Arizona Renters: Solar Credits and How to Save

Solar energy is becoming more common in Arizona, offering ways for both landlords and tenants to lower electricity costs. If you’re a renter in Arizona, you may be wondering if—and how—you can benefit from solar power credits when your rental property has solar panels. This article explains your rights, what to look out for, and how to make sure you’re getting your fair share of solar savings under Arizona law.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Renters in Arizona

Arizona’s abundant sunshine means more homes—rented and owned—are turning to solar panels. When a property has solar panels, the energy produced can offset utility bills through a process called net metering. Net metering means extra energy generated by solar panels is sent back to the grid, and the property earns credits from the utility company. These credits typically reduce electricity costs.

As a renter, whether you benefit from these savings often depends on your rental agreement and how utilities are billed. If you pay your own electricity bill directly to the utility, solar credits may appear on your statement. If your landlord manages utilities and bills you, credits and savings should be clearly shown in your utility charges.

Are Arizona Renters Entitled to Solar Savings?

There is no specific state law guaranteeing every tenant a share of solar credits. However:

• If you pay for utilities separately (not bundled in rent), your bill should honestly reflect solar savings or credits as provided by Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act §33-1324
• For submetered or landlord-billed utilities, Arizona law requires transparency in billing and prohibits landlords from overcharging or misrepresenting costs, including any solar-related savings.
• If solar panels were advertised as a benefit or amenity for your unit, you may have a right to expect those savings or disclosures about how credits are applied.

Protecting Your Rights: Utility Billing and Solar Credits

The main protections for renters regarding utility charges—including those impacted by solar panels—come from the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Key requirements include:

• Clear Utility Statements: Landlords must provide a written statement explaining how utility charges are calculated, including credits like solar.
• No Extra Profits: Landlords can’t profit by charging renters more than what utilities actually cost (ARS §33-1314.01).
• Access to Billing Records: Tenants have the right to request and review records related to utility charges and credits.

What to Do if You Suspect Unfair Charges

If you believe you're not receiving the proper benefit from solar credits, or if your utility charges seem unclear or inflated, you can:

• Request a written breakdown of utility charges and solar credits from your landlord.
• Compare with your utility provider’s records (Arizona Public Service, SRP, or Tucson Electric Power).
• File a formal complaint with the Arizona Department of Housing Landlord/Tenant Dispute Section if the issue isn’t resolved.

Relevant Official Forms

• Arizona Residential Complaint Form (official link):
  Used to file a dispute with the Arizona Department of Housing about utility mischarges, lack of disclosure, or other solar/utility issues. For example, if your landlord refuses to clarify how solar credits affect your bill, you may submit this form for investigation.

How Utilities are Handled in Rental Agreements

When signing a lease, look for details about:

• Which utilities are included in your rent
• If solar energy or savings are mentioned as an amenity
• How utility costs are calculated if managed by your landlord

Always ask questions before signing so you’re aware of your potential savings or limitations.

FAQ: Arizona Renters and Solar Power Credits

1. Can my landlord keep all solar credits if I pay for electricity?
   If you pay the utility bill directly, any solar credits typically reduce your bill automatically. If your landlord bills you, they must be transparent about how your charges are calculated and cannot overcharge.
2. Where can I file a complaint about unfair utility billing or missing solar credits?
   You can submit a complaint to the Arizona Department of Housing Landlord/Tenant Dispute Section.
3. Does Arizona law require my landlord to install solar panels or provide solar credits?
   No, landlords are not required by law to install solar or share credits unless advertised in your lease or included in your rental agreement as an amenity.
4. How can I request proof of solar credit allocation?
   Submit a written request to your landlord for records of utility charges and application of solar credits as allowed under ARS §33-1314.01.
5. Can my landlord charge more than the actual utility cost?
   No. Arizona law prohibits charging more than the utility company’s rate, including solar credits, if utilities aren’t included in your base rent.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Arizona Tenant Solar Savings

• Your right to solar credits depends on your lease and who pays the utility bill.
• Landlords must be transparent about utility billing and any credits or savings.
• If you suspect unfair billing, collect documentation and contact the Arizona Department of Housing.

Understanding your rental agreement and how utility charges are calculated is the best way to protect your rights and savings as a renter in Arizona.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Department of Housing Landlord/Tenant – Main resource for landlord/tenant issues and forms
• Landlord/Tenant Dispute Complaint Form – For reporting utility billing, solar credit, or contract disputes
• Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full legislation text
• ARS §33-1314.01: Utility Charges Disclosure

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1. Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Arizona Department of Housing Landlord/Tenant Disputes
3. ARS §33-1314.01: Utility Charges Disclosure

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