Solar devices are not subject to property tax, even though the value of your property will be much higher. To qualify for the property tax exemption, the property owner must provide the county assessor with documentation affirming the actual purchase and installation, including costs, of the eligible equipment. This documentation must be submitted no less than six months before the notice of full cash value is issued for the initial valuation year.

Batteries can reduce demand charges significantly by providing energy when demand reaches a set limit. Solar panels can be used to charge batteries which keeps an ongoing reservoir of engery at your disposal. Batteries also keep the lights on during power outages. Not only does solar help stave off high energy prices, but it’s a solid investment, meaning you can count on increased return-on-investment over the years. 

Accelerated depreciation (MACRS) over 5 years reduces payback time to about 5 years. Deprecation may be used to reduce finance payments.

APS offers annual net metering for each calendar year. APS will store excess kilowatt-hours generated by your solar system, and will give them to you when you need them at no charge. You may bank excess energy in the early spring and withdraw the energy in the hot summer months. Your net metering surplus will zero out at the last billing cycle of each year. and you will be credited the wholesale rate for excess kWh.

For information on solar incentives and tax credits, visit www.dsireusa.org.