🌵 Arizona
#3 Solar State
Arizona Solar
Permit Plan Sets.
No Statewide Code.
Every AHJ Covered.
Arizona has no statewide NEC adoption — Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and every other city sets its own code. APS, SRP, and TEP each operate completely differently for solar interconnection. HB2301 makes instant permitting available statewide. We know all of it.
HB2301 Instant Permitting
APS · SRP · TEP Ready
NEC 2020 Most AHJs
SolarAPP+ Compatible
Monsoon Wind Loads
15
Arizona Counties
HB2301
Instant permit mandate
3 Utilities
APS · SRP · TEP
−10%
APS export rate per Sept
Arizona Solar Permits
The State With the Best Sunlight — and the Most Complex Utility Landscape
Permit Design prepares Arizona solar permit plan sets for solar installers, EPCs, and roofing companies across all 15 Arizona counties. Arizona ranks among the top three states in the US for solar irradiance — but its permitting and interconnection environment is more complex than its sunbelt reputation suggests.
Arizona has no statewide NEC adoption. Phoenix and most Phoenix metro cities use NEC 2020; other jurisdictions may be on NEC 2017. Three utilities — APS, SRP, and TEP — each operate completely different net billing programs, fixed charge structures, and interconnection requirements. A project in north Scottsdale files interconnection with APS; a project in Tempe files with SRP; the same permit drawing won't work for both. HB2301 mandates instant SolarAPP+ permitting statewide for qualifying residential projects, making Arizona one of the fastest states for permit approvals. APS export rates decrease 10% each September — timing matters for locking in the best 10-year export rate.
We process 2,000–2,500 plan sets every month across Arizona and all 50 states. Every Arizona plan set is formatted to your AHJ's adopted NEC edition, HB2301/SolarAPP+ compatible where applicable, and includes interconnection documentation for APS, SRP, or TEP. If your Arizona AHJ requests revisions, we handle them at no extra charge.
Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: ~8 minutes · APS RCP rates and SRP program references current as of April 2026.
NEC Adoption Guide
Arizona Solar Permit NEC Edition by City — 2026
Arizona has no statewide electrical code. Every city and county adopts its own NEC edition through local building codes. Here is the current NEC status for major Arizona cities — and which utility territory each falls in.
Always verify the adopted NEC edition with your specific Arizona AHJ before submission. Unlike states with uniform statewide codes, individual Arizona cities and counties choose when to update. A plan set formatted for NEC 2020 will be rejected by an AHJ still on NEC 2017. Permit Design verifies the adopted code for every Arizona project before building the plan set — and also confirms which utility serves the project address.
| City / AHJ | County | NEC Edition | Utility | HB2301/SolarAPP+ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | APS | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | Phoenix PDD portal. Large volume — 1–5 business days non-SolarAPP+. |
| Mesa | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | SRP | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | Mesa Development Services. Strong SolarAPP+ adoption. SRP territory. |
| Scottsdale | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | APS | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | Scottsdale Development Services. Efficient process for qualifying systems. |
| Tempe | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | SRP | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | SRP territory. Tempe Community Development. Fast approvals. |
| Chandler | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | SRP | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | SRP territory. Chandler Planning and Development. Online portal. |
| Gilbert | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | SRP | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | SRP territory. Gilbert Development Services. High residential solar volume. |
| Glendale | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | APS | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | APS territory. Glendale Community Development. |
| Peoria | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | APS | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | APS territory. Peoria Development Services. |
| Tucson | Pima | Verify AHJ | TEP | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | TEP territory exclusively. Tucson PDSD. Verify current NEC edition with PDSD. |
| Maricopa County (unincorp.) | Maricopa | NEC 2020 | APS | ✅ SolarAPP+ active | Maricopa County PND. Large unincorporated areas in west/northwest valley. |
| Pima County (unincorp.) | Pima | Verify AHJ | TEP | ⚠️ Varies | TEP territory. Rural areas south and east of Tucson. |
| Flagstaff | Coconino | NEC 2020 | APS | ⚠️ Varies | APS territory. Higher elevation — some snow load considerations (rare for AZ). City of Flagstaff Building Services. |
Utility Interconnection
APS vs SRP vs TEP — Arizona's Three Solar Utilities
Understanding which utility serves your project is the single most important step in any Arizona solar project. APS, SRP, and TEP have completely different interconnection processes, net billing rates, and fixed charge structures. A plan set formatted for APS will not work for an SRP interconnection application.
APS
Arizona Public Service
Phoenix · Scottsdale · Glendale · Peoria · Flagstaff · Most of Central AZ
Net billing rate
~$0.0617/kWh (Tranche 2025)
Rate structure
Rate Rider RCP (A.C.C. No. 6241)
Rate lock
10 years from interconnection
Annual rate decrease
−10% each September for new interconnections
Fixed monthly charge
~$12/month grid access
Regulator
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC)
Interconnection portal
APS online portal
Net metering
Discontinued — net billing only
SRP
Salt River Project
Tempe · Mesa · Chandler · Gilbert · East Valley Phoenix Metro
Net billing rate
$0.037–$0.063/kWh (varies by plan)
Rate structure
Time-of-use net billing plans
Net metering
Retired November 2025 — net billing only
Fixed monthly charge
~$32/month before any electricity usage
Demand charges
Yes — 30-min on-peak demand window (E-27 plan)
Regulator
Not ACC-regulated — SRP Board of Directors
Storage rebate
$250 for load-controlling equipment
Battery recommendation
Strongly recommended — demand charges and TOU pricing
TEP
Tucson Electric Power
Tucson · Pima County · Southern Arizona
Net billing rate
~$0.057/kWh (38% of retail)
Rate structure
Net billing — ACC-approved tariff
Rate lock
10 years from interconnection (cannot decrease more than 10%/year)
Net metering
Transitioned to net billing in 2018
Fast Track approval
Available for systems ≤10 kWac
Regulator
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC)
Time-of-use
TOU plans available — reduces cost during off-peak hours
2035 goal
70% solar and wind by 2035
One plan set cannot serve all three utilities. APS, SRP, and TEP each require interconnection documentation formatted to their specific application requirements. Permit Design prepares the correct interconnection package for your specific utility — and verifies which utility serves the project address before building the plan set. A project on the APS/SRP boundary in Tempe requires utility address verification before submission.
HB2301 Instant Permitting
Arizona HB2301 — Instant Solar Permits Statewide
Arizona House Bill 2301 mandates instant permit approval for qualifying residential solar applications across the state — implemented primarily through SolarAPP+. Here is exactly how it works and what your plan set needs to qualify.
What HB2301 Requires
Instant Automated Review
✓ All qualifying residential solar permits must receive automated instant approval
✓ No manual plan review for SolarAPP+ eligible projects
✓ Phoenix, Maricopa County, Mesa, Tucson, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and dozens of other AZ jurisdictions deployed
✓ Permit approval within hours — sometimes minutes — of submission
SolarAPP+ Eligibility
What Qualifies for Instant Approval
✓ Residential rooftop solar with pre-approved equipment on the SolarAPP+ equipment list
✓ Roof pitch and structure within standard parameters
✓ Standard residential services (not requiring engineering exception)
⚠️ Non-qualifying projects still receive traditional plan review: 1–5 business days in most AZ metro jurisdictions
⚠️ Battery storage systems typically require additional documentation beyond SolarAPP+ standard scope
Permit Design plan sets are formatted for SolarAPP+ submission. Every Arizona plan set we produce is structured to meet SolarAPP+ data requirements where the project and equipment qualify for instant review. For projects not qualifying for automated approval, we format to each AHJ's traditional plan review requirements. The goal is always same-day or next-day permit approval — which directly affects the interconnection timeline and APS export rate lock-in date.
APS Rate Lock
Why APS Interconnection Timing Matters More Than in Any Other State
Arizona Public Service decreases the export rate available to new solar interconnections by up to 10% every September. The rate locks for 10 years from the interconnection date — making the timing of your permit and interconnection one of the most financially significant decisions in an APS territory solar project.
Tranche 2025 Rate
$0.0617
Per kWh exported · Rate locked Sept 1, 2025
10-Year Income (8kW system)
~$590
Estimated annual export income at Tranche 2025 rate
Annual Rate Decrease
−10%
Each September for new interconnections · Tranche 2026 rate lower
The implication for installers: Every month of permit and interconnection delay for an APS territory project risks crossing the next September rate reduction. A complete, first-pass-ready APS plan set that clears the permit quickly and enables prompt interconnection directly protects your customer's 10-year export income. Permit Design delivers Arizona plan sets in 24–48 hours — formatted to pass APS interconnection review on the first submission.
What's Included
Arizona Solar Permit Plan Set Contents
Every Arizona solar permit plan set from Permit Design includes these sheets — formatted to your AHJ's adopted NEC edition, HB2301/SolarAPP+ compatible where applicable, and including interconnection documentation for your specific utility.
01
Cover Sheet
Project address, AHJ, county, adopted NEC edition (verified before plan set build), system specifications, Arizona ROC license number (R-11 or K-11), and all project identification required by your local building department. Formatted for SolarAPP+ or traditional plan review submission.
02
Site Plan
Scaled aerial site plan showing property setbacks, utility meter location, APS/SRP/TEP service entry, fire code access pathways, and array-to-inverter routing. APS Grid Access documentation requirements met. SolarAPP+ site plan data fields populated for eligible projects.
03
Roof Layout
Panel array layout with roof pitch, orientation, structural attachment points, Arizona IFC fire code setbacks, and rafter/truss details. SolarAPP+ roof geometry fields populated. Tile roofing attachment details included for Arizona's prevalent flat tile construction. West and southwest panel placement documentation where applicable for APS TOU optimization.
04
Single-Line Diagram
Complete electrical schematic from PV source circuits through inverter to utility interconnection — NEC 2020 or NEC 2017 compliant per your AHJ's adopted edition. Formatted for APS Rate Rider RCP documentation, SRP interconnection application drawings, or TEP Fast Track/standard interconnection package requirements.
05
Rapid Shutdown Documentation
NEC 690.12 rapid shutdown compliance documentation for the AHJ's adopted code edition (NEC 2020 or NEC 2017 — requirements differ between editions). System type, initiating device location, array boundary, and all required Arizona labeling. SolarAPP+ rapid shutdown data fields populated for qualifying projects.
06
Wind Load Calculations
Arizona monsoon season wind load calculations per ASCE 7-22 — the most important structural sheet in every Arizona plan set. Phoenix metro: 90 mph basic wind speed exposure. Tucson: 85 mph. Mountain communities (Flagstaff, Prescott): higher exposure categories. Wind uplift calculations for racking attachment specific to Arizona's roof types and wind exposure zones.
07
Labels & Placards
All NEC-required Arizona labeling per adopted code edition — rapid shutdown placards, AC/DC disconnect identification, back-fed breaker labels, APS Grid Access fee meter labels, and system identification signage. SRP customer solar plan documentation labels where applicable. Formatted for APS, SRP, or TEP utility territory-specific requirements.
08
Utility Interconnection Package
Interconnection application drawings formatted for your specific Arizona utility — APS online portal application documentation, SRP solar plan interconnection forms, or TEP PowerClerk/standard interconnection package. No separate utility application package needed. APS RCP rate rider documentation included for APS territory projects.
09
Equipment Datasheets
UL-listed manufacturer spec sheets for all components — modules, inverters, optimizers, racking, and battery storage. SolarAPP+ equipment list compatibility verified for eligible projects. All equipment documented to meet Arizona ROC installation requirements and APS/SRP/TEP equipment approval lists.
Process
How Arizona Solar Permit Plan Sets Work
01
Submit Your Arizona Project
Send us the city and county, roof photos or satellite image, equipment model numbers, and utility (APS, SRP, or TEP). We verify the AHJ's adopted NEC edition, SolarAPP+ eligibility, and utility territory before building — taking 5 minutes of your time.
02
We Build to Your AHJ and Utility
Our Arizona specialists prepare your complete plan set — NEC 2020 or NEC 2017 per your AHJ, SolarAPP+ formatted where eligible, monsoon wind load calculations included, and interconnection drawings formatted for APS, SRP, or TEP specifically.
03
AHJ-Ready in 24–48 Hours
Your complete Arizona solar permit plan set lands in your inbox within 24–48 hours — formatted for instant SolarAPP+ review or traditional plan review, including your APS, SRP, or TEP interconnection package. In 2026, many utilities expect your interconnection application number referenced directly on the plan set before AHJ approval — we include a dedicated field for this on every Arizona plan set. Revisions handled at no extra charge until your Arizona AHJ approves.
First-Time Arizona Clients
Try Us on Your First Arizona Project. Free.
New to Permit Design? Send us your first Arizona residential solar project and we'll deliver the complete permit plan set free of charge. NEC 2020 compliant, SolarAPP+ formatted where eligible, and APS, SRP, or TEP interconnection included.
Available for first-time clients only. One free residential plan set per company.
Claim Your Free AZ Plan Set →
NEC 2020/2017 per your AHJ
SolarAPP+ formatted where eligible
APS / SRP / TEP interconnection docs
Monsoon wind load calculations
Free revisions until AHJ approval
Arizona Solar Market
Arizona Solar Market — 2026 Data
#3
US Solar State per Capita
Arizona ranks among the top three states for solar per capita, driven by the highest sun hours in the continental US — Phoenix averages 299 sunny days and 5.7 peak sun hours per day. The combination of intense irradiance and high electricity bills from year-round air conditioning creates strong solar economics despite net billing replacing net metering.
7,600 MW
Installed Solar Capacity (EIA 2023)
Arizona had over 7,600 megawatts of installed solar electric capacity as of 2023 per the US Energy Information Administration. Arizona has hosted some of the largest concentrating solar power (CSP) facilities in the world, including the 280 MW Solana Generating Station in Gila Bend. Residential solar continues to grow despite the transition away from retail-rate net metering.
Same Day
HB2301 Permit Approval Timeline
HB2301's instant permitting mandate through SolarAPP+ gives Arizona one of the fastest residential solar permit timelines in the US. Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, and many other Arizona jurisdictions issue same-day permit approvals for qualifying SolarAPP+ submissions. Non-qualifying projects receive traditional plan review in 1–5 business days in most AZ metro areas.
25%
Arizona State Income Tax Credit (max $1,000)
Arizona's state income tax credit equals 25% of the solar system cost up to $1,000 maximum. Claimed on the Arizona state income tax return the year of installation. Combined with the full sales tax exemption (5.6% TPT) on qualifying equipment and the property tax exemption under A.R.S. §42-11054, Arizona provides a meaningful incentive stack despite the absence of a robust net metering program.
$32/mo
SRP Fixed Monthly Charge for Solar Customers
SRP charges approximately $32 per month in fixed charges for solar customers — the highest fixed solar charge of any major US utility. This charge applies regardless of energy consumption and significantly affects the solar payback calculation for SRP territory projects. Battery storage is strongly recommended for SRP customers to manage demand charges and maximize TOU rate optimization.
−10%
APS Export Rate Decrease Per September
APS applies up to a 10% reduction to the RCP export rate for new interconnections each September. The Tranche 2025 rate of $0.0617/kWh, effective September 1, 2025, is locked for 10 years from interconnection. Systems interconnected after September 2026 will lock in the lower Tranche 2026 rate. Prompt permitting and interconnection for APS territory projects directly protects customer export income for a decade.
Arizona AHJ Rejections
Top 3 Reasons Arizona Solar Permits Get Rejected
Arizona's city-by-city NEC adoption and three-utility territory structure create rejection risks unique to this state. These are the three most common rejection triggers across Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and the broader Arizona market.
01
APS vs SRP Interconnection Mismatch
Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) territories border each other across the Phoenix metro — and their interconnection drawing requirements are completely different. A plan set formatted for APS submitted to an SRP address (or vice versa) will be rejected at the utility interconnection stage even after the city permit is approved. North Scottsdale is APS; Tempe is SRP. Verifying the correct utility before building the plan set is non-negotiable in Arizona.
APS RCP / SRP interconnectionHow we prevent it: We verify the utility serving the project address before building any Arizona plan set. APS and SRP territories are confirmed — never assumed by city name alone.
02
Missing Monsoon Wind Load Calculations
Arizona monsoon season brings sustained winds of 30–60 mph and gusts exceeding 80 mph in many areas. Phoenix metro AHJs require ASCE 7-22 wind uplift calculations for racking attachment — and building officials routinely reject plan sets with generic or missing structural wind load documentation. Gulf Coast-style calculations are not appropriate for inland Arizona; Maricopa County uses specific wind exposure categories that must be calculated per project location.
ASCE 7-22 wind upliftHow we prevent it: Every Arizona plan set includes ASCE 7-22 wind uplift calculations specific to the project county and terrain exposure category — not generic values.
03
Wrong ROC License Classification on Cover Sheet
Arizona AHJs require the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) license number and classification on the permit application. Using the wrong classification — for example listing an R-11 (residential electrical) license on a commercial solar project requiring a C-11 or CR-11 classification — triggers rejection at permit intake. Some Phoenix metro AHJs have also begun verifying ROC license status online before processing applications.
Arizona ROC R-11 / C-11 / CR-11How we prevent it: Every Arizona plan set cover sheet includes ROC license number and classification fields. Residential projects reference R-11; commercial projects reference C-11 or CR-11 as appropriate.
See all 8 common plan set rejection reasons and fixes → Residential Solar Permit Design →
FAQ
Arizona Solar Permit Design — Frequently Asked Questions
Specific answers to the questions Arizona solar installers ask most — covering NEC editions, utility differences, HB2301, and interconnection timing.
Arizona has no statewide electrical code adoption — NEC editions are adopted at the city and county level. Most major Arizona cities including Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise have adopted NEC 2020. Tucson and Pima County should be verified directly with the AHJ. Always confirm the adopted NEC edition with your specific Arizona building department before submission — Permit Design does this for every Arizona project.
Arizona House Bill 2301 mandates instant permit approval for qualifying residential solar applications — implemented through SolarAPP+, the US DOE automated permitting platform. Phoenix, Maricopa County, Mesa, Tucson, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and dozens of other AZ jurisdictions have deployed SolarAPP+. Qualifying systems receive same-day permit approval. Non-qualifying projects receive traditional plan review in 1–5 business days in most AZ metro areas. Permit Design formats all Arizona plan sets for SolarAPP+ where projects qualify.
APS covers most of central Arizona including Phoenix proper, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Peoria. SRP covers the Phoenix metro east valley including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. The territories do not overlap. A project in north Scottsdale files interconnection with APS while a project in Tempe files with SRP — each has distinct documentation requirements. APS charges ~$12/month fixed; SRP charges ~$32/month. SRP retired net metering in November 2025. Permit plan sets must be formatted for the correct utility.
Traditional retail-rate net metering has been largely phased out in Arizona. APS uses net billing at approximately $0.0617/kWh (Tranche 2025), which locks for 10 years but decreases 10% each September for new interconnections. SRP retired all net metering plans in November 2025 — all new SRP solar customers are now on time-of-use net billing at $0.037–$0.063/kWh. TEP credits exports at approximately $0.057/kWh under net billing. All three major utilities now pay significantly less than retail rates for exported solar, making self-consumption and battery storage more valuable in Arizona.
SRP operates as a public utility district not subject to Arizona Corporation Commission oversight. SRP charges approximately $32 per month in fixed charges for solar customers before any electricity usage — significantly higher than APS's ~$12/month. Some SRP rate plans include demand charges based on peak electricity usage during a 30-minute on-peak window each month. These charges can substantially affect solar savings if system design doesn't account for demand management. Battery storage is strongly recommended for SRP territory solar customers.
Arizona provides three solar financial benefits in 2026: a State Income Tax Credit of 25% of system cost up to $1,000 maximum (claimed on AZ state return year of installation); a Transaction Privilege Tax exemption (5.6% sales tax does not apply to qualifying solar equipment); and a Property Tax Exemption under A.R.S. §42-11054 meaning solar added value is fully excluded from property tax assessment statewide. APS, SRP, and TEP have all ended upfront solar rebate programs.
The APS Tranche 2025 RCP export rate, effective September 1, 2025, is approximately $0.0617 per kWh — this applies to systems interconnecting before September 2026. This rate locks for 10 years from the interconnection date. Each September, APS applies up to a 10% reduction to the rate available for new interconnections — systems interconnecting after September 2026 will lock in the lower Tranche 2026 rate. Prompt permitting and interconnection directly protects your customer's 10-year export income rate.
Arizona requires solar installers to hold a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The R-11 classification covers residential electrical work on single-family and multi-family dwellings up to 15 units — the standard license for residential solar in Arizona. The K-11 covers commercial electrical scopes including commercial solar. Operating without an appropriate ROC license is illegal and can void permits and warranties. Permit Design includes ROC license number fields on all Arizona cover sheets.
Arizona's monsoon season (June–September) brings high-wind events with sustained winds of 30–60 mph and gusts exceeding 80 mph — wind uplift calculations per ASCE 7-22 are required in all Arizona plan sets. Phoenix metro: 90 mph basic wind speed. Tucson: 85 mph. Mountain communities (Flagstaff, Prescott): higher exposure. Arizona's intense heat (summer highs above 110°F in Phoenix) also affects equipment selection — plan sets must document components rated for high-temperature operation. Ground snow loads are minimal in most Arizona locations.
Permit Design delivers Arizona solar permit plan sets within 24–48 hours of receiving project details. Every Arizona plan set is formatted for the adopted NEC edition of your specific AHJ, HB2301/SolarAPP+ compatible where eligible, and includes interconnection documentation for APS, SRP, or TEP. Monsoon-season wind load calculations are included for all Arizona projects. Free revisions until your Arizona AHJ approves.
Neighboring States
Solar Permit Plan Sets — Neighboring & Southwest States
⚡
Reviewed & Verified By
Permit Design Engineering Team
Licensed Professional Engineers (PE) across all 50 US states · 2,500+ AHJ-ready plan sets delivered monthly · 150+ solar installer partners worldwide
Ready for First-Pass Arizona AHJ Approval?
HB2301 Ready · APS · SRP · TEP · All 15 Counties · SolarAPP+ Compatible
Delivered in 24–48 hours. Free revisions until your Arizona AHJ approves.
First-time Arizona client? Your first residential plan set is on us. Mention "free trial" in your order notes.