Arizona Net Metering Laws & Utility Buyback Explained (RCP Rates)
Arizona has transitioned away from traditional 1:1 net metering. If you are an APS (Arizona Public Service) or SRP (Salt River Project) customer, understanding the new export rules is critical to designing a profitable solar system.
The Resource Comparison Proxy (RCP)
Instead of a 1:1 retail credit, Arizona utilities now use an export rate known as the Resource Comparison Proxy (RCP) or an "export rider." When your panels produce excess daytime power and send it to the grid, APS and SRP pay you a reduced wholesale rate (typically around $0.07 to $0.09 per kWh). This export rate drops slightly each year for new customers, though once you install your system, your specific export rate is locked in for 10 years.
Why System Design Matters
Because the utility pays you less for your exported power than they charge you to buy it back at night, the goal is "self-consumption." SunBeam Innovations engineers your system to precisely match your usage, often integrating battery storage, so you capture and use your own power rather than selling it back at a discount.
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