Battery Without Solar in Arizona: APS & SRP | 2025 Guide
Do You Really Need Solar to Benefit From a Battery in Arizona?
Arizona homeowners often assume a home battery only makes sense when paired with solar panels, but that’s no longer true. With APS peak rates, SRP demand charges, and extreme summer electric bills, a battery without solar can deliver massive savings on its own.
In fact, more Arizona residents are installing grid-charged batteries, which charge from the utility during cheap hours and discharge when electricity is most expensive. This strategy, called load shifting, is now one of the smartest ways to cut electric bills in Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll break down when a battery-only system makes sense, how much it saves, and which options (Tesla Powerwall vs Enphase) work best in Arizona.
Why Arizona Is One of the Best States for Battery-Only Homes
Arizona utilities use some of the nation’s strictest rate structures:
APS Peak Hours: Up to 4× Higher Electricity Prices
APS Time-of-Use plans charge extreme prices during peak hours (typically 4–7 PM). If you’re running AC, cooking, or doing laundry, then you pay a premium.
A battery solves this by:
✔ Charging off-peak
✔ Powering your home during peak
✔ Eliminating expensive utility energy
SRP Demand Charges: The Biggest Bill Killer
SRP customers are penalized based on their single highest 30-minute power spike each month.
One big AC startup or EV charging session = massive bill.
A battery fixes this by:
✔ Smoothing out spikes
✔ Delivering instant power when big appliances turn on
✔ Keeping demand charges low
Most SRP homeowners with a battery see 30–60% bill reductions, even without solar.
How a Battery Works Without Solar
A battery-only setup uses a strategy called grid charging, which is 100% allowed for APS, SRP, and all Arizona utilities.
Here’s how it works:
1. Charge the Battery When Power Is Cheap
APS super off-peak rates
SRP off-peak times
Overnight, when the grid has an excess supply
2. Automatically Discharge During Expensive Hours
APS peak (4–7 PM)
SRP demand windows
Summer AC heavy-load periods
3. Protect Your Home During Outages
A battery can also act as emergency backup power, especially important during:
Monsoon outages
Extreme heat grid failures
Transformer blowouts
Even without solar, you get hours of backup depending on battery size and load.
Financial Benefits of a Battery Without Solar
1. APS Peak Rate Avoidance
A grid-charged battery lets you skip expensive APS peak rates entirely.
Example:
APS peak electricity can hit $0.30–$0.40/kWh.
Off-peak can be as low as $0.08–$0.12/kWh.
Load shifting alone can save $1,000+ per year.
2. SRP Demand Charge Reduction
A battery reduces your monthly demand spike, which is usually 50–70% of the SRP bill.
Savings:
Typical SRP customers save $80–$200 per month with a battery-only system.
3. Works for Homes That Can’t Add Solar
Perfect for:
Shaded roofs
HOA restrictions
Tile roofs
Renters (in some cases)
Roofs facing the wrong direction
A battery avoids all the limitations solar panels can’t overcome.
4. Lower Upfront Cost Compared to Solar
No panels
→ less equipment
→ shorter install time
→ faster ROI
A battery-only system costs 50–70% less than a full solar + battery setup.
Best Batteries for Arizona (Powerwall vs Enphase)
Tesla Powerwall (Arizona Favorite)
✔ 13.5 kWh storage
✔ Great for APS TOU plans
✔ Fast discharge for AC units
✔ Excellent outage protection
Enphase IQ Battery
✔ Modular design
✔ Great for SRP demand reduction
✔ Higher efficiency in Arizona heat
✔ Advanced load control features
Both work extremely well as battery-only systems.
Do You Need Solar to Claim Rebates or Tax Credits?
Great news:
Arizona homeowners can still qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit even without solar, as long as:
✔ The battery is at least 3 kWh
✔ It supports home backup power
Tesla Powerwall and Enphase qualify easily. Additionally, some Arizona utilities offer battery rebates, grid services programs, and incentives that further reduce cost.
Who Should Consider a Battery Without Solar?
✔ APS customers who want to avoid peak rates
✔ SRP customers with high demand charges
✔ Homeowners who can’t install solar
✔ Anyone needing outage protection
✔ Homes with heavy AC use (every Arizona home)
✔ EV owners charging at night
FAQs: Battery Without Solar in Arizona
1. Can I get a battery installed without solar panels?
Yes - APS, SRP, and the national electrical code all allow battery-only homes.
2. Will a battery save me money even without solar?
Absolutely. Load shifting + demand reduction = major savings.
3. How long will a battery power my home?
Most Arizona homes get 8–24+ hours, depending on usage and battery size.
4. Which is better for Arizona - Powerwall or Enphase?
Both excel, but Enphase has a slight edge in extreme heat.
5. Does the federal tax credit apply?
Yes, the 30% credit applies to battery-only systems.
