Solar for Rental Properties in Arizona: How Landlords Can Save and Earn
- zjalomari
- May 1
- 3 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.
If you own a rental property in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, or anywhere in the Valley, you know that operating costs can cut into profits—especially when utility bills rise during Arizona’s brutal summer months.
That’s why more landlords and real estate investors are turning to solar energy as a long-term strategy to reduce expenses, increase property value, and attract quality tenants.
Here’s how solar panels on Arizona rental homes can help you save money, lock in predictable costs, and potentially increase your monthly income.
1. Solar Reduces Operating Costs
Owning rental property means dealing with:
High summer electricity bills
Increasing utility rates from APS or SRP
Maintenance of HVAC and energy systems
Installing solar panels allows you to:
Offset part or all of the property’s electric use
Reduce the need for constant A/C-related service calls
Build in a fixed operating cost for energy over the next 25+ years
Whether you include utilities in rent or bill them separately, solar helps you stabilize one of your biggest expenses.
2. Solar Adds to Property Value
According to multiple studies, homes with solar panels:
Sell for more than comparable homes without solar
Rent faster in competitive markets
Are more attractive to long-term tenants
For rental homes, this means:
Higher resale value if you choose to sell
Stronger ROI over time
A valuable listing feature for Zillow, Craigslist, and Airbnb
And because Phoenix is one of the sunniest cities in the U.S., solar is more productive here than nearly anywhere else.
3. You Can Include Electricity in Rent (and Still Profit)
If your property has solar, you can:
Include electricity in the rent as a “bonus” utility
Market the home as energy-efficient and affordable
Attract tenants who are eco-conscious or budget-minded
In many cases, the cost of financing a solar system is less than what tenants would pay for grid electricity, especially in the summer.
That means you can add $100–$200/month to rent, still undercut APS or SRP rates, and come out ahead—while offering value to your tenants.
4. Short-Term Rentals Benefit Too
Own a vacation rental in Scottsdale, Tempe, or Sedona?
With solar, you can:
Keep the A/C running between guests without worrying about cost
Power pools, spas, and EV chargers without major utility spikes
Market your property as a “green” or energy-neutral stay
Some hosts use solar to add premium amenities like hot tubs or heat lamps—without hurting monthly margins.
5. Battery Backup Adds Reliability and Appeal
Pairing your rental property’s solar system with a Tesla Powerwall or other battery:
Keeps critical systems (A/C, fridge, internet) on during monsoon outages
Reduces peak-time usage under TOU plans
Increases the property’s resilience and independence
In areas where grid reliability is an issue, this makes your property more attractive—and reduces tenant complaints or turnover.
6. Tax Incentives Still Apply
As a property owner, you may be eligible for:
The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The $1,000 Arizona Residential Solar Tax Credit
MACRS accelerated depreciation if the home is rented year-round
Additional state or local rebates depending on utility provider
Solar for rentals often pays off faster than solar for owner-occupied homes due to tax advantages. We work with your CPA or advisor to ensure you claim everything you're eligible for.
7. Why Landlords Across Arizona Are Going Solar
Whether you own one home or a portfolio of properties, solar helps you:
Increase cash flow
Differentiate your rentals
Improve tenant satisfaction
Protect your long-term ROI
And with options for zero-down financing, solar can be installed with little to no upfront cost - then paid for using rental income.
Why Work with Phoenix Valley Solar?
We help landlords:
Evaluate the cost-benefit of solar for each property
Design systems to match seasonal usage and roof space
Coordinate with tenants or property managers
Provide documentation for appraisers and tax professionals
We’re the best solar company in Phoenix for real estate investors who want energy savings, passive income protection, and full-service support.
Ready to Add Solar to Your Rental Property?
Contact Phoenix Valley Solar today for a custom quote. We’ll help you turn your rental into a smart energy investment that benefits your tenants, your bottom line, and the planet.
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.

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