Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Updated November 2026

APS solar net metering lets Arizona Public Service customers with rooftop solar send unused electricity back to the grid and receive bill credits for it. This guide explains how the program works, what you need to do to enroll, and how to make sure your credits show up correctly. Use it as a checklist before and after your system is connected.

How APS Net Metering Credits Work

Under net metering, your meter runs forward when you draw power from the grid and runs backward when your panels export more than your home uses. At the end of the billing period, APS compares the two readings. You pay for the net energy you consumed, and any excess exported energy is credited to your account.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Virginia vs Virginia Community Solar: Which Should You Choose?.

Credits are applied to your energy charges, not to fixed monthly fees. If you export more than you import in a given month, the surplus typically carries forward to the next billing period. Check your current rate schedule with APS, because the credit value depends on the plan you are on.

Steps to Get Enrolled in APS Solar Net Metering

  1. Confirm your home is in APS’s service territory and that your system is designed for grid-tied operation.
  2. Submit an interconnection application to APS before installing or energizing your system. Include your system size, inverter details, and a site plan.
  3. Wait for APS to approve the interconnection. Do not turn on the system until you have written approval.
  4. Have the installation inspected by your local authority having jurisdiction, then schedule the utility inspection and meter change if required.
  5. Confirm your rate plan supports net metering. Some time-of-use and export options differ, so ask APS which plan gives you the best credit value.

Requirements change over time, so verify the current application forms and technical standards directly with APS before you begin.

Reading Your APS Bill After Going Solar

Your first few bills will look different. Look for three line items: energy imported from the grid, energy exported to the grid, and the net credit or charge. If the export figure is much lower than you expect, check whether your inverter is producing normally and whether shading or a failed string is reducing output.

Bill item What it means
Energy imported (kWh) Power you pulled from APS while your panels were not covering your load
Energy exported (kWh) Surplus solar sent back to the grid
Net credit carried forward Unused credit applied to future bills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Energizing the system before APS approves the interconnection.
  • Choosing a rate plan without comparing how exported energy is valued.
  • Ignoring a drop in production, which can hide inverter or wiring faults for months.
  • Forgetting to update APS when you add panels or change your system size.
  • Assuming the credit rate stays fixed; utility rules and rate plans can change.

A monitoring device helps you compare daily production against what APS shows on your bill. Look for a unit that tracks export and import separately.

  • Enphase Envoy gateway: a monitoring gateway that reports production and consumption for microinverter systems. View on Amazon
  • Emporia Vue energy monitor: a clamp-based circuit monitor that tracks home energy use alongside solar generation. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does APS pay cash for excess solar?

Under standard net metering, excess energy is credited to your account rather than paid out in cash. Ask APS how unused credits are handled at the end of your billing year.

How long does APS interconnection approval take?

Timelines vary with system size and utility workload. Expect the process to take several weeks, and do not energize the system until approval is in writing.

Can I keep net metering if I add more panels later?

Usually you must notify APS and may need a new interconnection review for any increase in system size. Confirm the requirements before expanding your array.

Conclusion

APS solar net metering rewards you for exporting surplus power, but the credits only work well when your system is approved, metered correctly, and monitored. Follow the enrollment steps, check your bill each month, and contact APS if your credits look wrong. For complex electrical work, consult a licensed installer.

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Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

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