Moving Between APS and SRP Territory with Solar: What Arizona Homeowners Should Know

zjalomari
6 days ago
4 min read

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

Phoenix is growing — and with that growth, many homeowners are relocating between neighborhoods and cities. But if you’ve already installed solar and are planning a move, there’s a critical question that’s often overlooked:

“What happens to my solar investment if I move between APS and SRP territory?”

Whether you're going from Peoria to Chandler, or Tempe to Surprise, your solar savings and system design strategy can change dramatically based on your new utility provider.

This guide explains how to navigate a move between APS and SRP with solar — and how to make sure your next system performs just as well (or better) than your last one.

1. Can I Take My Solar Panels with Me?

Technically, yes — but in most cases, it’s not worth it.

Here’s why:

Panels are custom-designed for your old roof
Roof removal and reinstallation add cost and labor
Warranties may not transfer if the system is relocated
Appraised home value may drop if you remove a working solar system

Better strategy: Leave your panels behind, use them as a selling point, and design a new system tailored to your next home.

2. APS vs. SRP: Your Solar Savings May Change

If you're moving from APS to SRP, here’s what to expect:

Lower export credit (~2.8¢/kWh in SRP vs. ~5–7¢/kWh in APS)
A $32.44 fixed monthly fee with SRP, even with solar
Longer peak hours with SRP (8 hours vs. APS's 3)
Tighter export system sizing limits in SRP (max 15 kW AC)

If you're moving from SRP to APS, you’ll likely enjoy:

Higher credits for excess energy
More flexible system sizing rules
Lower monthly fixed fees
Shorter peak windows that are easier to manage with a battery

Your next solar system must be redesigned based on these differences — and that’s where the right solar partner matters.

3. What If I’m Buying a Home That Already Has Solar?

Ask these key questions:

Who installed the system? Is it owned, leased, or financed?
Is there a warranty transfer process?
How much is the average monthly electric bill?
Which utility services the property (APS or SRP)?
Does the home have battery storage, and is it properly sized?

Phoenix Valley Solar helps buyers:

Evaluate existing solar setups
Verify performance and condition
Understand the current utility billing structure
Estimate future savings (or limits) based on APS/SRP rates

4. Buying a New Home in SRP Territory? Plan for a Battery

Because SRP export credits are so low, your solar system needs to be designed for maximum self-consumption — not export.

If your new home is in SRP territory, we recommend:

Smaller, tightly matched solar systems
Battery storage (especially with current SRP rebate incentives)
Smart controls to minimize export and optimize off-peak usage

If you're moving into APS territory, you’ll benefit more from:

Slightly larger systems
Peak-shaving strategies (with or without batteries)
Exporting excess solar during non-peak hours

5. Can I Use the Federal or State Solar Tax Credit Again?

Yes — if you install a new solar system on a new primary residence, you can claim:

The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The $1,000 Arizona Solar Tax Credit (if you haven’t claimed it before)

Just make sure:

You own the new system (not leasing)
You have tax liability to offset the credits
Your new system is installed and operating during the tax year you claim

We help you work with your tax professional to document and apply both credits correctly.

6. Tips for Moving with Solar in Arizona

Talk to your solar installer before listing your home. You’ll want all warranty and performance documents ready for potential buyers.
Use your solar system as a selling feature. We provide production reports that show your savings.
Consult a local solar company about your new utility. Don’t assume the same system design will work in both APS and SRP areas.
Act quickly on incentives. SRP’s battery rebate is limited and may phase out soon.

Why Choose Phoenix Valley Solar?

We specialize in helping Arizona homeowners:

Evaluate existing systems when buying or selling
Redesign solar for a new home under a different utility
Maximize tax credits and savings in any part of the Valley
Transition smoothly between APS and SRP billing strategies

Whether you're moving across the street or across the metro area, we ensure your next solar investment is just as smart as your first.

Moving to a New Utility Area? Let’s Make Your Next Solar Setup Better.

Contact Phoenix Valley Solar today for a utility-specific solar consultation. We’ll help you understand how your APS or SRP rates impact solar design — and build a system that fits your next home perfectly.