Living in Somerton means access to one of the best solar resources in the world. For homeowners looking to lower their high summer cooling bills from Arizona Public Service (APS), rooftop solar is a powerful tool. But in 2026, the key to maximizing savings isn't just about generating power—it's about how you use it, especially with APS's current export rules.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential savings, costs, and incentives for going solar in Somerton, including why a battery is now a crucial part of the conversation.
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What is the Cost of a Solar Installation in 2026?
The investment for a solar energy system in Somerton depends on whether you include battery storage. These modeled costs are for a standard, high-quality installation before applying any incentives.
- Solar-Only System (7.4 kW): The gross cost is estimated to be $16,650.
- Solar + Battery System (7.4 kW system with a 10 kWh battery): The total estimated gross cost is $31,650.
After applying Arizona's $1,000 state tax credit, the net cost for the solar-only system drops to $15,650. This upfront investment is what generates decades of energy savings.
Incentives & Tax Credits
Financial Incentives for Somerton Homeowners
Even without the 30% federal tax credit, Arizona provides a strong foundation of state-level support for homeowners going solar in 2026. These benefits help make the investment more affordable:
- $1,000 State Tax Credit: Arizona offers a personal income tax credit for 25% of the solar system cost, up to a $1,000 maximum.
- Property Tax Exemption: Your property taxes will not increase because of the added value from your solar panels. This is a significant long-term financial benefit.
- Sales Tax Exemption: You won't pay state sales tax on your solar panels and installation, reducing the upfront cost of the project.
These incentives work together to lower your overall cost and shorten the time it takes for the system to pay for itself through energy savings.
Net Metering: Arizona Public Service Co
APS Reduced Compensation
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How APS Export Rates Affect Your Solar Savings
APS customers are on a net billing program, which is different from older 1-to-1 net metering. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you're using, the excess is sent to the APS grid. You receive a credit for that power, but the rate is much lower than the retail price you pay.
For example, you might pay APS over 15 cents per kWh for electricity you use from the grid, but the credit for your exported solar power is modeled at only about 6 cents per kWh. This difference makes it financially smart to use as much of your own solar power as possible—a strategy called self-consumption. A home battery is the best tool for this, as it stores your excess solar power for you to use later, instead of selling it to APS for a low credit.
Projected Savings
Potential Solar Savings in Somerton
The primary benefit of solar is replacing expensive grid electricity with your own clean energy. With APS rates, this can lead to significant long-term savings, especially as utility costs are expected to rise over time. An owned solar system can also be a useful long-term home-value feature.
- A typical 7.4 kW solar-only system is estimated to save a Somerton homeowner around $1,298 per year, with a payback period of about 11.1 years.
- By adding a 10 kWh battery, the estimated annual savings increase to $1,695. The payback period is longer at 13.9 years, but the system provides greater savings over its lifespan and adds valuable backup power.
A battery unlocks these higher savings by letting you store the solar energy your panels produce during the day. You can then use that stored power at night, avoiding the need to buy electricity from APS after the sun goes down.