Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Arizona Public Service net metering lets a home solar owner send extra electricity to the grid and receive bill credits for it. This guide walks through the application process, how exports are credited, and the setup details that most often cause delays. By the end, you will know what to gather before you submit paperwork and how to confirm your system is credited correctly.

What You Need Before You Apply

Arizona Public Service, usually called APS, reviews every interconnection request before a system can operate. Gather your documents first so the review does not stall on missing information.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Arizona (2026): Which Should You Choose?.

  • Your APS account number and the service address on your bill
  • A system design showing panel count, panel wattage, and total DC capacity in kilowatts
  • The inverter make, model, and AC output rating, along with the certification listing
  • A single-line electrical diagram prepared by your installer or a licensed electrician
  • Your installer’s license number and contractor contact details

Step 1: Submit Your Interconnection Application

Your installer usually files the interconnection application with APS on your behalf. Confirm they list the correct system size, because APS uses this figure to decide the review path. Systems above certain size thresholds may need additional engineering review, which adds time. Ask your installer for a copy of the submitted application so you can track it against APS status updates.

Step 2: Install, Inspect, and Get Permission to Operate

Once the array is installed, your local building department typically inspects the electrical work. After the inspection passes, APS needs to approve the system before it can be energized. Do not switch the system on before you receive written permission to operate. Running the system early can violate your agreement and delay your credits.

Meter arrangements matter here. Some homes need a bidirectional meter so exported power is recorded separately from power you draw from the grid. Ask APS whether your home already has one or whether a replacement is scheduled.

Step 3: Understand How Exports Are Credited

Under net metering, your meter tracks two flows: electricity you import from the grid and electricity you export to it. Excess exports earn credits that offset future import charges. The exact credit rate and billing structure depend on the rate plan you have chosen with APS. Review your rate schedule before you commit, because the value of each exported kilowatt-hour can differ meaningfully between plans.

Credits generally appear on your monthly bill. If a month ends with more exports than imports, check whether the surplus carries forward or is settled at a set rate. Treatment of carried-forward credits is defined in your tariff, so read that section rather than assuming.

Checking Your Bill Each Month

Compare your import and export readings against your own production estimate. A large gap between expected and recorded exports often points to a metering, inverter communication, or configuration problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Operating the system before APS grants written permission to operate
  • Submitting a system size that does not match the installed equipment
  • Assuming all exported energy is credited at the same rate as imports
  • Ignoring a missing bidirectional meter until the first bill arrives
  • Failing to keep copies of the interconnection application and approval letter

A dedicated monitoring device helps you compare production with billed exports. Many owners find that a web-based monitoring app paired with their inverter makes month-to-month checks quicker.

  • Inverter monitoring app compatible with your inverter brand View on Amazon
  • Clamp-on AC power meter for verifying grid import and export readings View on Amazon

FAQ

How long does APS approval usually take?

Timelines vary with system size, the completeness of your application, and APS workload. Smaller residential systems with complete paperwork generally move faster than systems needing engineering review. Ask your installer for a realistic schedule when you sign.

Do I need a new meter for net metering?

Many systems require a bidirectional meter so exports are measured separately. APS will tell you whether your existing meter qualifies or whether a replacement is required.

What happens to credits I do not use?

Treatment of surplus credits depends on your rate plan and the tariff in effect. Check your APS rate schedule for carry-forward rules and any annual settlement terms.

Conclusion

Arizona Public Service net metering rewards homeowners who prepare paperwork carefully and wait for permission to operate before switching on. Confirm your system size, meter setup, and rate plan before installation begins. Check your bill monthly so you catch metering or credit problems early.

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Claire Whitaker

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.