watt (DC) system(3 kWDC), you can anticipate that your system will produce between 4,300 and 5,500 kWh per year. Note: the majority of the PV production will be consumed for your household energy needs and will not be displayed as a line item on your APS bill. Estimate your savings using one of the performance calculators below. Please note that we do not maintain or endorse the methodology embedded within any of the calculators listed.
Sharp USA Performance Calculator
Kyocera Solar PV Calculator

When you sell energy back to APS you can choose to be paid at the wholesale rate -- avoided cost -- specified in the EPR-2 rate or you can select our EPR-6 net metering rate.

No, the majority of the PV production will be consumed for your household energy needs and will not be displayed as a line item on your APS bill.

Your savings will depend upon the performance of the water heater you select and your household usage. However, up to 15 percent of your energy bill typically comes from heating water.

Water tanks are generally in the 50-80 gallon range. However, your household water usage patterns will affect which size will best accommodate you. A qualified installer will be able to consult with you to ensure that your needs are met.

Yes, even while the system will have fewer hours of sunlight to produce, it may generate an adequate amount to meet your needs. Keep in mind that your system will also have an electric or gas back-up to help ensure that you have hot water.