Solar permitting, licensing & interconnection in Arizona
What homeowners and installers need to know about pulling permits, getting interconnected, and working under Arizona contractor licensing rules — with direct links to government and utility resources.
License needed
L-67 / KA
Net metering
Net Billing (avoided cost-style)
Typical permit
Same-day (SolarAPP+) to 20 business days
Avg permit fee
$200–$500 typical residential
Going solar in Arizona: the process
1. Pick a licensed installer. Arizona requires installers to hold a L-67 (Electrical, Solar — Residential) or KA (commercial) (L-67 / KA) issued by Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Always verify your contractor's license is active before signing.
2. Sign the contract and submit permits. Arizona has been an early SolarAPP+ adopter. Phoenix, Tucson, Pima County, and several smaller jurisdictions support same-day automated permitting through SolarAPP+. Where unavailable, manual review typically completes in 10–20 business days.
3. Installation. Most residential rooftop installs take 1–3 days of on-site work. Your contractor coordinates the timing and any roof staging.
4. Final inspection. The local AHJ inspects your install. Once passed, your installer submits the interconnection application to your utility.
5. Permission to Operate (PTO). APS, TEP, SRP, and other AZ utilities each have their own interconnection process. Applications are typically reviewed within 20–45 days. SRP (Salt River Project) operates outside ACC jurisdiction and has slightly different rules.
Total typical timeline: 6–12 weeks from contract to PTO.
Net metering in Arizona
Arizona ended traditional net metering for new residential systems in 2017. Exported solar is now compensated at an export rate set annually by the utility — typically 7–10¢/kWh versus retail rates of 12–18¢/kWh. APS and TEP each have their own export tariffs. Battery storage helps capture more value by enabling self-consumption.
Official net metering reference ↗Incentives summary
30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC). Arizona Residential Solar Tax Credit (25% of system cost up to $1,000, lifetime cap). Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption. Property tax exemption on added home value.
Homeowner resources
Doing solar work in Arizona: licensing & compliance
Required license: L-67 (Electrical, Solar — Residential) or KA (commercial)
Issued by: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
- •Four years of solar or electrical experience.
- •Pass the Arizona Statutes & Rules exam plus the L-67 trade exam.
- •Post a contractor's license bond ($4,250–$15,000).
- •Provide proof of workers' compensation insurance.
Permitting governance
Municipal — each Arizona city or county AHJ. Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale each have their own online permit portals.
Interconnection process
Typical timeline: 20–45 days for PTO after install completion
APS, TEP, SRP, and other AZ utilities each have their own interconnection process. Applications are typically reviewed within 20–45 days. SRP (Salt River Project) operates outside ACC jurisdiction and has slightly different rules.
Arizona city-specific solar permitting
Detailed AHJ, utility, and timeline information for the highest-volume Arizona cities.
All Arizona resources
This guide was last reviewed 2026-06-03. Permitting, licensing, and incentive rules change. Always verify current requirements with the linked agencies before sizing a project.
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