OPINION: Sunshine to Savings: How solar energy became accessible for Arizona families

Going solar was a major, money-saving step for our household, which we wouldn’t have been able to do without the tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.

A year ago, my wife and I decided the time was right to take a leap and join the growing number of Arizona homeowners who are harnessing the power of the sun by installing rooftop solar panels. 

With Arizona boasting more sunny days than almost any other state, it seemed like a no-brainer. But what truly tipped the scales for us were the solar tax credits by the Inflation Reduction Act. These credits cover up to 30% of installation costs, significantly reducing the financial burden and making the decision to go solar not just environmentally responsible but also economically sensible. 

Saving on—and with—solar

Last September, we had solar panels installed on our garage. We were eager to see the impact on our electricity bills, but we never anticipated just how transformative the results would be. 

Over the past year, our monthly electricity bills have consistently been slashed by 30% to 60%, demonstrating the real and immediate benefits of solar energy.

For instance, in February, our electricity bill dropped from $140 to $71 – a 50% reduction. This was a pleasant surprise during the cooler months when our electricity usage is typically lower. 

But the true test of our solar investment came during the sweltering Arizona summer. As any Arizonan knows, summer is when energy bills typically soar due to the relentless need for air conditioning. In July, our electricity bill fell from $441 in 2023 to $286 in 2024—a savings of $155, or 33%.

We’re going to save more than $1,000 in electricity costs, just in the first year alone. These savings underscore the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act’s solar tax credits, which made this initial investment feasible. 

While the upfront cost of installing solar panels was significant, the tax credits provided substantial relief, and we are well on our way to recouping those costs through our reduced energy bills. 

Health benefits of clean energy

The savings aren’t just about the dollars in our pocket. By generating our own clean energy, we are directly contributing to a broader public health effort to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This is particularly crucial in a state like Arizona, where fossil fuel-generated electricity contributes to air pollution, which is linked to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. By switching to solar, we are helping to improve air quality and reduce the overall carbon footprint, which benefits everyone in our community.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, there is a profound sense of empowerment that comes with generating your own energy. Instead of being at the mercy of utility companies and fluctuating energy prices, we have taken control of our energy future. 

This is a critical step not just for individual households but for society as a whole. As more people adopt solar energy, we collectively reduce the demand for fossil fuels, driving down emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Solar doesn’t have to be a luxury

Going solar was a major, money-saving step for our household, and one we likely wouldn’t have been able to do without the tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. These incentives are crucial in making solar energy more accessible and affordable for more Arizona families. 

By easing the financial burden of installation, the IRA has opened the door for countless households, to enjoy the same financial and environmental benefits that we experienced. 

Solar energy is not just an investment in your home; it’s an investment in our collective future. The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits are a powerful tool in helping more Arizonans make this important transition, ensuring the benefits of solar energy are within reach for all. 

As a public health professional, I see firsthand the value of reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices, and I am proud that our decision to go solar is part of a larger movement toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. 

In conclusion, our experience with solar energy has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to the financial support provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve been able to save money, reduce our environmental impact, and contribute to the health and well-being of our community. 

I encourage other Arizona homeowners to consider making the switch to solar—not just for the immediate savings, but for the long-term benefits to public health and the planet.