This report presents an analysis of the financial returns that a photovoltaic system can provide for the average Arizona household. Special attention is given to construct a full comparison between the financial payoffs of a 4.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system and an alternative long-term investment, such as a bond or certificate of deposit. The comparison shows that homeowners investing in solar energy can earn healthy untaxed returns, while gaining a hedge against future increases in electricity costs.

 

Numerical figures used for this analysis are largely reflective of statistical means.

This brief presents an overview of the Quality Jobs Through Renewable Industries program, a carefully crafted incentive package that provides an economic return to the state while rendering Arizona one of the most economically competitive places for companies to locate.

This paper provides background on and the rationale for identifying and designating land, information on regional and state efforts underway to identify suitable land for solar energy (commonly known as Renewable Energy Zones), an overview of the disconnect between transmission and solar energy planning, the benefits of designating land for solar energy development, and recommendations on actions to help identify and designate land.