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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Arizona

Not yet legal

Arizona has outstanding solar resources and one of the strongest solar-access statutes in the country (A.R.S. 33-1816), but distributed generation compensation has weakened: APS moved to net billing in 2023, and SRP retired its net-metering plans in November 2025. A plug-in solar bill reportedly stalled in 2026 despite Arizona's generally solar-friendly culture, reflecting utility concerns about small unmetered grid-tie devices.

Get notified when Arizona goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Arizona passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Arizona While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Arizona right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299

Check price ↗

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449

Check price ↗

Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749

Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 6.0%/yr avg — Moderate

Rates up 34% over the past 5 years

From $0.105/kWh in 2021 → $0.140/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.

6.0%

avg. annual increase

Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)

$0.105

2021

$0.111

2022

$0.118

2023

$0.125

2024

$0.132

2025

$0.140

2026

20-year projected rate

$0.449/kWh

at 6.0%/yr escalation

Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*

$2,350

vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)

Best time to go solar

Now

Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Arizona Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Arizona law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At Arizona's avg. $0.140/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $123/year. Payback in as few as 6 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Can an Arizona HOA stop me from installing solar panels?

No. Arizona's Solar Rights Act (A.R.S. § 33-1816) prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy devices outright. HOAs can only impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions that don't cut efficiency by more than 10% or add over $1,000 in cost.

Does Arizona's solar law cover small plug-in or balcony solar devices?

Not specifically. A.R.S. § 33-1816 was written with rooftop and ground-mount systems in mind. A 2026 plug-in solar bill in Arizona reportedly failed to pass, so small (under 1,500W) plug-in devices aren't yet addressed by a dedicated statute.

Will APS or SRP pay me retail rates for excess solar power?

No. APS moved to net billing in 2023, currently crediting exports around 6.1 cents/kWh, and SRP retired its net-metering plans in November 2025 in favor of net-billing time-of-use rate plans. Both are below retail electricity rates.

Do I need to register a small grid-tie solar device with APS or SRP?

Both utilities require formal interconnection applications for grid-connected generation equipment, and there's currently no specific small-system exemption for sub-1,500W plug-in devices under Arizona utility rules.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Arizona files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.