AZ Energy Hub Blog

Expert guides for Arizona homeowners going solar + battery

RatesApril 13, 20269 min read

SRP Summer Rates Start May 1, 2026: What Changes and How to Prepare

SRP's double rate hit on May 1 — energy +38% and demand charge +38% on the same day. Here's what changes, what it costs, and 7 SRP-specific things to do before the switch.

RatesApril 13, 20269 min read

APS Summer Rates Start May 1, 2026: What Changes and How to Prepare

APS peak rates jump from $0.2145 to $0.3439/kWh on May 1 — a 60% overnight increase. Here's what changes, what it costs, and 7 things to do in the next 2 weeks.

DealsApril 10, 20267 min read

Jackery Memorial Day Deals 2026: Every Sale Worth Buying for Arizona Homes

Live-updated guide to every Jackery Memorial Day 2026 deal. Explorer 1000 v2 under $400, 2000 Plus bundles, and solar combos — ranked for Arizona monsoon prep.

RebatesApril 10, 202610 min read

How to Get $4,000+ Off a Heat Pump in Arizona 2026: Rebate Stacking Guide

Stack federal 25C ($2,000), APS Cool Cash ($2,000), and SRP ENERGY STAR ($500) rebates. Exact amounts, eligibility, and how to claim each one.

BatteriesApril 10, 202611 min read

APS Battery ROI 2026: Why Storing Energy Beats Exporting (Even Without Solar)

APS peak rate: $0.34/kWh. Super off-peak: $0.09/kWh. A home battery charges cheap, discharges at peak — saving $700-1,000+/year in TOU arbitrage alone, with or without solar.

RatesApril 10, 20269 min read

ED3 vs APS Rates 2026: How Maricopa's Small Utility Compares to Arizona's Biggest

Side-by-side comparison of ED3 and APS rates, solar rules, EV charging, and rebates. Why national solar guides get ED3 wrong and what Maricopa homeowners actually need to know.

ProgramsApril 10, 20269 min read

ED3 Peak Rewards & Rebates 2026: Every Discount Available in Maricopa

ED3 Peak Rewards pays $50/year + $100 thermostat rebate. Plus 13 residential rebates for EV chargers, heat pumps, pool pumps, shade trees, and induction cooktops.

EVApril 10, 20268 min read

ED3 EV Charging Rate 2026: Charge Your Tesla for $4.20 in Maricopa

ED3's TOU A2 EV rate has a $0.056/kWh super off-peak window (midnight-5am). That's $4.20 per full Tesla charge — 40% cheaper than APS and 10x cheaper than gas.

SolarApril 10, 202610 min read

ED3 Solar Net Metering in 2026: What Rider 8B Means for Maricopa Homeowners

ED3 replaced Rider 8 with Rider 8B in December 2025, switching from net metering to net billing. What Maricopa solar owners actually get paid, the 11-step interconnection process, and why national solar sites get ED3 wrong.

RatesApril 10, 20269 min read

ED3 Peak Hours & TOU Rates 2026: Complete Guide for Maricopa Homeowners

ED3 peak hours are 2-9pm weekdays, with Super Summer rates hitting $0.2482/kWh — a 4.1x spread. Complete rate guide for Electrical District 3 customers in Maricopa AZ.

EquipmentApril 9, 20268 min read

Best Smart Thermostat for APS TOU Rates in Arizona (2026)

The 4 best smart thermostats for Arizona TOU rate optimization. Pre-cool before APS peak hours and save $50-100/month — with specific models, prices, and TOU scheduling features compared.

EVApril 9, 20269 min read

Best EV Home Charger for Arizona in 2026 (APS & SRP TOU Rates)

The 4 best Level 2 EV chargers for Arizona homes. Charge during APS super off-peak at $0.09/kWh instead of $0.34 peak — with TOU scheduling, installation tips, and head-to-head comparison.

NewsApril 8, 202610 min read

SRP Retired Net Metering in November 2025 — What It Means for AZ Solar Customers

SRP replaced traditional net metering with the Customer Generation Plan in November 2025. What changed, the new export credit math, why batteries matter more than ever, and the grandfather rules for existing East Valley solar customers.

EquipmentApril 8, 202613 min read

Best Portable Power Station for Arizona Monsoon Outages (2026)

The 5 best portable power stations for Arizona monsoon season, ranked by real-world fit for Phoenix homes. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 leads, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 for whole-essentials, honest red flags on what to skip.

BatteriesApril 6, 20269 min read

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 vs DELTA Pro Ultra: Which One for Arizona Outages?

The DELTA Pro 3 is portable and cheap. The DELTA Pro Ultra runs central AC. Real Phoenix runtime math, the 30% federal tax credit difference, and which one belongs in your garage.

EquipmentApril 6, 202610 min read

Best Portable Power Stations for Arizona Heat (2026 Buyer's Guide)

Most portable power station reviews ignore Arizona realities — 130°F garages, NMC vs LFP chemistry, and solar input ceilings. Top 4 EcoFlow units ranked for Phoenix conditions.

BatteriesApril 6, 202611 min read

Whole-Home Battery Backup Without a Powerwall: EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2

Tesla Powerwall 3 isn't the only path to whole-home backup. The EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 + DELTA Pro Ultra delivers automatic transfer, 7,200W output, and the 30% federal tax credit.

BatteriesApril 4, 20266 min read

Tesla Powerwall 3 Cost in Arizona 2026: Full Price Breakdown

Complete Powerwall 3 pricing with the 30% federal tax credit, $3,750 APS rebate, and Tesla referral $400 off. Net cost as low as $2,575. Payback in 2.5 years.

BatteriesApril 4, 20265 min read

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra: Best Price & Where to Buy in 2026

Current pricing, discounts, and how Arizona homeowners save up to 40% with tax credits. Starts at $3,599 — effective cost as low as $1,231.

BatteriesApril 2, 20267 min read

Arizona Power Outages: Why Every Homeowner Needs a Battery Backup in 2026

Arizona averages 4-6 outages per summer. When it's 115°F and the AC dies, a home battery keeps your family safe. Tesla Powerwall vs EcoFlow compared.

RatesMarch 31, 20267 min read

SRP Peak Hours 2026: The Full Schedule Every East Valley Homeowner Needs

SRP peak hours are 2-8pm weekdays year-round. Full 2026 schedule, demand charge rates ($14.50/kW summer), and 5 ways to slash your bill.

RatesMarch 30, 20268 min read

SRP Demand Charges Explained: How to Lower Your Electric Bill in 2026

Understand SRP demand charges, how they're calculated, and 5 proven strategies to reduce them. Home batteries can cut demand charges by 50-70%.

RatesMarch 29, 20267 min read

APS Off-Peak Hours & Holidays 2026: The Complete Schedule

Full list of APS off-peak hours, super off-peak hours, and all 10 recognized holidays for 2026. Know exactly when electricity is cheapest to save $50-$150/month.

BatteriesMarch 29, 20268 min read

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra vs Tesla Powerwall 3: Which Is Better for Arizona?

Side-by-side comparison of EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra vs Tesla Powerwall 3. Capacity, cost, VPP compatibility, warranty, and which is better for your use case.

BatteriesMarch 29, 20268 min read

Enphase IQ Battery 5P vs Tesla Powerwall 3: Arizona Comparison 2026

Enphase IQ Battery 5P vs Tesla Powerwall 3 for Arizona homes. Micro-inverter integration, modular design, warranty, VPP compatibility, and total cost with AZ incentives.

CostsMarch 29, 20267 min read

Solar Panel Cost Per Watt in Arizona 2026: Complete Breakdown

Arizona solar costs $2.50-$3.30 per watt installed in 2026. Full breakdown by installer tier, panel brand, system size, and roof type. Learn how to evaluate quotes.

BatteriesMarch 27, 20268 min read

EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra for Arizona Homes: Is It Worth It?

Complete review of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra for Arizona homeowners. ROI analysis with APS rates, heat performance, and honest comparison to Tesla Powerwall 3.

RatesMarch 27, 20268 min read

APS vs SRP: Which Arizona Utility Is Better for Solar & Battery Owners in 2026?

Side-by-side comparison of APS and SRP rates, net billing, demand charges, and ROI for solar and battery owners in the Phoenix metro area.

IncentivesMarch 27, 20267 min read

Every Arizona Solar & Battery Incentive Available in 2026

Complete list of every incentive: federal battery ITC (30%), AZ state credit, APS Cool Reward rebate ($3,750), VPP earnings, and property tax exemptions.

EquipmentMarch 27, 20267 min read

Best Solar Panels for Arizona Heat in 2026: Top 5 Compared

Which solar panels handle Arizona's extreme heat best? Top 5 panels compared by temperature coefficient, efficiency, warranty, and real-world performance.

BatteriesMarch 27, 20268 min read

Tesla Powerwall 3 in Arizona: The Complete 2026 Review

Full review of Tesla Powerwall 3 for Arizona homeowners. APS VPP compatibility, rate arbitrage ROI, incentive stacking, and honest pros and cons.

RatesMarch 24, 20267 min read

APS Peak Hours 2026: The Exact Schedule Every Arizona Homeowner Needs

APS peak hours are 4-7pm weekdays at $0.34/kWh. Full schedule for peak, off-peak, and super off-peak — plus 5 ways to avoid paying the highest rates.

RatesMarch 15, 20267 min read

SRP Time-of-Use Rates 2026: The Complete Guide for Solar & Battery Owners

Full breakdown of SRP TOU rate plans, demand charges, and the Customer Generation Plan. How solar + battery owners in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Gilbert can save $100+/month.

FinancingMarch 10, 20266 min read

How to Finance Solar Panels in Arizona in 2026 (Without the Federal Credit)

Compare cash, solar loans, leases, and PACE financing. With the federal ITC gone, here's how to pay for solar and still come out ahead.

MaintenanceMarch 10, 20265 min read

Solar Panel Maintenance in Arizona: What You Actually Need to Do

Arizona solar panels need less maintenance than you think. Dust, monsoons, heat — here's the real maintenance schedule.

ProgramsMarch 10, 20266 min read

All APS Demand Response Programs Explained: Cool Reward, Reserve, & More

Complete guide to every APS demand response and battery rebate program. Stack them for $725-$1,825/year in earnings.

RatesMarch 10, 20266 min read

APS Net Billing Explained: What Solar Owners Actually Get Paid in 2026

APS pays just 7.6¢/kWh for exported solar. Learn why self-consumption is now king and how batteries flip the economics.

CostsMarch 10, 20267 min read

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arizona in 2026?

Arizona solar costs $2.50-$3.30 per watt installed. Full cost breakdown by system size, installer tier, and realistic ROI without the federal tax credit.

EVMarch 10, 20267 min read

EV Charging with Solar in Arizona: The Complete 2026 Guide

Fuel your EV for 2-3¢/mile with solar + APS super off-peak rates. Here's how much extra solar you need and the smartest charging strategy.

IncentivesMarch 9, 20265 min read

Did the Solar Tax Credit Really Expire? What AZ Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

The federal solar ITC hit 0% in 2026. Here's what that means for your solar ROI. And why batteries are now the smarter investment.

VPPMarch 8, 20267 min read

APS Virtual Power Plant Explained — How Arizona Homes Earn $500/Year

Your battery can earn you passive income. Here's exactly how APS VPP works, what you'll earn, and whether it's worth enrolling.

BatteriesMarch 7, 20268 min read

Best Home Batteries for Arizona in 2026: Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Enphase vs EcoFlow

We compare the top 3 battery options for AZ homes on cost, capacity, warranty, and VPP compatibility.

RatesMarch 6, 20266 min read

APS Time-of-Use Rates Decoded: How to Save $100+/Month with Smart Energy

Peak rates hit $0.34/kWh from 4-7pm. Here's how solar + battery owners shift usage and slash their APS bills.

GuideMarch 5, 202610 min read

Solar + Battery in Arizona: The 2026 Complete Cost & Savings Breakdown

With the solar ITC gone but battery ITC at 30%, the economics have shifted. Here's the new math for AZ homeowners.