With intense sun and high air conditioning demand, going solar in Anthem seems like an obvious move. But in 2026, the question is more complex than just production. Under the current rules from Arizona Public Service (APS), the key to a strong return on investment is using your solar power directly. Exporting excess power back to the grid yields a credit, but it's significantly less than the retail price you pay, making a solar-plus-battery system an important consideration.
See payback and NEM impact with your inputs in the calculator.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Anthem?
For a home with an average electricity bill of around $179, a 7.5 kW system is a good fit. The costs in 2026, reflecting Arizona's state incentives, break down as follows:
- 7.5 kW Solar-Only System: The upfront cost is estimated at $16,500. The $1,000 Arizona tax credit brings the final net cost to $15,500.
- 7.5 kW System + 10 kWh Battery: Adding energy storage for greater savings and backup increases the total cost to $31,500, or $30,500 after the state credit.
These modeled estimates illustrate the investment required to gain more control over your APS bill.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Arizona's 2026 Solar Incentive Package
Even without a federal tax credit, Arizona provides strong reasons to invest in solar energy:
- State Tax Credit: A tax credit for 25% of the cost of your system, up to a $1,000 maximum, reduces your state income tax bill.
- Zero Sales Tax: The major components of your solar installation, including panels and batteries, are exempt from Arizona's state sales tax.
- No Property Tax Increase: Your property taxes will not go up due to the value added by your solar energy system.
These state-level perks are crucial for making solar accessible for homeowners in 2026 and beyond.
Net Metering: Arizona Public Service Co
APS Reduced Compensation
Recommended 🔋
Understanding APS Export Rates
Your roof in Anthem gets plenty of sun, but how APS values your surplus power is critical. Under the Resource Comparison Proxy (RCP) plan, any solar energy you export to the grid is credited at a rate lower than retail. This export credit is modeled here at approximately $0.062 per kWh, which is less than half the ~$0.16 per kWh it costs to buy electricity from APS. This policy encourages 'self-consumption'—using the energy you produce yourself. A battery is the most effective tool for this, as it stores your cheap solar energy for when you need it most.
Projected Savings
Anthem Solar Savings: Panels vs. Panels + Battery
Installing solar panels is a proven way to reduce your monthly APS bill. A 7.5 kW solar-only system is modeled to save an Anthem homeowner an estimated $1,332 in the first year, leading to a payback period of about 11.6 years.
However, by adding a 10 kWh battery, you can store your excess daytime solar power and use it during peak evening hours. This strategy boosts annual savings significantly to $1,910. While the higher upfront cost extends the payback period to 16 years, a battery provides greater long-term savings and protects you from power outages.