Important safety & maintenance tips
How will the Community Power Rate appear on my bill?
Who do I contact about system maintenance?
Contact APS at 800-659-8148 or email us at communitypower@aps.com.
What happens if my roof needs repairs while the equipment is in place?
If your roof needs repairs contact APS at 800-659-8148 or email Communitypower@aps.com to discuss removal and reinstallation of the solar equipment.
Do I own the solar panels once they are on my house?
No. The program enables customers to host rooftop solar systems that APS will own, operate,
install and maintain.
What are the customer benefits?
Customers can “go solar” for no upfront costs and receive an attractive, fixed rate on a portion of
their bill through April 2030.
What is the Community Power Project easement?
The Community Power Project easement is an agreement between the homeowner and APS, granting
APS the right to install and maintain the APS solar electric system. The agreement applies to the
area where the system is installed and the surrounding area that may affect system performance.
Program participants were provided with a diagram depicting this area.
Why does APS need to have an easement on the property?
Because APS owns the equipment, we will need periodic access to maintain it and ensure production.
This is done through an easement which is recorded on the property’s title. This access is similar to
other utility easements such as to install and check a meter or to maintain a transformer or
power pole on a property.
What happens to the easement if a participant sells their property?
The easement transfers to the next owner. The new owner would be eligible for the Community Power Rate.
What happens to the easement if a customer decides to opt out of the program?
An easement is a permanent attachment to real property and recorded with the County.
Why was Flagstaff selected for the project?
Flagstaff has an electrical system ideal for equipment-related testing. Flagstaff is also at the forefront of new “smart grid” technology implementation; this will be the first time ever that smart grid and a high saturation of solar technologies will be studied together in the field. Flagstaff also has a progressive community spirit with a strong interest in sustainability projects.
What are the benefits to APS?
APS will test the effects of a high concentration of distributed energy on a single feeder. The company
also plans to deploy new smart grid technologies to fully understand and efficiently manage
generation and demand issues that may arise from the project.
What are some benefits to Arizona?
The project will help capitalize on the state’s must abundant natural resource - the sun. It will also help grow the solar economy in the state, including solar manufacturing and solar installations.
What can this do for the solar industry?
The APS Community Power ProjectSM may create more demand from consumers, which would increase business for the fledgling solar industry in Arizona.
What happens to the Community Power Rate after 20 years?
After 20 years, the Community Power Rate will expire. As we approach the end of the program, APS will contact participants to discuss rate and system options.
What happens to the equipment after the 20 years?
The Community Power Project is a pilot project, and at this time no decision has been made as to what
will happen with the equipment after the 20 year period. APS will contact customers regarding options
as we approach the end of the pilot project. Possible scenarios may include:
- APS may remove the equipment
- APS may offer you the opportunity to keep the equipment and sign up for a then available
solar rate
- APS may offer you the opportunity to lease or purchase the equipment.
Can participants opt out once they sign up?
As with any APS rate, customers can change rates after one year and Community Power participants can choose to opt out of the Community Power Rate after one year. However, participants are agreeing to host the rooftop solar system for the duration of the program.
