Solar Program

Mesa's Energy Resources Department offers a solar program for Mesa electric customers for qualified residents and commercial property owners in Mesa’s electric service area who meet the program’s requirements, successfully apply to the program and install a qualified solar photovoltaic (PV) system. SRP customers, please visit SRP's website.

Applications must be received and accepted for interconnection prior to installation of the system. We may have limitations on program size, and are subject to adjustment at the discretion of Energy Resources. 

2025 - 2026

Through the FY25-26 program, net metering is available (subject to PV system size limitations) under which we will purchase, from qualified net metering customers, energy produced from their PV system that is in excess of what is used on a monthly basis. Net metering payments are applied as a bill credit to Mesa utility bills for qualifying customers. Initial credits are determined by the date of customer interconnection.

All customers interconnecting any customer-owned generation facility to the Mesa electric system are required to execute an Interconnection Agreement PRIOR TO interconnection.

Residential

Step 1.Gather all required documentation for submission

Required Items:

Step 2.Understand other important requirements

A. New systems shall only use PV modules and inverters approved under California SB1 guidelines (which can be found online at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/solar-equipment-lists).

B. Customer is solely responsible for obtaining any permits, inspections and approvals required by applicable jurisdictions with respect to the Distributed Generation Facility as well as use of a licensed, bonded and insured contractor to design and install the Distributed Generation Facility. Eligible license classifications for dealers and installers include: B-, C-05 (Solar), CR-11 or R-11, KB-1, KB-2, KO- (Solar), K-05 (Solar), K-11, or other license accepted, in writing, by City.

C. Customer must install only Underwriters Laboratories Inc. certified equipment and devices as part of the Distributed Generation Facility, unless otherwise approved in writing by City. Customer must submit manufacturer’s specifications showing that the inverter is UL 1741 compliant.

D. Customer is responsible for designing and installing the Distributed Generation Facility and all related equipment on Customer’s side of the Interconnection Point(s).

E. Note: In order to qualify for the incentive, among other requirements, prior to interconnection customer may also be required to provide other documentation including but not limited to (1) a certificate from the distributed generation facility module manufacturer that the modules installed meet the stated output specifications at the time of manufacture, (2) a copy of the warranty of the distributed generation equipment, and (3) a photograph certified as accurate showing the completed solar installation.

Please note:

  • Prior forms of the application will not be considered
  • Residential systems WITHOUT storage cannot exceed 5 kW of module capacity and cannot exceed 5 kW of inverter capacity. Systems exceeding these limits must be revised before consideration.*
  • Residential systems WITH storage cannot exceed 10 kW of module capacity and cannot exceed 11.5 kW of inverter capacity. Systems exceeding these limits must be revised before consideration.*

* Inverter capacity limits are based on the RATED CAPABILITY of the equipment, NOT its programmed output. Programming an inverter with a higher rated capacity to operate below the allowable limit is NOT permitted and will NOT be accepted as a means of compliance.

Step 3.Complete and submit application

Online Application

Or

Printable Hard Copy Application(PDF, 536KB)

To submit a hard copy application, please mail to:

Mesa Energy Resources
c/o Carnell Martin
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211-1466

Step 4.Next Steps

If accepted for interconnection, customer must provide his/her signature on each of the documents we provide:

  • Residential Interconnection Service Agreement
  • Net Metering Addendum

Prior to interconnection the applicant must provide Energy Resources department a roof photo of the completed PV system as actually installed.

Commercial

Step 1.Gather all required documentation for submission

Required Items:

Step 2.Understand other important requirements

A. New systems shall only use PV modules and inverters approved under California SB1 guidelines (which can be found online at https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/solar-equipment-lists).

B. Customer is solely responsible for obtaining any permits, inspections and approvals required by applicable jurisdictions with respect to the Distributed Generation Facility as well as use of a licensed, bonded and insured contractor to design and install the Distributed Generation Facility. Eligible license classifications for dealers and installers include: B-, C-05 (Solar), CR-11 or R-11, KB-1, KB-2, KO- (Solar), K-05 (Solar), K-11, or other license accepted, in writing, by City.

C. Customer must install only Underwriters Laboratories Inc. certified equipment and devices as part of the Distributed Generation Facility, unless otherwise approved in writing by City. Customer must submit manufacturer’s specifications showing that the inverter is UL 1741 compliant.

D. Customer is responsible for designing and installing the Distributed Generation Facility and all related equipment on Customer’s side of the Interconnection Point(s).

E. Note: In order to qualify for the incentive, among other requirements, prior to interconnection customer may also be required to provide other documentation including but not limited to (1) a certificate from the distributed generation facility module manufacturer that the modules installed meet the stated output specifications at the time of manufacture, (2) a copy of the warranty of the distributed generation equipment, and (3) a photograph certified as accurate showing the completed solar installation.

Please note:

  • Prior forms of the application will not be considered
  • Commercial systems over 50 kW will not be subject to net metering but instead placed in Mesa’s Large Commercial Solar Program and may be subject to Mesa’s Self Generation Standby Service rate (E3.8)
  • Please contact carnell.martin@mesaaz.gov for more information on systems over 50 kW

Step 3.Complete and submit application

Online Application

Or

Printable Hard Copy Application(PDF, 394KB)

Step 4.Next Steps

If accepted for interconnection, customer must provide his/her signature on each of the documents we provide:

  • Commercial Interconnection Service Agreement
  • Net Metering Addendum

Prior to interconnection the applicant must provide Energy Resources department a roof photo of the completed PV system as actually installed.

Commercial PV Systems over 50 kW that are placed into Mesa’s Large Commercial Solar Program will be eligible for a fixed $0.02/kWh buyback for all kWh received by Mesa from the Customer. Commercial PV Systems over 50 kW that provide more than 50% of the Customer’s annual energy requirements will be subject to Mesa’s Self Generation Standby Service Rate (E3.8) (See Utility Rates(PDF, 3MB)).

Customer must install a lockable load-break disconnect switch with a visible break for Mesa use as a means of electrically isolating the PV System from the Distributed Generation Equipment and to establish working clearance for maintenance and repair work in accordance with Mesa's and ERD Electric Utility’s safety rules and practices, subject to the following requirements:

1. The PV disconnect switch must be CLEARLY IDENTIFIED AND MARKED BY CUSTOMER AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE at all times to Mesa's personnel.

2. The PV disconnect switch MUST BE LOCKABLE ONLY IN THE OPEN POSITION with a standard Mesa or ERD Electric Utility padlock. Only City personnel may remove this padlock. UNAUTHORIZED REMOVAL IS DEEMED A MATERIAL BREACH OF THE INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT.

3. Customer is responsible for all labor and material costs to install, maintain, repair, or replace the PV disconnect switch.

4. The PV disconnect switch(es) and its/their location must be approved by ERD Electric Utility prior to installation, and shall either be electrically connected through another disconnect switch or a main disconnect switch at the customer service entrance section, to permit de-energized maintenance of the PV disconnect switch by the customer, without need for utility service disconnect.

5. The PV disconnect switch may be opened at any time by us without notice.

6. The PV disconnect switch must be labeled by the customer as follows:

DISTRIBUTED GENERATION DISCONNECT SWITCH WARNING!
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS
TERMINALS ON BOTH THE LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION

7. If the Distributed Generation Equipment is on a structure separate from the location of the delivery point/SES, multiple placards are required to be installed and should be shown at all SES of the structures, with concise directions to, and the location of, the SES and solar panel Disconnect Switches. Disconnect Switches to be installed shall be labeled 1/x, 2/x, etc. where x is the total number of Disconnect Switches. Placards must be embossed or engraved metal, permanently riveted or screwed onto the panels.

8. Meter socket adapters and/or line side interconnections will not be allowed in any instance.

9.  Sample interconnection one-line diagrams are available upon request. 

What if I am a Mesa electric customer and already have a solar system but do not have an interconnection agreement?
All customers interconnecting any customer-owned generation facility to the Mesa electric system are required to execute an Interconnection Agreement. Contact us immediately. Note you may qualify for net metering during the program period.

I do not want to sell my environmental attributes to Mesa. Can I still retain them?
Yes. The default program option is that we retain the environmental attributes. However, you may elect to take these attributes.

Does Mesa's customer-owned solar program include Net Metering?
Currently, yes for residential customers and for commercial customers with PV Systems of 50 kW or less. The program is continuously reviewed and the continuation of specific provisions of the program may be changed from time to time. Please verify specific provisions of the program in effect prior to making any significant decision regarding your potential project.

Since these payments are now a credit on (a deduction to) my Mesa utility bill, is Net Metering assured to continue as part of Mesa's solar Program?
At present, payments for excess energy are issued by bill credit and approved each fiscal year. The Program is continuously reviewed and the continuation of specific provisions of the program may be changed from time to time including changes in timing, method, or payments.

Will these credits be shown as an offset directly to my Mesa electric charges? 
No, at the end of each bill there is a Payments & Adjustments section. Look in the Payments & Adjustments section for any applicable Net Metering credits/deductions. 

Why do I need to execute an interconnection agreement?
Safety is the primary reason. Even small generators of electricity can back-feed the electric system and create serious safety hazards for customers and Mesa personnel. Failure to have an interconnection agreement may result in disconnection of electric service under the Terms and Conditions of Electric Service.

May I interconnect before signing agreements?
No. You must execute an interconnection agreement prior to interconnecting. Doing so without a signed agreement will disqualify you from any net metering benefit and your service may be disconnected.

Who selects and hires the solar contractor?
Selecting your solar contractor and hiring the contractor is your (the customer's) choice and responsibility. Mesa does not recommend or endorse any solar contractors as part of this program nor is Mesa responsible for any claims made by your solar contractor.

Tips on selecting a solar contractor
Whether commercial or residential, the installation of a solar photovoltaic (P.V.) system on your property is a big undertaking. As with any property improvement or addition, choosing a qualified contractor, and the right contractor for you, is an important part of being a satisfied customer, ending up with a “job well done”, and it may even save you money.

Mesa does not recommend or endorse any solar contractors as part of this pilot program, but to assist you in making your choice, we offer the following information:

  • Use a properly licensed solar contractor. Mesa’s pilot program application requires that eligible solar installers have one or more of the following license classifications: B-,C-05 (Solar), C-11, KB-1, KB-2, KO- (Solar), K-05 (Solar), K-11.
  • You can find a listing of contractors by license type and, to help you “SHOP MESA”, by business location, at Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). On the site, or by calling 1-877-MYAZROC (1-877-692-9762), license status may also be verified as well as details on prior reported disputes and resolutions.
  • Make sure your solar contractor is bonded and insured. Also, understand the limits on your contractor's bonding and insurance.
  • Consider getting more than one estimate. Prices, timing and other elements of the work (such as maintenance warranties) can vary significantly.
  • Consider getting references from prospective contractors. Visits to completed projects or speaking with persons who have had work completed by the contractor may be helpful.
  • Know what you are signing.

You may also visit the Better Business Bureau.

Other sites that may be helpful in locating a local solar contractors or to provide information about a solar contractor include the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA), Mesa Chamber of Commerce or the Arizona Solar Council.

Who is responsible for the PV System (for example maintenance, operations, etc.) following interconnection?
The customer and its solar installer is responsible for all maintenance and operations. However, maintenance and operations may affect Mesa’s electric’s willingness to continue the interconnection and could result in the required return, to Mesa, of any prior incentive payment to the customer. Mesa in not responsible for any obligations of your solar contractor.

Will I need to otherwise modify my electric service connection to interconnect?
Modifications to customer electric services are typical with solar installations. It is a customer's responsibility to ensure that all electrical facilities on the customer's side of the point of delivery for electric service are built and maintained in a safe operating condition. This responsibility includes ensuring that the Customer's electrical facilities comply with all relevant construction codes, safety standards, and that required permits have been obtained. Mesa charges may apply.

Will I still get a bill for Mesa electric charges? 
Yes. Customers will remain subject to and will receive a monthly bill for Mesa electric services including, but not limited to, a monthly customer charge as set forth in the current Utilities Rates and Fees. As administered, Mesa’s net metering program still charges the customer for all energy that flows from the utility to the customer at the applicable tariff rate. Currently, the customer would be issued a credit based on the monthly amounts of energy that flow from the customer’s system back to the utility. Any energy from the customer’s PV system that is directly used on site (and doesn’t therefore “flow backwards” through the utility meter) serves to reduce the energy required by the customer.

During a planned or unplanned power outage to my home (or business), will my solar installation be able to power my appliances?
In most solar installations, your solar panels will not be able to power your appliances during an outage.  If you would like your entire home, or part of your home to be backed up, please speak with your solar installer. They will need to install additional components to provide power during a utility outage.  Please note that the utility is not responsible for these components or their proper operation.

Will the City of Mesa ever require me to add solar power at my property?
No, the City of Mesa will never require you to install solar equipment.  If you receive information like this, please report it to appropriate authorities.

Learn more about tax credits and rebates available to City of Mesa residents.

Contact Us

Phone

480-644-3683

Email

carnell.martin@mesaaz.gov
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