Arizona’s Game-Changing SRP Solar Choice Program: Is It Too Good to Be True?

Salt River Project (SRP), Arizona’s largest electricity provider, recently announced an innovative new program called Solar Choice. This program allows residential and small business customers to support the growth of clean solar energy in Arizona in an easy and affordable way.

By enrolling in Solar Choice, customers can choose to offset either half or all of their monthly electricity use with solar power. In return, they pay a small premium of just 0.5 cents per kilowatt-hour on top of their regular SRP price plan. This makes supporting renewable energy accessible to a wider range of SRP customers.

The program works by allowing SRP to source solar energy from its expanding network of large-scale solar power plants across Arizona on behalf of Solar Choice customers. The solar energy is fed into the grid, offsetting the equivalent amount of energy used by homes and businesses enrolled in the program.

Solar Choice replaces SRP’s previous customer solar programs, EarthWise Energy and Community Solar. It offers a lower price than those legacy programs, reducing the premium by 50% compared to EarthWise Energy.

This makes the switch to supporting solar even more attractive for cost-conscious consumers.

How the Program Works

Signing up for the SRP Solar Choice program is easy. Customers who join agree to pay a small extra amount of just half a cent per kilowatt-hour on their regular monthly electricity bill. This extra money helps SRP buy clean solar energy from big solar power plants all over Arizona.

In exchange for this small added cost, SRP promises to match the customer’s energy usage with the same amount of solar power. When customers sign up, they can choose to match either half or all of their monthly electricity use with solar.

Here’s an example to help understand the cost. The average home in Arizona uses about 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month. For a home using this much, signing up for Solar Choice to match all 1,500 kWh would add $7.50 to their monthly SRP bill.

If that same home chose to only match half of their usage, the added cost would be just $3.75 per month. That’s less than the price of a fancy coffee to support clean, renewable solar energy.

It’s important to know that solar energy doesn’t directly power the customer’s home. Instead, it’s added to the whole electric grid. But by paying the extra amount, the customer is making sure that SRP has to buy the same amount of solar to match their usage. This helps solar energy grow in Arizona.

Curious about the lifespan of solar panels in Arizona‘s harsh climate? Discover how long you can expect your solar investment to generate clean energy and savings. Read our in-depth article to learn more about solar panel durability and warranties in the Grand Canyon State.

Benefits of Choosing Solar Energy

There are many good reasons to support solar energy through programs like SRP Solar Choice:

Affordable clean energy for everyone

Solar Choice lets customers support the growth of clean solar power in Arizona without having to put solar panels on their own roof. This makes renewable energy possible for people who rent or can’t install solar at home.

Shrink your carbon footprint

Solar energy is renewable, sustainable, and helps reduce carbon emissions. By matching your energy usage with solar, you can make your household’s carbon footprint smaller and help create a cleaner environment in Arizona.

Potential to save money

While Solar Choice does add a small extra cost to your monthly bill, it’s 50% less than SRP’s older solar programs. Supporting solar now can protect you from rising costs of fossil fuel energy in the future. As more solar is added to the grid, it can help keep overall energy prices more stable.

Support Arizona’s solar industry

Joining solar programs like Solar Choice shows that people want more renewable energy choices. This can encourage more investment and growth in Arizona’s solar industry, creating jobs and boosting the economy across the state.

More energy independence

By supporting large solar plants, Solar Choice participants help make Arizona’s energy mix more diverse. This can make the power grid stronger and less dependent on fossil fuels from other places, leading to more energy independence for Arizona.

Potentially higher home values

Studies have shown that homes with solar panels often sell faster and for more money than homes without solar. While Solar Choice participants don’t own solar panels directly, they still support the growth of clean energy. This can make neighborhoods more appealing to home buyers who care about sustainability.

Thinking about going solar in Arizona this year? Get the latest scoop on solar panel costs, financing options, and potential savings in our comprehensive 2024 guide. Click here to find out how much you can expect to pay for a solar system that fits your home and energy needs.

Comparing Solar Choice to Previous SRP Solar Programs

The introduction of SRP’s Solar Choice program marks an exciting new chapter in the utility’s efforts to expand access to clean solar energy for its customers. Solar Choice replaces SRP’s previous solar initiatives, the EarthWise Energy and Community Solar programs.

While those earlier programs were groundbreaking in their own right, Solar Choice offers some distinct advantages – most notably in terms of affordability. The premium that customers pay for solar energy under Solar Choice is a full 50 cents less per kilowatt-hour compared to the EarthWise Energy program.

To put that into perspective, if an average home uses 1,500 kWh of electricity per month, choosing Solar Choice over EarthWise Energy would save $90 per year (1,500 kWh/month * $0.005/kWh * 12 months = $90/year). That’s a substantial savings that makes supporting renewable energy much more budget-friendly for households.

Don’t miss out on the incredible solar incentives and rebates available to Arizona homeowners. From state tax credits to utility rebate programs, there are plenty of ways to save big on your solar installation. Check out our article to learn how you can maximize your solar savings in Arizona.

The lower cost of Solar Choice compared to past programs is a reflection of the rapidly decreasing costs of solar energy. As solar technology continues to improve and more solar power plants are built, the economies of scale make it possible for utilities like SRP to procure solar energy at lower and lower costs.

SRP is passing those savings on to consumers through Solar Choice, which is replacing the older, more expensive programs. This commitment to making solar more affordable is a win for SRP customers and for the growth of renewable energy in Arizona.

Solar Choice offers more flexibility than the Community Solar program. Under Community Solar, customers had to commit to a portion of a local solar plant. With Solar Choice, customers can offset half or all of their energy use from SRP’s wider network of solar plants, without being tied to a particular facility.

The transition from EarthWise Energy and Community Solar to the new Solar Choice program represents SRP’s ongoing efforts to make clean energy accessible to all. By dropping the price and increasing flexibility, Solar Choice is well-positioned to be SRP’s most successful and impactful customer solar program yet.

 

As you can see, Solar Choice offers several advantages compared to the previous programs:

• Lower solar premium (50% less than EarthWise Energy)
• Flexibility to offset half or all energy use
• No long-term contracts or commitments
• Access to SRP’s wide network of solar plants
• Open enrollment to all customers
• Easy online sign-up process
• Simplified billing on regular SRP statement

The lower cost, increased flexibility, and streamlined customer experience of Solar Choice make it an attractive option for SRP customers looking to support clean solar energy in Arizona.

Our 2024 net billing guide breaks down everything you need to know, including how it differs from net metering, how credits are calculated, and what it means for your solar savings. Read more to become a net billing expert and make informed decisions about your solar energy system.

Eligibility Requirements

SRP Solar Choice:

• Open to all residential and small business SRP customers
• No home ownership or rooftop requirements
• Simple online enrollment through SRP My Account

Rooftop Solar (purchased or leased):

• Must own your home or have landlord permission
• Roof must be suitable for solar panels (good condition, unshaded, facing south)
• Requires good credit score for solar loans or leases

Pricing Structures

SRP Solar Choice:

• Flat $0.005/kWh premium added to regular electricity rate
• Offsets 50% or 100% of monthly energy usage with solar
• Month-to-month, can cancel anytime
• Helps support development of large-scale solar plants

Rooftop Solar Purchase:

• High upfront cost ($10k-$20k+ after incentives)
• Savings from reduced utility bills over 25+ years
• Eligible for federal and state tax credits
• Adds home value

Rooftop Solar Lease:

• Low or $0 upfront cost
• Predictable monthly payments for 20-25 years
• May or may not save money compared to utility rates
• Leasing company owns the system and collects incentives

Installation Timelines

SRP Solar Choice:

• Enrollment takes effect on next billing cycle
• No installation required for customer
• SRP procures solar on behalf of all participants
• New large-scale solar plants can take 1-3 years to develop

Rooftop Solar (purchased or leased):

• Initial consultation and site evaluation: 1-3 weeks
• Design and permitting: 2-4 weeks
• Installation: 1-3 days
• Final inspections and utility approval: 1-4 weeks
• Total time from contract to operation: 1-3 months typical

How to Enroll in Solar Choice

Enrolling in SRP’s Solar Choice program is quick and easy. If you’re a residential or small business customer interested in supporting the growth of solar energy in Arizona, here’s how to get started:

1. Check your eligibility: Solar Choice is open to all SRP residential and small business customers. If your home or business is served by SRP, you can participate. There are no rooftop requirements or long-term contracts.
2. Decide how much to offset: With Solar Choice, you can offset either 50% or 100% of your monthly energy use with clean solar power. Consider your budget and sustainability goals when choosing your offset level.
3. Enroll online: The fastest way to sign up for Solar Choice is online through your SRP My Account portal. Simply log in, select the Solar Choice option, and follow the prompts to enroll. The whole process takes just a few minutes.
4. Enjoy solar benefits: Once you’re enrolled, you’ll start supporting solar on your next billing cycle. You’ll see the small Solar Choice premium (0.5 cents per kWh) added to your regular monthly SRP bill. There’s no need to install anything or change your energy habits – SRP will procure solar on your behalf.

If you have any questions about Solar Choice or need assistance with enrolling, SRP’s customer service team is happy to help. Residential customers can call (602) 236-8888(602) 236-8888, while small business customers can reach out to their Strategic Energy Manager or call (602) 236-8833(602) 236-8833.

You can also find more details about the program, including FAQs and information on how Solar Choice supports a more sustainable future for Arizona, at SRP.net/solar-choice.

By signing up for Solar Choice, you’re joining a community of SRP customers who are making a difference by supporting renewable energy. Enrolling is an easy but impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint, help grow Arizona’s solar industry, and contribute to a cleaner energy future for our state.

Wondering if it’s possible to get solar panels for free in Arizona? While there’s no such thing as truly “free” solar, there are several programs and incentives that can greatly reduce your upfront costs. Discover the options available to Arizona residents and see if you qualify for low-cost or no-cost solar installations.

Real Stories from Arizona Solar Users

If you’re thinking about getting solar for your home, it’s super helpful to hear from people who have already done it. I found a great discussion on the Arizona subreddit where solar customers shared their experiences, challenges, and tips.

Here are some of the most important things I learned that can help you on your own solar journey:

Make Your Home Energy Efficient First

Many people said that before you decide how big your solar system should be, it’s smart to make your home as energy efficient as possible first. This means adding insulation, getting better windows, and putting in high-efficiency AC units. Doing this can help you need less solar to power your home. As one person put it, “You get more bang for your buck with insulation than solar any day.”

Batteries Have Limits for Air Conditioning

While batteries can give you backup power during outages, many people talked about how hard it is to run big appliances like central air conditioning just on batteries. You need a really big (and expensive) battery to run AC for a long time. One idea was to use portable swamp coolers for emergency cooling instead, since they use less power.

Get Multiple Quotes and Compare Equipment

A lot of people said how important it is to get quotes from different companies and really compare the equipment they offer. Some solar brands like Tesla are well-known, but many suggested looking past the brand name to things like how well the panels work, the quality of the inverters, and customer service. One person recommended double-checking the math and claims installers make, since some might use unrealistic numbers like saying electricity prices will go up a lot each year.

Time Your Energy Use for Solar Savings

For people on SRP’s solar plans, using energy when your solar panels are making the most power can help you save more money. People shared how they do things like laundry, dishes, and running the pool pump during sunny hours so they use their own solar power instead of sending it back to the grid for less money. Planning your energy use around your solar production and utility rate plan can help you get the most out of your investment.

Think About Your Own Needs and Goals

At the end of the day, the choice to go solar is different for everyone based on your home, how much energy you use, and your money situation. People talked about the good and bad parts of buying vs. leasing solar, whether batteries are worth it, and how different utility plans change the math. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s important to really think about what you need and crunch the numbers for your own case.

 

FAQ

Can I change my energy offset percentage after enrolling in Solar Choice?

Yes, Solar Choice customers can change their offset percentage (50% or 100%) at any time by logging into their SRP My Account portal or calling SRP customer service.

Is there a fee for enrolling in SRP Solar Choice?

No, there is no enrollment fee for Solar Choice. Customers simply pay the 0.5 cent per kWh premium on top of their existing price plan for the solar energy procured on their behalf by SRP.

What is SRP’s grandfathered solar plan?

SRP previously offered net metering to solar customers, allowing them to receive full retail credit for excess solar sent to the grid. Customers who installed solar by a certain date were grandfathered into this plan for 20 years, even if the home is sold. New solar customers must choose one of SRP’s current solar price plans.

What are the peak hours for SRP solar plans?

For SRP’s Customer Generation and Average Demand solar plans, on-peak hours are 5-9am and 5-9pm November-April, and 2-8pm May-October. The Time-of-Use and Electric Vehicle Export plans have on-peak hours of 4-7pm year-round.

Is SRP only in Arizona?

Yes, Salt River Project (SRP) is a utility that provides electricity to over 1 million customers in central Arizona, primarily the Phoenix metropolitan area. SRP does not serve customers outside of Arizona.

Why does SRP require a deposit?

Like many utilities, SRP may require a deposit for new customers to establish credit and mitigate financial risk. Deposit amounts are based on credit history and projected energy usage. Customers can have their deposit waived or reduced by enrolling in automatic payments or providing a letter of credit from another utility.

Why is SRP so expensive?

SRP’s electric rates are actually lower than the national average and very competitive within Arizona. The misconception about high costs often stems from the high energy usage needed to cool homes in Arizona’s hot summer climate. SRP offers a variety of pricing, energy efficiency and billing programs to help customers manage costs.

Is SRP the real price?

SRP is not a retailer so it does not have a “suggested retail price.” SRP is a not-for-profit utility that sets electricity rates based on the costs to generate and deliver power to customers. All rate changes go through an extensive public process and are approved by SRP’s publicly-elected Board of Directors.

Is SRP a good investment?

As a not-for-profit municipal utility, SRP does not have shareholders or stock that can be purchased as a financial investment. However, investing in solar through SRP’s Solar Choice program provides environmental and community benefits by supporting the development of large-scale solar energy in Arizona.

Is SRP budget billing worth it?

SRP’s Budget Billing program helps level out seasonal spikes in energy bills by charging a consistent monthly amount based on your usage history. It can be helpful for household budgeting but does not actually reduce your overall energy costs. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your financial situation and personal preference for predictable bills vs. paying for actual usage each month.

Final Word

SRP’s new Solar Choice program is an exciting chance for people in Arizona to support clean, renewable energy. By signing up for Solar Choice, customers can help fight climate change and save money on their electricity bills.

The program is simple and affordable, making it easy for anyone to join. There are no installations, long contracts, or surprise costs. Solar Choice gets rid of the things that usually stop people from using solar. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own, or if you live in a house or apartment. Solar Choice lets you support solar energy in a way that works for your budget and lifestyle.

Solar Choice doesn’t just help individual customers. It also helps Arizona’s solar industry grow by increasing the need for solar energy. This creates jobs, makes our economy stronger, and makes Arizona a leader in clean energy.

Most importantly, each new person who signs up for Solar Choice brings us closer to a better future for our state and our planet. By using less fossil fuels and making less carbon pollution, we can help reduce the effects of climate change. This protects Arizona’s natural resources for future generations.

If you’re an SRP customer who wants to help the environment, think about signing up for Solar Choice. With flexible options and a low monthly cost, it’s an easy and affordable way to support solar energy. Join the growing movement for a cleaner, greener Arizona.

To learn more and sign up, visit SRP’s website or call their customer service today. Together, we can use the power of the sun to make a brighter future for everyone.