Solar Export Rates Programs in Arizona

Updated: June 13, 2025

How Much do I get for Selling Electricity Back to the Grid?

Solar export rates replace net metering, determining the compensation for surplus solar energy your system feeds back into the grid. These solar export ratesrates are usually lower than standard grid electricity costs, so exporting excess power may be less financially rewarding than net metering. Furthermore, this context emphasizes the approach of possibly selecting a solar system that is appropriately sized—not overly large to prevent unnecessary energy export—or one that includes a battery system, which will be elaborated on further below.

For a comprehensive guide to understanding how solar export rates work and their impact on your solar investment, visit Solar.

Arizona customers can click on the following links to learn more about current export rates programs from Arizona’s largest Utilities: APS or SRP. 

Optimizing System Size  for Solar Export Rates

It is often cheaper to design a system that covers about 60% of your electricity use. This is because export rates usually provide less financial benefit than net metering. This approach ensures that every kilowatt-hour produced is a kilowatt-hour saved from your utility bill. A skilled energy consultant can show different options. This will help you make a smart decision about Solar Export Rates. 

Leveraging Batteries for Optimal Solar Utilization 

To be completely self-sufficient with home electricity, you should add batteries to your solar system. This will greatly help you. Batteries provide a steady power supply by storing extra energy. This energy can be used during peak hours, at night, or during power outages. Batteries can increase your grid resiliency and reduce utility-supplied power dependency. With this setup, you could limit utility charges to unavoidable fees and local taxes. Details on how solar batteries can improve your solar system’s efficiency are available. This is especially true under export rate plans. You can find more information at SEIA’s Solar & Storage initiative. 

Solar Topps and Solar Export Rates

Solar Topps expertly matches solar system sizes to your energy needs while navigating local utility rates. Besides system installation, we can integrate battery storage solutions for scalable energy storage to meet your needs. Starting with a system that provides 60% of your electricity doesn’t hinder future expansions as rates and incentives change.

Eager to embrace solar? Reach out to us at 480-940-1201 or Get A Quote to embark on your journey with Solar Topps, where we make solar simple and the savings significant.