Is Solar Worth It in Arizona? (2026)

Arizona has some of the best solar conditions in the US — abundant sun and big cooling bills. Solar is worth it for most Arizona homes, though the export rules have changed. Here’s the honest take.

The Arizona basics

• Sun: the best in the country — roughly 6.5 peak sun hours/day, so panels produce more here than almost anywhere.
• Electricity rate: around 15¢/kWh, near the national average, but very high summer AC use drives big bills.
• Excellent production + high summer demand is a strong combination.

See a worked example on our Arizona solar cost page or the Solar Savings Calculator.

Export rates in Arizona

Arizona largely moved away from full retail net metering to lower export credit rates. Practical effect:

• Using your own solar as you produce it is more valuable than exporting it.
• With big midday production and evening AC peaks, a battery or shifting usage to the day improves returns.

Understand the mechanics in what is net metering.

When solar is worth it in Arizona

• High summer AC bills — the typical AZ profile — and a sunny, unshaded roof (most of the state).
• You self-consume or add storage to offset lower export credit.
• You’ll stay long enough to hit payback (often ~9–12 years).
• You own the system for the federal tax credit.

When to be cautious

• Very low usage (small home, efficient AC).
• Extreme roof heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency — good install design matters.

Bottom line

With the nation’s best sun and high cooling bills, Arizona is a strong solar state — plan around lower export credit by self-consuming or adding a battery. Estimate your numbers with the Solar Savings Calculator.

Educational estimates only. Confirm current utility export/rate plans.