For homeowners in Kingman, the intense Arizona sun makes solar panels a natural fit. But in 2026, the financial equation has changed. It's no longer just about how much power you can generate, but how much of that power you can use yourself. With utilities like UNS Electric offering lower credits for exported energy, the smartest solar strategy now focuses on self-consumption to achieve the biggest bill reductions.
Run your scenario: the calculator uses this city’s utility and tariff data.
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2026 Solar & Battery Costs in Kingman
Here are the modeled costs for a typical system designed to offset the average local electricity bill, reflecting Arizona's state-level incentives.
- Solar-Only System (5.9 kW): The estimated net cost is around $12,275 after applying the $1,000 Arizona state tax credit.
- Solar + Battery System (5.9 kW with 10 kWh battery): The estimated net cost for this combined system is $27,275. The battery adds upfront cost but significantly increases your ability to use your own solar power after sunset.
These figures are estimates. Your actual cost will depend on your home's specific needs and equipment choices.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Arizona's 2026 Solar Incentives
While the 30% federal tax credit for homeowners is no longer available for systems installed in 2026, Arizona offers several meaningful state-level benefits that lower the cost and improve the value of going solar.
- State Income Tax Credit: Arizona provides a personal tax credit of 25% of the system's cost, capped at a lifetime maximum of $1,000.
- Sales Tax Exemption: You won't pay state sales tax on the purchase of your solar equipment, which reduces the total cost right away.
- Property Tax Exemption: Your property taxes will not increase due to the added value of your rooftop solar system. This ensures your investment saves you money without creating a new tax burden.
- Home Resale Appeal: Beyond bill savings, an owned solar system can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, potentially supporting your home's long-term value.
Net Metering: UNS Electric Inc
AZ Low Export Credit
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Understanding Export Rates with UNS Electric
The key to solar economics in 2026 is understanding how you're compensated for surplus energy. Under current rules, when your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, that excess power is sent to the grid. UNS Electric credits you for this exported power, but at a rate significantly lower than what you pay for electricity.
This model estimates an export credit around 5.9 cents per kWh, while you pay about 15.6 cents per kWh to buy power. This difference is why using your own solar power directly—or storing it in a battery for later—is far more valuable than selling it back to the utility.
Projected Savings
Modeled Electricity Bill Savings
Installing solar panels provides immediate relief on your monthly UNS Electric bill. Adding a battery increases those savings by letting you store cheap solar energy instead of selling it to the grid for a low rate and buying expensive power back later.
- A 5.9 kW solar-only system is modeled to save approximately $982 per year, leading to a payback period of about 11.5 years.
- Pairing that system with a 10 kWh battery increases annual savings to around $1,256. While the payback period extends to 15.9 years, it provides greater energy independence and backup power.
Over time, the value of these savings can grow. If grid electricity from UNS Electric becomes more expensive in the future, the power your system generates becomes even more valuable.