Solar Myths
Exposed

Solar customers in SRP territory pay significant monthly fees specifically for grid access—often $30-50+ per month in demand charges and service fees, regardless of how much energy they use. These fees were designed to ensure solar customers contribute to grid maintenance. Solar customers still pay for the grid; they just buy less electricity.

While it's true that solar panel efficiency drops slightly at very high temperatures, Arizona's abundant sunshine more than compensates. Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for solar energy production. Modern panels are designed to handle desert conditions, and the sheer number of sunny days means Arizona homes generate far more solar power annually than homes in cooler, cloudier states.

Solar panel costs have dropped over 90% in the last decade. Even without incentives, solar is increasingly cost-competitive with grid power in sunny regions like Arizona. The fundamental economics work because sunlight is free and panels last 25+ years. Meanwhile, fossil fuels have received subsidies for over a century.

Distributed rooftop solar actually helps the grid by generating power close to where it's used, reducing transmission losses and strain on infrastructure. Modern inverters can provide grid-stabilizing services. States like California and Hawaii have integrated far more rooftop solar than Arizona without grid collapse. Smart management is needed, but solar is part of the solution, not the problem.

SRP's export rate—what they pay you for excess solar power you send to the grid—is among the lowest in the nation at around 2-3¢ per kWh. Compare this to what SRP charges you to buy that same power back: 10-15¢ or more per kWh. Many utilities offer more balanced rates. SRP's demand charge structure has also been criticized for making solar economics difficult for average homeowners.

Solar panels are primarily made of glass, aluminum, and silicon—all recyclable materials. The solar industry is developing recycling programs, and panels last 25-30+ years before needing replacement. Compare this to fossil fuels, which produce continuous emissions and waste throughout their use. The lifetime environmental impact of solar is dramatically lower than conventional power generation.

Grid-tied solar systems work without batteries—excess power goes to the grid, and you draw from the grid when needed. Batteries add cost and are optional. They're great for backup power and maximizing self-consumption, but millions of homes benefit from solar without them. That said, SRP's low export rates do push some homeowners toward batteries to avoid sending cheap power to SRP.