Solar Energy in Gilbert, Arizona: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Gilbert has grown faster than almost any other city in Arizona over the past two decades — and its solar market has grown with it. Newer homes, higher incomes, and significant summer cooling loads make Gilbert a natural fit for solar. But fast growth also means a lot of aggressive solar sales activity, and not every installation has served homeowners well.
This guide covers what Gilbert homeowners should know before going solar, what to check if you already have a system, and what your options are if your original installer is no longer around.
Gilbert Solar Permitting
Gilbert processes solar permits through its building permit applications department. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona, Gilbert has processed a high volume of solar permits and has an established process. Your contractor should handle the full permit workflow — application, structural and electrical review, inspection, and utility interconnection.
Gilbert's HOA environment is worth noting on the permitting side as well. Many Gilbert communities have design review processes that run parallel to the city permit. The smoothest projects handle both simultaneously from the start rather than treating them as sequential steps.
Gilbert processes both building permits and HOA design review for solar. An experienced installer will manage both timelines concurrently — not treat one as an afterthought once the other is approved. |
APS vs. SRP in Gilbert
Like Chandler and Mesa, Gilbert is served by both APS and SRP depending on your address. The boundary between the two utilities runs through the middle of town, meaning neighbors in the same subdivision can sometimes have different utilities.
Why This Matters More Than You'd Think
The two utilities have different rate structures, different solar export credit rates, and different interconnection timelines. A solar system designed around APS assumptions will perform differently financially than the same physical system on an SRP account. Before approving any solar proposal, confirm your utility and verify that the savings projections are based on your actual rate plan — not a generic estimate.
APS in Gilbert
APS serves much of western and northern Gilbert. APS uses net billing with time-of-use rates. Peak pricing typically applies in the late afternoon and early evening — exactly when Gilbert's summer air conditioning demand is highest and solar production is beginning to decline. Battery storage can help capture more value from your solar production by discharging during peak hours.
SRP in Gilbert
SRP serves much of eastern and southern Gilbert. SRP retired net metering in November 2025 and now uses net billing. Review SRP's solar plan options before committing to a system design. The right plan choice can meaningfully affect your long-term savings.
Gilbert tip: If you’re comparing quotes from multiple installers, make sure each one is using the same utility assumption. It’s not uncommon for a sales rep to use APS projections on an SRP address because the numbers look better — a mistake that doesn’t show up until after installation. |
HOA Rights for Gilbert Solar Homeowners
Gilbert has a high proportion of HOA-governed communities, particularly in the planned developments that make up most of the city's residential areas. HOA design review is a real part of the solar process here — but it doesn't override your legal rights.
Under Arizona Revised Statute 33-1816, Gilbert HOAs cannot:
• Prohibit solar installations
• Impose restrictions that increase your system cost by more than $1,000
• Require panel placement that reduces efficiency by more than 10%
• Enforce any solar restriction that violates this statute
HOAs can specify reasonable aesthetic guidelines — panel color, general placement zones — within those limits. In practice, most Gilbert HOAs have a formal submittal process that takes 2-4 weeks. Starting that process early, alongside the city permit application, keeps the project on schedule.
Solar Incentives Available to Gilbert Homeowners in 2026
INCENTIVE | AMOUNT | STATUS 2026 |
Federal Residential ITC (25D) | 30% of system cost | Expired |
AZ State Tax Credit | 25% up to $1,000 | Active 2026 |
AZ Sales Tax Exemption | 100% of sales tax on equipment | Active 2026 |
AZ Property Tax Exemption | Added home value excluded | Active 2026 |
APS Battery Pilot Program | Up to $3,750 (limited enrollment) | Active — APS only |
SRP Storage Incentives | Varies — check with SRP | Active — SRP only |
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. The Arizona state tax credit of 25% (up to $1,000) remains active with no expiration date. File Arizona Form 310 to claim it. Unused credit can carry forward up to five years. |
Already Have Solar in Gilbert? Here's What You Should Know
Gilbert's rapid growth attracted a large number of solar companies, some of which have since closed or consolidated. If your installer is no longer in business, your equipment warranty is almost certainly still valid.
Newer Homes, Newer Systems
Many Gilbert solar installations are relatively recent — 5 to 8 years old — which means they're past the initial warranty period for labor but still well within manufacturer equipment warranties. This is actually an ideal window to get a system diagnostic if you haven't had one since installation.
Watch for Utility Assumption Errors
One of the most common issues we find in Gilbert systems: the original proposal was built on the wrong utility assumptions. If your savings have been consistently lower than projected, it may not be a system failure — it may be that the original proposal used incorrect utility data. A diagnostic can clarify this.
Your Warranty Rights
Equipment warranties from SolarEdge, Enphase, Fronius, Tesla, Generac, and other major brands survive company closures. We file warranty claims on behalf of Gilbert homeowners regularly. In most cases you pay labor only, not the cost of new equipment.
AZ Solar Rescue serves Gilbert homeowners with solar repair, warranty claim filing, system diagnostics, panel removal and reinstallation, bird proofing, and panel cleaning. Licensed to file warranty claims for all major brands. 📞 480-743-1325 | service@azsolarrescue.com | AZSolarRescue.com Free assessment. No pressure. |
The Bottom Line for Gilbert Solar Homeowners
Gilbert is an excellent solar market — new homes, high sun exposure, significant cooling loads, and a community that understands long-term value. The key is making sure the system you install, or the system you already have, is actually designed around your specific home, utility, and usage.
If you want an honest assessment of what solar looks like for your Gilbert address — or an honest look at why your existing system may not be performing — we're happy to start there.
A Note on Accuracy
This post reflects our best understanding of Gilbert solar regulations, utility programs, and tax incentives as of April 2026. Always verify current information with the Town of Gilbert, your utility provider, and a qualified tax professional before making installation decisions.
About the Author
This post was written by the team at AZ Solar Rescue, a licensed solar repair, warranty claim, and installation specialist serving Gilbert and greater Arizona since 2002. ROC# 298079. KB-2 General Contractor | CR-11 Master Electrical.
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