TEP’s solar program has been incredibly popular, and we want to make sure our customers continue to take advantage of it by locking in the current TEP buyback rate. Going solar in Arizona is a great way to save money on your electric bill and help the environment. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
However, utility based solar programs generally do not get better for the consumer over time, and TEP’s RCP Rate Rider Program is no different.
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is making some big changes to its solar buyback program, and customers need to be aware of what’s coming.
Starting on October 1, 2022, TEP will offer a reduced RCP Rate Rider buyback rate for customers who sign up for solar. With a properly designed solar system TEP customers sell excess power to TEP and receive credits on their account to the amount of $0.0781 per kWh. This credit offsets their power consumption at night and during periods of heavy consumption.
Customers who sign up before the end of day on September 30, 2022 will be grandfathered in at the current TEP buyback rate and those who sign up on October 1st and later will receive $0.0703/kWh, 10% less than the current TEP buyback rate.
TEP Technical Requirements for Going Solar
- A system must include a dedicated performance meter (on grid-tied systems, supplied by TEP) to allow for monitoring of the amount of electricity produced.
- Photovoltaic modules must be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of at least 20 years.
- All photovoltaic modules must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of UL Standard 1703.
- All other electrical components must be UL listed.
- The inverter must be certified as meeting the requirements of IEEE-1547 — Recommended Practice for Utility Interface of Photovoltaic Systems — and it must be UL 1741 certified.
- The utility meter, inverter, and utility disconnect will be installed in a location readily accessible by TEP during normal business hours.
Do Panels Need to Be Installed Before October 1st To Lock In My Buyback Rate?
No.
To lock in your TEP buyback rate all that needs to be done is the completion of the interconnection agreement between the homeowner/TEP account holder and Tucson Electric Power. It is a common misconception that the solar system needs to be installed by the deadline in order for the TEP buyback rate to be locked in!
Do Different Solar Companies Get a Different Buyback Rate from TEP?
NO!
TEP does not give different solar buyback rates to different solar companies. The rate of $0.0781 per kWh is the current RCP Rate Rider incentive, regardless of which solar company you sign up with!
For more info on the TEP RCP Rate Rider Program click here.
What are you waiting for?
If you’re interested in going solar in Tucson, Arizona, don’t miss out on these great benefits and more – get a solar estimate today!
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