Poll finds blocking solar in Arizona is political suicide

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

A poll in Arizona has found that 77% of people would be less likely to vote for an election candidate if they proposed ending support for solar.

Arizona is one of the states at the forefront of the fight by utilities to end net metering policies for homes with solar panels installed.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The policy allows PV users to sell excess electricity back on to the grid at the same price that they are charged for it. Critics say those without solar panels end up paying more for grid maintenance. Solar advocates say that is fair because those using electricity generated on their roof make less use of distribution infrastructure.

The survey was commissioned by Tell Utilities Solar won’t be Killed (TUSK). The poll was conducted by Republican pollster Glen Bolger of Public Opinion Strategies.

“It continues to be political malpractice for Arizona elected officials to vote to end the solar power program in Arizona,” said Bolger.

The state’s largest utility, Arizona Public Service (APS), has spent an estimated US$3.7 million on a public relations campaign against net metering. The Arizona Corporation Commission is currently determining the future for net metering in the state.

“Arizonans aren’t being fooled by APS’ tactics,” said Tom Morrissey, co-chairman of TUSK and a former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “Let's hope those on the [Arizona Corporation] Commission see the APS solar attack for what it is, a well-financed attempt to eliminate competition through government intervention. That’s crony capitalism that isn’t supported by likely voters including an overwhelmingly large number of Republicans.”

Last week another pro-solar group The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) called on the US utilities’ trade body, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to confess to or condemn the use of so-called “dark money”, where funding is passed to third-party lobbying groups.

The survey spoke to 300 likely voters in Maricopa County on 6 and 7 November.

Read Next

July 4, 2025
Chinese PV provider Skycorp Solar Group has announced a solar plant acquisition and development strategy following unanimous board approval.
July 4, 2025
Germany’s latest innovation tender has awarded 488MW of co-located capacity, with all the projects being solar PV tied with energy storage.
July 4, 2025
Risen Energy’s mass-produced heterojunction (HJT) modules have reached a cell conversion efficiency of 26.61%, a record figure for the company.
July 4, 2025
The US House of Representatives has passed the final version of the reconciliation bill that is now going to US President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature before its passing.
July 4, 2025
Australian retailer AGL Energy has confirmed its acquisition of South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) from Tesla.
July 3, 2025
Renewable energy curtailment in Brazil is set to reach 8% across the country, and be as high as 11% in the north-east, by 2035.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK