Information for residential solar contractors

To get started, download the following checklists to help you keep track of the process: 

• Application Checklist

• Site Plan Checklist

• Line Diagram Checklist

Review the program requirements

Download and review these documents to make sure that your customer's home meets the criteria for a solar electric system and learn about the application process.

One thing to note: “Distributed Energy Resource” is your solar panel and/or battery system.

• Residential Distributed Energy Resource Program Requirements

• Residential Distributed Energy Resource Process Flow

Understand technical interconnection requirements

It’s critical to understand and comply with SRP's interconnection requirements to ensure the solar electric system is safely connected with the electrical grid.

Use the technical resources below for guidance on SRP's requirements.

• Electric Service Specifications

  • Section 1 for general information

  • Section 5 for clearances

  • Section 9 for metering

• Generator guidelines

• Rules and regulations

• Distributed Generation Interconnection Handbook

• Approved equipment list (energy.gov)

All specifications for licensed electrical contractors can be found here.

Submit your application

Contractors must submit a complete application package to SRP on behalf of the customer before the system is installed. This ensures that the system configuration is approved by SRP.  

The application must be submitted via PowerClerk, the tool we use to manage applications. 

Need help? Take a look at the instructions on how to register for PowerClerk and submit applications. 

Application process

Here’s what you can expect after submitting your application.

• SRP will review the application package for completeness.
• If more information is needed, SRP will notify the installer and customer.
• When the project has been approved, an email will be sent notifying the installer and customer.
• Need to make changes after approval? The customer or their contractor must submit a change request form in PowerClerk and upload copies of all applicable documents that must be revised as a result of the changes.
• Please note: The application may move back in the process based on the changes, resulting in a lengthier application processing time.

After your application is approved  

Once your application is approved, an Interconnection Agreement (IA) will be sent to the property owner via DocuSign. They will need to sign this agreement. 

Design review process  

Here’s what you can expect at each step of the design review process.

1. SRP will create an order on the customer's account to track the design review phase of the process.

2. The project will be assigned to an SRP design consultant who will check the proposed electrical design to ensure it meets SRP's interconnection requirements.

3. The customer and installer will be notified if there are any issues or if more information is needed.

Here’s what to do if:

• A de-rate is required: You’ll be required to use the Meter Pull form in PowerClerk to schedule the appointment.

• You’re in a jurisdiction that does not issue permits for electrical work associated with the installation of a solar system: Your three-line electrical drawing must be stamped by a professional engineer registered in the state of Arizona. If a de-rate is required, you will be required to submit a Certificate In-lieu of Electrical Clearance (CILC) to CCDesk@srpnet.com in advance of scheduling a meter pull appointment date.

• You're upgrading or performing maintenance on the service entrance section (SES): Contact SRP Construction at (602) 236-0777(602) 236-0777 to schedule the appointment.

• The application covers modifications to a commissioned DER system: Make sure the three-line electrical diagram and site plan submitted with the application includes as-builts from the existing system.

Note: Design must be approved before SRP will accept City Clearance or Certificate In-lieu of Clearance documents.

Installation through inspection

Here are the next steps to take and to expect along the way.

Install your system: Once you get SRP design approval on your electrical drawings, the equipment is ready to be installed.

Request an AHJ inspection: After installation, the contractor will need to request an inspection from the AHJ. The AHJ is responsible for submitting their system clearance to SRP, and we will not accept clearance notification from any other entity.

If the applicable AHJ does not require building permits or inspections: The contractor must submit an SRP Certificate In-Lieu of Electrical Clearance for Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Projects to CCDesk@srpnet.com. Both the customer and the contractor must sign the CILC.

Schedule final inspection and commissioning: Once the solar panel system has received CC/CILC and SRP has received the IA signed by the customer, an email from no-reply@sharepointonline.com will be sent to the installer with a link to the SRP Contractor website. Download the Inspection Checklist.

Final steps – turning on the new system and receiving any rebate checks

Once you’ve successfully completed the final inspection and commissioning, the solar panel system is ready to be energized. A "permission to operate" letter will be sent to the installer after commissioning.

After this step, if your application included a qualifying demand management system, a rebate check will be processed by SRP and mailed to the customer. Allow up to six weeks for check processing.

How to apply to become a Preferred Solar Installer (PSI)

The SRP Preferred Solar Installer Program requires contractors to meet strict program requirements. By setting these guidelines, SRP can connect customers with select installers to provide solar and battery design and installation services at their home.

Participants in the SRP Preferred Solar Installer Program must:

• Hold a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of “A” or better with no outstanding complaints with the BBB.
• Have been in business for at least 24 months under the same business license, same leadership and same corporate name.
• Hold a current solar contractor’s license with no more than two outstanding complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and no disciplinary actions for the past two years.
• Be bonded and insured.
• Comply with all requirements outlined in the SRP Preferred Solar Installer Participation Agreement.

If you meet these requirements and would like to apply, please contact our third-party administrator. To request an application, email srpinfo@elaz.org or call (602) 889-2657 between 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday.