Why Solar is Becoming a Standard Feature in New Arizona Homes

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.

Arizona's housing market is evolving — and solar energy is no longer just an optional upgrade. In many parts of the Phoenix metro area, residential solar systems are becoming a standard feature in new construction.

Builders, buyers, and developers are recognizing that solar isn’t just about sustainability — it’s about value, energy resilience, and meeting the expectations of today’s homebuyers.

Here’s why solar panels in Arizona homes are becoming the new normal.

1. Homebuyers Expect Energy-Efficient Features

Today’s buyers — especially in competitive markets like Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler — are increasingly looking for:

• Lower energy costs

• Modern, eco-conscious features

• Energy independence

According to the National Association of Home Builders, over 80% of homebuyers say energy-efficient upgrades are among their top priorities. And in a climate like Phoenix’s, where utility bills can spike during the summer, solar is the most effective energy efficiency upgrade available.

Builders are responding by integrating home solar installations into their new home offerings as part of standard design packages.

2. Builders are Partnering with Solar Companies

Many of Arizona’s largest and fastest-growing homebuilders are now working directly with solar providers to:

• Offer turnkey rooftop systems

• Bundle solar into mortgage financing

• Design homes with roof lines that optimize panel layout

This collaboration streamlines the process for homeowners and makes solar more accessible from the moment the keys are handed over.

Phoenix Valley Solar works with homebuilders throughout the Valley to provide custom-designed, builder-friendly solar systems with long-term support.

3. Net-Zero Homes Are on the Rise

Arizona’s abundant sunshine and strong building codes make it a prime market for net-zero energy homes — homes that produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year.

To reach net-zero status, new homes are being designed with:

• Rooftop solar panels

• High-efficiency HVAC systems

• Smart thermostats and energy monitoring tools

• Tight building envelopes and upgraded insulation

Cities like Phoenix, Peoria, and Buckeye are seeing rapid adoption of net-zero and solar-ready construction standards, especially in new master-planned communities.

4. Solar Adds Value Without Raising Property Taxes

In Arizona, adding solar to a home increases resale value — but thanks to state legislation, it does not increase your property tax bill.

This means new homes equipped with solar:

• Appraise higher

• Sell faster

• Appeal to a broader range of buyers

For developers, this is a no-risk way to differentiate their listings and command higher market prices — while still offering affordability in monthly costs through energy savings.

5. Utility Companies Are Requiring Solar Readiness

In some Arizona jurisdictions, utility providers and city planners now require solar-ready infrastructure in new homes. This includes:

• South- or west-facing roof space

• Conduit for solar wiring

• Adequate space in the electrical panel

• Roof trusses designed to handle solar loads

These standards reduce the future cost of adding solar and make it easier for homeowners to retrofit when the time is right.

Many builders now simply install solar during construction to meet — or exceed — code and demand.

6. Solar Incentives Still Apply to New Construction

Just like with retrofit systems, new construction solar systems are eligible for:

• The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

• The $1,000 Arizona Solar Tax Credit

• Utility interconnection credits depending on your provider (APS, SRP, etc.)

This allows buyers to finance solar as part of their mortgage while claiming the full value of available incentives.

Builders who offer solar as part of the purchase can market homes with lower total cost of ownership and predictable long-term utility bills — a major selling point in today’s volatile energy market.

The Future: Solar as a Baseline, Not a Bonus

In five years, Arizona homes without solar may become the exception, not the norm.

Developers who adopt solar today position their communities as forward-thinking, while buyers get long-term energy savings baked into their home from day one.

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we work with both homeowners and builders to deliver integrated solar solutions that meet today’s standards and tomorrow’s expectations.

Building a New Home? Ask About Solar Early

Whether you’re buying from a developer or designing a custom home, solar should be part of the conversation early. Contact Phoenix Valley Solar to discuss how to integrate a high-performance solar system into your build — or retrofit your new home for maximum savings and performance.

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.