diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 32d82bc3f9..04f164678f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -105,10 +105,6 @@ Installation
 pvlib-python releases may be installed using the ``pip`` and ``conda`` tools.
 Please see the [Installation page](http://pvlib-python.readthedocs.io/en/stable/installation.html) of the documentation for complete instructions.
 
-pvlib-python is compatible with Python 3.5 and above.
-
-**Python 2.7 support ended on June 1, 2019, with pvlib-python 0.6.3.**
-
 
 Contributing
 ============
diff --git a/ci/azure/conda_linux.yml b/ci/azure/conda_linux.yml
index 48ac58b573..4fef14754b 100644
--- a/ci/azure/conda_linux.yml
+++ b/ci/azure/conda_linux.yml
@@ -8,10 +8,8 @@ jobs:
     vmImage: ${{ parameters.vmImage }}
   strategy:
     matrix:
-      Python35:
-        python.version: '35'
-      Python35-min:
-        python.version: '35'
+      Python36-min:
+        python.version: '36'
         suffix: '-min'
       Python36:
         python.version: '36'
diff --git a/ci/azure/conda_windows.yml b/ci/azure/conda_windows.yml
index 46edfe41e2..3c27f385e0 100644
--- a/ci/azure/conda_windows.yml
+++ b/ci/azure/conda_windows.yml
@@ -8,8 +8,6 @@ jobs:
     vmImage: ${{ parameters.vmImage }}
   strategy:
     matrix:
-      Python35-windows:
-        python.version: '35'
       Python36-windows:
         python.version: '36'
       Python37-windows:
diff --git a/ci/azure/posix.yml b/ci/azure/posix.yml
index 9b77bde9ac..806cd27e77 100644
--- a/ci/azure/posix.yml
+++ b/ci/azure/posix.yml
@@ -8,8 +8,6 @@ jobs:
     vmImage: ${{ parameters.vmImage }}
   strategy:
     matrix:
-      Python35:
-        python.version: '3.5'
       Python36:
         python.version: '3.6'
       Python37:
diff --git a/ci/requirements-py35.yml b/ci/requirements-py35.yml
deleted file mode 100644
index b5979d7108..0000000000
--- a/ci/requirements-py35.yml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,31 +0,0 @@
-name: test_env
-channels:
-    - defaults
-    - conda-forge
-dependencies:
-    - coveralls
-    - cython
-    - ephem
-    - netcdf4
-    - nose
-    - numba
-    - numpy
-    - pandas
-    - pip
-    - pytables  # tables when using pip+PyPI
-    - pytest
-    - pytest-cov
-    - pytest-mock
-    - pytest-timeout
-    - python=3.5
-    - pytz
-    - requests
-    - scipy
-    - shapely  # pvfactors dependency
-    - siphon  # conda-forge
-    - statsmodels
-    - pip:
-        - nrel-pysam>=2.0
-        - pvfactors==1.4.1
-        - pytest-rerunfailures # conda version is >3.6
-        - pytest-remotedata # needs > 0.3.1
diff --git a/ci/requirements-py35-min.yml b/ci/requirements-py36-min.yml
similarity index 90%
rename from ci/requirements-py35-min.yml
rename to ci/requirements-py36-min.yml
index edfd1cafcc..31e64f1ba0 100644
--- a/ci/requirements-py35-min.yml
+++ b/ci/requirements-py36-min.yml
@@ -9,11 +9,12 @@ dependencies:
     - pytest-cov
     - pytest-mock
     - pytest-timeout
-    - python=3.5
+    - python=3.6
     - pytz
     - requests
     - pip:
         - numpy==1.12.0
         - pandas==0.22.0
+        - scipy==1.2.0
         - pytest-rerunfailures # conda version is >3.6
         - pytest-remotedata # conda package is 0.3.0, needs > 0.3.1
diff --git a/ci/requirements-py36.yml b/ci/requirements-py36.yml
index fede76dbf5..b799da7393 100644
--- a/ci/requirements-py36.yml
+++ b/ci/requirements-py36.yml
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ dependencies:
     - netcdf4
     - nose
     - numba
-    - numpy
-    - pandas
+    - numpy >= 1.12.0
+    - pandas >= 0.22.0
     - pip
     - pytables  # tables when using pip+PyPI
     - pytest
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ dependencies:
     - python=3.6
     - pytz
     - requests
-    - scipy
+    - scipy >= 1.2.0
     - shapely  # pvfactors dependency
     - siphon  # conda-forge
     - statsmodels
diff --git a/ci/requirements-py37.yml b/ci/requirements-py37.yml
index 25175341c7..1542bb35d9 100644
--- a/ci/requirements-py37.yml
+++ b/ci/requirements-py37.yml
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ dependencies:
     - netcdf4
     - nose
     - numba
-    - numpy
-    - pandas
+    - numpy >= 1.12.0
+    - pandas >= 0.22.0
     - pip
     - pytables  # tables when using pip+PyPI
     - pytest
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ dependencies:
     - python=3.7
     - pytz
     - requests
-    - scipy
+    - scipy >= 1.2.0
     - shapely  # pvfactors dependency
     - siphon  # conda-forge
     - statsmodels
diff --git a/ci/requirements-py38.yml b/ci/requirements-py38.yml
index ff3ac1e63e..6db508fd53 100644
--- a/ci/requirements-py38.yml
+++ b/ci/requirements-py38.yml
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ dependencies:
     - netcdf4
     - nose
     - numba
-    - numpy
-    - pandas
+    - numpy >= 1.12.0
+    - pandas >= 0.22.0
     - pip
     - pytables  # tables when using pip+PyPI
     - pytest
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ dependencies:
     - python=3.8
     - pytz
     - requests
-    - scipy
+    - scipy >= 1.2.0
     - shapely  # pvfactors dependency
     - siphon  # conda-forge
     - statsmodels
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/contributing.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/contributing.rst
index 2b6b3efc23..1945d53126 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/contributing.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/contributing.rst
@@ -196,8 +196,6 @@ pvlib python generally follows the `PEP 8 -- Style Guide for Python Code
 <https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/>`_. Maximum line length for code
 is 79 characters.
 
-Code must be compatible with Python 3.5 and above.
-
 pvlib python uses a mix of full and abbreviated variable names. See
 :ref:`variables_style_rules`. We could be better about consistency.
 Prefer full names for new contributions. This is especially important
@@ -475,9 +473,10 @@ PVSystem method is called through ``ModelChain.run_model``.
         mc.run_model(times)
 
         # assertion fails if PVSystem.sapm is not called once
-        # if using returned m, prefer this over m.assert_called_once()
-        # for compatibility with python < 3.6
-        assert m.call_count == 1
+        m.assert_called_once()
+
+        # use `assert m.call_count == num` if function should be called
+        # more than once
 
         # ensure that dc attribute now exists and is correct type
         assert isinstance(mc.dc, (pd.Series, pd.DataFrame))
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/installation.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/installation.rst
index b00920d580..39b7bfc974 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/installation.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/installation.rst
@@ -224,9 +224,9 @@ environment) when you start a new shell or terminal.
 Compatibility
 -------------
 
-pvlib-python is compatible with Python 3.5 and above.
+pvlib-python is compatible with Python 3.
 
-pvlib-python requires Pandas and Numpy. The minimum version requirements
+pvlib-python requires Pandas, Numpy, and SciPy. The minimum version requirements
 are specified in
 `setup.py <https://github.com/pvlib/pvlib-python/blob/master/setup.py>`_.
 They are typically releases from several years ago.
@@ -235,8 +235,8 @@ A handful of pvlib-python features require additional packages that must
 be installed separately using pip or conda. These packages/features
 include:
 
-* scipy: single diode model, clear sky detection
 * pytables (tables on PyPI): Linke turbidity look up for clear sky models
+* statsmodels: parameter fitting
 * numba: fastest solar position calculations
 * pyephem: solar positions calculations using an astronomical library
 * siphon: forecasting PV power using the pvlib.forecast module
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.8.0.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.8.0.rst
index e19ddb71f9..7c7272e70b 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.8.0.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew/v0.8.0.rst
@@ -143,7 +143,10 @@ Documentation
 
 Requirements
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
+* Python 3.6 or greater. (:pull:`1035`)
 * Minimum pandas version increased to v0.22.0, released Dec 31, 2017. (:pull:`1003`)
+* Scipy >= v1.2.0, released Dec 17, 2018, is now a required dependency
+  rather an optional dependency. (:issue:`972`, :pull:`1035`)
 
 Contributors
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
diff --git a/pvlib/ivtools/sdm.py b/pvlib/ivtools/sdm.py
index 73ef58dc98..aab41db086 100644
--- a/pvlib/ivtools/sdm.py
+++ b/pvlib/ivtools/sdm.py
@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@
 
 import numpy as np
 
+import scipy.constants
+from scipy import optimize
+from scipy.special import lambertw
+
 from pvlib.pvsystem import singlediode, v_from_i
 
 from pvlib.ivtools.utility import constants, rectify_iv_curve, _numdiff
@@ -197,12 +201,6 @@ def fit_desoto(v_mp, i_mp, v_oc, i_sc, alpha_sc, beta_voc, cells_in_series,
        2006.
     """
 
-    try:
-        from scipy.optimize import root
-        import scipy.constants
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError("The fit_desoto function requires scipy.")
-
     # Constants
     k = scipy.constants.value('Boltzmann constant in eV/K')
     Tref = temp_ref + 273.15  # [K]
@@ -222,8 +220,8 @@ def fit_desoto(v_mp, i_mp, v_oc, i_sc, alpha_sc, beta_voc, cells_in_series,
              Tref, k)
 
     # computing with system of equations described in [1]
-    optimize_result = root(_system_of_equations_desoto, x0=params_i,
-                           args=(specs,), **root_kwargs)
+    optimize_result = optimize.root(_system_of_equations_desoto, x0=params_i,
+                                    args=(specs,), **root_kwargs)
 
     if optimize_result.success:
         sdm_params = optimize_result.x
@@ -657,8 +655,8 @@ def _fit_desoto_sandia_diode(ee, voc, vth, tc, specs, const):
     try:
         import statsmodels.api as sm
     except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('Parameter extraction using Sandia method requires',
-                          ' statsmodels')
+        raise ImportError(
+            'Parameter extraction using Sandia method requires statsmodels')
 
     x = specs['cells_in_series'] * vth * np.log(ee / const['E0'])
     y = voc - specs['beta_voc'] * (tc - const['T0'])
@@ -791,11 +789,10 @@ def _extract_sdm_params(ee, tc, iph, io, rs, rsh, n, u, specs, const,
     # Get single diode model parameters from five parameters iph, io, rs, rsh
     # and n vs. effective irradiance and temperature
     try:
-        from scipy import optimize
         import statsmodels.api as sm
     except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('Parameter extraction using Sandia method requires',
-                          ' scipy and statsmodels')
+        raise ImportError(
+            'Parameter extraction using Sandia method requires statsmodels')
 
     tck = tc + 273.15
     tok = const['T0'] + 273.15  # convert to to K
@@ -1183,12 +1180,6 @@ def _calc_theta_phi_exact(vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth):
        real solar cells using Lambert W-function", Solar Energy Materials and
        Solar Cells, 81 (2004) 269-277.
     """
-
-    try:
-        from scipy.special import lambertw
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('calc_theta_phi_exact requires scipy')
-
     # handle singleton inputs
     vmp = np.asarray(vmp)
     imp = np.asarray(imp)
diff --git a/pvlib/scaling.py b/pvlib/scaling.py
index c7ec11b7c3..b6a6caaf66 100644
--- a/pvlib/scaling.py
+++ b/pvlib/scaling.py
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 
+import scipy.optimize
+from scipy.spatial.distance import pdist
+
 
 def wvm(clearsky_index, positions, cloud_speed, dt=None):
     """
@@ -59,12 +62,6 @@ def wvm(clearsky_index, positions, cloud_speed, dt=None):
 
     # Added by Joe Ranalli (@jranalli), Penn State Hazleton, 2019
 
-    try:
-        import scipy.optimize
-        from scipy.spatial.distance import pdist
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError("The WVM function requires scipy.")
-
     pos = np.array(positions)
     dist = pdist(pos, 'euclidean')
     wavelet, tmscales = _compute_wavelet(clearsky_index, dt)
diff --git a/pvlib/singlediode.py b/pvlib/singlediode.py
index 697a0f1a0c..743629a25d 100644
--- a/pvlib/singlediode.py
+++ b/pvlib/singlediode.py
@@ -7,23 +7,11 @@
 import numpy as np
 from pvlib.tools import _golden_sect_DataFrame
 
-# Try to import brentq from scipy to use when specified in bishop88_i_from_v,
-# bishop88_v_from_i, and bishop88_mpp methods below. If not imported, raises
-# ImportError when 'brentq' method is specified for those methods.
-try:
-    from scipy.optimize import brentq
-except ImportError:
-    def brentq(*a, **kw):
-        raise ImportError(
-            "brentq couldn't be imported. Is SciPy installed?")
-
-# FIXME: change this to newton when scipy-1.2 is released
-try:
-    from scipy.optimize import _array_newton
-except ImportError:
-    from pvlib.tools import _array_newton
-# rename newton and set keyword arguments
-newton = partial(_array_newton, tol=1e-6, maxiter=100, fprime2=None)
+from scipy.optimize import brentq, newton
+from scipy.special import lambertw
+
+# set keyword arguments for all uses of newton in this module
+newton = partial(newton, tol=1e-6, maxiter=100, fprime2=None)
 
 # intrinsic voltage per cell junction for a:Si, CdTe, Mertens et al.
 VOLTAGE_BUILTIN = 0.9  # [V]
@@ -510,11 +498,6 @@ def _prepare_newton_inputs(i_or_v_tup, args, v0):
 
 def _lambertw_v_from_i(resistance_shunt, resistance_series, nNsVth, current,
                        saturation_current, photocurrent):
-    try:
-        from scipy.special import lambertw
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('This function requires scipy')
-
     # Record if inputs were all scalar
     output_is_scalar = all(map(np.isscalar,
                                [resistance_shunt, resistance_series, nNsVth,
@@ -592,11 +575,6 @@ def _lambertw_v_from_i(resistance_shunt, resistance_series, nNsVth, current,
 
 def _lambertw_i_from_v(resistance_shunt, resistance_series, nNsVth, voltage,
                        saturation_current, photocurrent):
-    try:
-        from scipy.special import lambertw
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('This function requires scipy')
-
     # Record if inputs were all scalar
     output_is_scalar = all(map(np.isscalar,
                                [resistance_shunt, resistance_series, nNsVth,
diff --git a/pvlib/soiling.py b/pvlib/soiling.py
index 4e7096b0c6..33ffcc4b7e 100644
--- a/pvlib/soiling.py
+++ b/pvlib/soiling.py
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 import datetime
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
+from scipy.special import erf
+
 from pvlib.tools import cosd
 
 
@@ -62,11 +64,6 @@ def hsu(rainfall, cleaning_threshold, tilt, pm2_5, pm10,
        Change. J. Seinfeld and S. Pandis. Wiley and Sons 2001.
 
     """
-    try:
-        from scipy.special import erf
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError("The pvlib.soiling.hsu function requires scipy.")
-
     # never use mutable input arguments
     if depo_veloc is None:
         depo_veloc = {'2_5': 0.0009, '10': 0.004}
diff --git a/pvlib/solarposition.py b/pvlib/solarposition.py
index fbd7b9b830..ee7cb24763 100644
--- a/pvlib/solarposition.py
+++ b/pvlib/solarposition.py
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@
 
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
+import scipy.optimize as so
 import warnings
 
 from pvlib import atmosphere
@@ -911,12 +912,6 @@ def calc_time(lower_bound, upper_bound, latitude, longitude, attribute, value,
         If the given attribute is not an attribute of a
         PyEphem.Sun object.
     """
-
-    try:
-        import scipy.optimize as so
-    except ImportError:
-        raise ImportError('The calc_time function requires scipy')
-
     obs, sun = _ephem_setup(latitude, longitude, altitude,
                             pressure, temperature, horizon)
 
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/conftest.py b/pvlib/tests/conftest.py
index 1001abd29d..aa04af406d 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/conftest.py
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 import platform
 import warnings
 
-import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 from pkg_resources import parse_version
 import pytest
@@ -81,14 +80,6 @@ def assert_frame_equal(left, right, **kwargs):
 skip_windows = pytest.mark.skipif(platform_is_windows,
                                   reason='does not run on windows')
 
-try:
-    import scipy
-    has_scipy = True
-except ImportError:
-    has_scipy = False
-
-requires_scipy = pytest.mark.skipif(not has_scipy, reason='requires scipy')
-
 
 try:
     import statsmodels  # noqa: F401
@@ -118,14 +109,6 @@ def assert_frame_equal(left, right, **kwargs):
 requires_ephem = pytest.mark.skipif(not has_ephem, reason='requires ephem')
 
 
-def numpy_1_10():
-    return parse_version(np.__version__) >= parse_version('1.10.0')
-
-
-needs_numpy_1_10 = pytest.mark.skipif(
-    not numpy_1_10(), reason='requires numpy 1.10 or greater')
-
-
 def has_spa_c():
     try:
         from pvlib.spa_c_files.spa_py import spa_calc
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sde.py b/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sde.py
index af9af36510..c67ac573c4 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sde.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sde.py
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 import pytest
 from pvlib import pvsystem
 from pvlib.ivtools import sde
-from pvlib.tests.conftest import requires_scipy
 
 
 @pytest.fixture
@@ -10,7 +9,6 @@ def get_test_iv_params():
     return {'IL': 8.0, 'I0': 5e-10, 'Rs': 0.2, 'Rsh': 1000, 'nNsVth': 1.61864}
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_fit_sandia_simple(get_test_iv_params, get_bad_iv_curves):
     test_params = get_test_iv_params
     testcurve = pvsystem.singlediode(photocurrent=test_params['IL'],
@@ -41,7 +39,6 @@ def test_fit_sandia_simple(get_test_iv_params, get_bad_iv_curves):
     assert np.allclose(result, expected, rtol=5e-5)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_fit_sandia_simple_bad_iv(get_bad_iv_curves):
     # bad IV curves for coverage of if/then in sde._sandia_simple_params
     v1, i1, v2, i2 = get_bad_iv_curves
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sdm.py b/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sdm.py
index 3d9cfdacd3..67bae225bb 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sdm.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/ivtools/test_sdm.py
@@ -6,8 +6,7 @@
 from pvlib.ivtools import sdm
 from pvlib import pvsystem
 
-from pvlib.tests.conftest import requires_scipy, requires_pysam
-from pvlib.tests.conftest import requires_statsmodels
+from pvlib.tests.conftest import requires_pysam, requires_statsmodels
 
 from conftest import DATA_DIR
 
@@ -61,7 +60,6 @@ def test_fit_cec_sam_estimation_failure(cec_params_cansol_cs5p_220p):
                         gamma_pmp=0.0055, cells_in_series=1, temp_ref=25)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_fit_desoto():
     result, _ = sdm.fit_desoto(v_mp=31.0, i_mp=8.71, v_oc=38.3, i_sc=9.43,
                                alpha_sc=0.005658, beta_voc=-0.13788,
@@ -80,7 +78,6 @@ def test_fit_desoto():
                        rtol=1e-4)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_fit_desoto_failure():
     with pytest.raises(RuntimeError) as exc:
         sdm.fit_desoto(v_mp=31.0, i_mp=8.71, v_oc=38.3, i_sc=9.43,
@@ -89,7 +86,6 @@ def test_fit_desoto_failure():
     assert ('Parameter estimation failed') in str(exc.value)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @requires_statsmodels
 def test_fit_desoto_sandia(cec_params_cansol_cs5p_220p):
     # this test computes a set of IV curves for the input fixture, fits
@@ -224,7 +220,6 @@ def _read_pvsyst_expected(datafile):
     return pvsyst_specs, pvsyst
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @requires_statsmodels
 def test_fit_pvsyst_sandia(npts=3000):
 
@@ -295,7 +290,6 @@ def test_fit_pvsyst_sandia(npts=3000):
         equal_nan=True, rtol=0.63)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth, expected', [
     (2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., np.nan),
     (2., 2., 0., 2., 2., 2., 2., np.nan),
@@ -309,14 +303,12 @@ def test__update_rsh_fixed_pt_nans(vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth,
     assert np.all(np.isnan(outrsh))
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test__update_rsh_fixed_pt_vmp0():
     outrsh = sdm._update_rsh_fixed_pt(vmp=0., imp=2., iph=2., io=2., rs=2.,
                                       rsh=2., nnsvth=2.)
     np.testing.assert_allclose(outrsh, np.array([502.]), atol=.0001)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test__update_rsh_fixed_pt_vector():
     outrsh = sdm._update_rsh_fixed_pt(rsh=np.array([-1., 3, .5, 2.]),
                                       rs=np.array([1., -.5, 2., 2.]),
@@ -329,7 +321,6 @@ def test__update_rsh_fixed_pt_vector():
     np.testing.assert_allclose(outrsh[3], np.array([502.]), atol=.0001)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('voc, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth, expected', [
     (2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 0.5911),
     (2., 2., 2., 0., 2., 2., 0.5911),
@@ -341,7 +332,6 @@ def test__update_io(voc, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth, expected):
     np.testing.assert_allclose(outio, expected, atol=.0001)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('voc, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth', [
     (2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 0.),
     (-1., -1., -1., -1., -1., -1.)])
@@ -350,7 +340,6 @@ def test__update_io_nan(voc, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth):
     assert np.isnan(outio)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth, expected', [
     (2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., (1.8726, 2.)),
     (2., 0., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., (1.8726, 3.4537)),
@@ -362,7 +351,6 @@ def test__calc_theta_phi_exact(vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth, expected):
     np.testing.assert_allclose(phi, expected[1], atol=.0001)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth', [
     (2., 2., 2., 0., 2., 2., 2.),
     (2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 2., 0.),
@@ -373,7 +361,6 @@ def test__calc_theta_phi_exact_both_nan(vmp, imp, iph, io, rs, rsh, nnsvth):
     assert np.isnan(phi)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test__calc_theta_phi_exact_one_nan():
     theta, phi = sdm._calc_theta_phi_exact(imp=2., iph=2., vmp=2., io=2.,
                                            nnsvth=2., rs=0., rsh=2.)
@@ -381,7 +368,6 @@ def test__calc_theta_phi_exact_one_nan():
     np.testing.assert_allclose(phi, 2., atol=.0001)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test__calc_theta_phi_exact_vector():
     theta, phi = sdm._calc_theta_phi_exact(imp=np.array([1., -1.]),
                                            iph=np.array([-1., 1.]),
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_clearsky.py b/pvlib/tests/test_clearsky.py
index 9ec4b1dfb9..02613fc4fb 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_clearsky.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_clearsky.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from pvlib import atmosphere
 from pvlib import irradiance
 
-from conftest import requires_scipy, requires_tables, DATA_DIR
+from conftest import requires_tables, DATA_DIR
 
 
 def test_ineichen_series():
@@ -546,7 +546,6 @@ def detect_clearsky_data():
     return expected, cs
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     clear_samples = clearsky.detect_clearsky(
@@ -555,7 +554,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky(detect_clearsky_data):
                         check_dtype=False, check_names=False)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_components(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     clear_samples, components, alpha = clearsky.detect_clearsky(
@@ -566,7 +564,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky_components(detect_clearsky_data):
     assert np.allclose(alpha, 0.9633903181941296)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_iterations(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     alpha = 1.0448
@@ -581,7 +578,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky_iterations(detect_clearsky_data):
                         check_dtype=False, check_names=False)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_kwargs(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     clear_samples = clearsky.detect_clearsky(
@@ -591,7 +587,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky_kwargs(detect_clearsky_data):
     assert clear_samples.all()
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_window(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     clear_samples = clearsky.detect_clearsky(
@@ -602,7 +597,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky_window(detect_clearsky_data):
                         check_dtype=False, check_names=False)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_arrays(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     clear_samples = clearsky.detect_clearsky(
@@ -611,7 +605,6 @@ def test_detect_clearsky_arrays(detect_clearsky_data):
     assert (clear_samples == expected['Clear or not'].values).all()
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_detect_clearsky_irregular_times(detect_clearsky_data):
     expected, cs = detect_clearsky_data
     times = cs.index.values.copy()
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_iam.py b/pvlib/tests/test_iam.py
index 9b1d2a01d8..607e35a072 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_iam.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_iam.py
@@ -13,10 +13,8 @@
 from numpy.testing import assert_allclose
 
 from pvlib import iam as _iam
-from conftest import needs_numpy_1_10, requires_scipy
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_ashrae():
     thetas = np.array([-90., -67.5, -45., -22.5, 0., 22.5, 45., 67.5, 89., 90.,
                        np.nan])
@@ -28,7 +26,6 @@ def test_ashrae():
     assert_series_equal(iam_series, pd.Series(expected))
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_ashrae_scalar():
     thetas = -45.
     iam = _iam.ashrae(thetas, .05)
@@ -40,7 +37,6 @@ def test_ashrae_scalar():
     assert_allclose(iam, expected, equal_nan=True)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_physical():
     aoi = np.array([-90., -67.5, -45., -22.5, 0., 22.5, 45., 67.5, 90.,
                     np.nan])
@@ -56,7 +52,6 @@ def test_physical():
     assert_series_equal(iam, expected)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_physical_scalar():
     aoi = -45.
     iam = _iam.physical(aoi, 1.526, 0.002, 4)
@@ -147,7 +142,6 @@ def test_martin_ruiz_diffuse():
     assert_series_equal(iam[1], expected_gnd)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_iam_interp():
 
     aoi_meas = [0.0, 45.0, 65.0, 75.0]
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_inverter.py b/pvlib/tests/test_inverter.py
index de018e95c5..968b524bb6 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_inverter.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_inverter.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from conftest import assert_series_equal
 from numpy.testing import assert_allclose
 
-from conftest import needs_numpy_1_10, DATA_DIR
+from conftest import DATA_DIR
 import pytest
 
 from pvlib import inverter
@@ -115,7 +115,6 @@ def test_pvwatts_possible_negative():
     assert_allclose(out, expected)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_pvwatts_arrays():
     pdc = np.array([[np.nan], [0], [50], [100]])
     pdc0 = 100
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_irradiance.py b/pvlib/tests/test_irradiance.py
index 3a7399e39c..8bea0816cc 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_irradiance.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_irradiance.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 from pvlib import irradiance
 
-from conftest import (needs_numpy_1_10, requires_ephem, requires_numba)
+from conftest import requires_ephem, requires_numba
 
 
 # fixtures create realistic test input data
@@ -245,7 +245,6 @@ def test_perez_components(irrad_data, ephem_data, dni_et, relative_airmass):
     assert_series_equal(sum_components, expected_for_sum, check_less_precise=2)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_perez_arrays(irrad_data, ephem_data, dni_et, relative_airmass):
     dni = irrad_data['dni'].copy()
     dni.iloc[2] = np.nan
@@ -680,7 +679,6 @@ def test_erbs_all_scalar():
         assert_allclose(v, expected[k], 5)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_dirindex(times):
     ghi = pd.Series([0, 0, 1038.62, 254.53], index=times)
     ghi_clearsky = pd.Series(
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_location.py b/pvlib/tests/test_location.py
index 6bff7cb3ff..82ab4f8a6d 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_location.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_location.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from pvlib.solarposition import declination_spencer71
 from pvlib.solarposition import equation_of_time_spencer71
 from test_solarposition import expected_solpos, golden, golden_mst
-from conftest import requires_ephem, requires_scipy
+from conftest import requires_ephem, requires_tables
 
 
 def test_location_required():
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ def times():
                          freq='3H')
 
 
-@requires_scipy
+@requires_tables
 def test_get_clearsky(mocker, times):
     tus = Location(32.2, -111, 'US/Arizona', 700, 'Tucson')
     m = mocker.spy(pvlib.clearsky, 'ineichen')
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_modelchain.py b/pvlib/tests/test_modelchain.py
index af7d631dc9..3c33425db6 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_modelchain.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_modelchain.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from conftest import assert_series_equal
 import pytest
 
-from conftest import fail_on_pvlib_version, requires_scipy
+from conftest import fail_on_pvlib_version, requires_tables
 
 
 @pytest.fixture(scope='function')
@@ -333,12 +333,7 @@ def poadc(mc):
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('dc_model', [
-    'sapm',
-    pytest.param('cec', marks=requires_scipy),
-    pytest.param('desoto', marks=requires_scipy),
-    pytest.param('pvsyst', marks=requires_scipy),
-    pytest.param('singlediode', marks=requires_scipy),
-    'pvwatts_dc'])
+    'sapm', 'cec', 'desoto', 'pvsyst', 'singlediode', 'pvwatts_dc'])
 def test_infer_dc_model(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_snl_ac_system,
                         pvsyst_dc_snl_ac_system, pvwatts_dc_pvwatts_ac_system,
                         location, dc_model, weather, mocker):
@@ -377,10 +372,7 @@ def test_infer_dc_model(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_snl_ac_system,
     assert isinstance(mc.dc, (pd.Series, pd.DataFrame))
 
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize('dc_model', [
-    'sapm',
-    pytest.param('cec', marks=requires_scipy),
-    pytest.param('cec_native', marks=requires_scipy)])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('dc_model', ['sapm', 'cec', 'cec_native'])
 def test_infer_spectral_model(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system,
                               cec_dc_snl_ac_system,
                               cec_dc_native_snl_ac_system, dc_model):
@@ -394,8 +386,7 @@ def test_infer_spectral_model(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system,
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('temp_model', [
-    'sapm_temp', 'faiman_temp',
-    pytest.param('pvsyst_temp', marks=requires_scipy)])
+    'sapm_temp', 'faiman_temp', 'pvsyst_temp'])
 def test_infer_temp_model(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system,
                           pvwatts_dc_pvwatts_ac_pvsyst_temp_system,
                           pvwatts_dc_pvwatts_ac_faiman_temp_system,
@@ -411,7 +402,6 @@ def test_infer_temp_model(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system,
     assert isinstance(mc, ModelChain)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_infer_temp_model_invalid(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system):
     sapm_dc_snl_ac_system.temperature_model_parameters.pop('a')
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
@@ -421,7 +411,6 @@ def test_infer_temp_model_invalid(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system):
 
 
 # ModelChain.infer_temperature_model. remove or statement in v0.9
-@requires_scipy
 @fail_on_pvlib_version('0.9')
 def test_infer_temp_model_no_params(location, system_no_temp, weather):
     mc = ModelChain(system_no_temp, location, aoi_model='physical',
@@ -431,7 +420,6 @@ def test_infer_temp_model_no_params(location, system_no_temp, weather):
         mc.run_model(weather)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_temperature_model_inconsistent(location, sapm_dc_snl_ac_system):
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         ModelChain(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location,
@@ -454,8 +442,7 @@ def acdc(mc):
     mc.ac = mc.dc
 
 
-@pytest.mark.parametrize('ac_model', [
-    'sandia', pytest.param('adr', marks=requires_scipy), 'pvwatts'])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('ac_model', ['sandia', 'adr', 'pvwatts'])
 def test_ac_models(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_adr_ac_system,
                    pvwatts_dc_pvwatts_ac_system, location, ac_model,
                    weather, mocker):
@@ -478,8 +465,7 @@ def test_ac_models(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_adr_ac_system,
 
 
 # TODO in v0.9: remove this test for a deprecation warning
-@pytest.mark.parametrize('ac_model', [
-    'snlinverter', pytest.param('adrinverter', marks=requires_scipy)])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('ac_model', ['snlinverter', 'adrinverter'])
 def test_ac_models_deprecated(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_adr_ac_system,
                               location, ac_model, weather):
     ac_systems = {'snlinverter': sapm_dc_snl_ac_system,
@@ -576,9 +562,8 @@ def constant_spectral_loss(mc):
     mc.spectral_modifier = 0.9
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('spectral_model', [
-        'sapm', 'first_solar', 'no_loss', constant_spectral_loss
+    'sapm', 'first_solar', 'no_loss', constant_spectral_loss
 ])
 def test_spectral_models(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location, spectral_model,
                          weather):
@@ -698,7 +683,6 @@ def test_deprecated_09(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, cec_dc_adr_ac_system,
                    aoi_model='no_loss', spectral_model='no_loss')
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_basic_chain_required(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
                               sapm_temperature_cs5p_220m):
     times = pd.date_range(start='20160101 1200-0700',
@@ -716,7 +700,7 @@ def test_basic_chain_required(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
         )
 
 
-@requires_scipy
+@requires_tables
 def test_basic_chain_alt_az(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
                             sapm_temperature_cs5p_220m):
     times = pd.date_range(start='20160101 1200-0700',
@@ -739,7 +723,7 @@ def test_basic_chain_alt_az(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
     assert_series_equal(ac, expected)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
+@requires_tables
 def test_basic_chain_strategy(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
                               sapm_temperature_cs5p_220m):
     times = pd.date_range(start='20160101 1200-0700',
@@ -760,7 +744,7 @@ def test_basic_chain_strategy(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
     assert_series_equal(ac, expected)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
+@requires_tables
 def test_basic_chain_altitude_pressure(sam_data, cec_inverter_parameters,
                                        sapm_temperature_cs5p_220m):
     times = pd.date_range(start='20160101 1200-0700',
@@ -824,7 +808,6 @@ def test_ModelChain___repr__(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location, strategy,
     assert mc.__repr__() == expected
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_complete_irradiance_clean_run(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location):
     """The DataFrame should not change if all columns are passed"""
     mc = ModelChain(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location)
@@ -842,7 +825,7 @@ def test_complete_irradiance_clean_run(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location):
                         pd.Series([9, 5], index=times, name='ghi'))
 
 
-@requires_scipy
+@requires_tables
 def test_complete_irradiance(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location):
     """Check calculations"""
     mc = ModelChain(sapm_dc_snl_ac_system, location)
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_pvsystem.py b/pvlib/tests/test_pvsystem.py
index 2ad26937b4..e7a0aac882 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_pvsystem.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_pvsystem.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from pvlib import temperature
 from pvlib._deprecation import pvlibDeprecationWarning
 
-from conftest import needs_numpy_1_10, requires_scipy, fail_on_pvlib_version
+from conftest import fail_on_pvlib_version
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('iam_model,model_params', [
@@ -637,7 +637,6 @@ def fixture_v_from_i(request):
     return request.param
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     'method, atol', [('lambertw', 1e-11), ('brentq', 1e-11), ('newton', 1e-8)]
 )
@@ -659,7 +658,6 @@ def test_v_from_i(fixture_v_from_i, method, atol):
     assert_allclose(V, V_expected, atol=atol)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_i_from_v_from_i(fixture_v_from_i):
     # Solution set loaded from fixture
     Rsh = fixture_v_from_i['Rsh']
@@ -757,7 +755,6 @@ def fixture_i_from_v(request):
     return request.param
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     'method, atol', [('lambertw', 1e-11), ('brentq', 1e-11), ('newton', 1e-11)]
 )
@@ -779,7 +776,6 @@ def test_i_from_v(fixture_i_from_v, method, atol):
     assert_allclose(I, I_expected, atol=atol)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_PVSystem_i_from_v(mocker):
     system = pvsystem.PVSystem()
     m = mocker.patch('pvlib.pvsystem.i_from_v', autospec=True)
@@ -788,7 +784,6 @@ def test_PVSystem_i_from_v(mocker):
     m.assert_called_once_with(*args)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_i_from_v_size():
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         pvsystem.i_from_v(20, [0.1] * 2, 0.5, [7.5] * 3, 6.0e-7, 7.0)
@@ -800,7 +795,6 @@ def test_i_from_v_size():
                           method='newton')
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_v_from_i_size():
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         pvsystem.v_from_i(20, [0.1] * 2, 0.5, [3.0] * 3, 6.0e-7, 7.0)
@@ -812,7 +806,6 @@ def test_v_from_i_size():
                           method='newton')
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_mpp_floats():
     """test max_power_point"""
     IL, I0, Rs, Rsh, nNsVth = (7, 6e-7, .1, 20, .5)
@@ -828,7 +821,6 @@ def test_mpp_floats():
         assert np.isclose(v, expected[k])
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_mpp_array():
     """test max_power_point"""
     IL, I0, Rs, Rsh, nNsVth = (np.array([7, 7]), 6e-7, .1, 20, .5)
@@ -844,7 +836,6 @@ def test_mpp_array():
         assert np.allclose(v, expected[k])
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_mpp_series():
     """test max_power_point"""
     idx = ['2008-02-17T11:30:00-0800', '2008-02-17T12:30:00-0800']
@@ -863,7 +854,6 @@ def test_mpp_series():
         assert np.allclose(v, expected[k])
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_singlediode_series(cec_module_params):
     times = pd.date_range(start='2015-01-01', periods=2, freq='12H')
     effective_irradiance = pd.Series([0.0, 800.0], index=times)
@@ -883,7 +873,6 @@ def test_singlediode_series(cec_module_params):
     assert isinstance(out, pd.DataFrame)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_singlediode_array():
     # github issue 221
     photocurrent = np.linspace(0, 10, 11)
@@ -913,7 +902,6 @@ def test_singlediode_array():
     assert_allclose(sd['i_mp'], expected, atol=0.01)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_singlediode_floats():
     out = pvsystem.singlediode(7, 6e-7, .1, 20, .5, method='lambertw')
     expected = {'i_xx': 4.2498,
@@ -933,7 +921,6 @@ def test_singlediode_floats():
             assert_allclose(v, expected[k], atol=1e-3)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_singlediode_floats_ivcurve():
     out = pvsystem.singlediode(7, 6e-7, .1, 20, .5, ivcurve_pnts=3, method='lambertw')
     expected = {'i_xx': 4.2498,
@@ -950,7 +937,6 @@ def test_singlediode_floats_ivcurve():
         assert_allclose(v, expected[k], atol=1e-3)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_singlediode_series_ivcurve(cec_module_params):
     times = pd.date_range(start='2015-06-01', periods=3, freq='6H')
     effective_irradiance = pd.Series([0.0, 400.0, 800.0], index=times)
@@ -1187,7 +1173,6 @@ def test_pvwatts_dc_scalars():
     assert_allclose(out, expected)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_pvwatts_dc_arrays():
     irrad_trans = np.array([np.nan, 900, 900])
     temp_cell = np.array([30, np.nan, 30])
@@ -1213,7 +1198,6 @@ def test_pvwatts_losses_default():
     assert_allclose(out, expected)
 
 
-@needs_numpy_1_10
 def test_pvwatts_losses_arrays():
     expected = np.array([nan, 14.934904])
     age = np.array([nan, 1])
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_scaling.py b/pvlib/tests/test_scaling.py
index 62f37794d2..09c81ae3c7 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_scaling.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_scaling.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from numpy.testing import assert_almost_equal
 
 from pvlib import scaling
-from conftest import requires_scipy
 
 
 # Sample cloud speed
@@ -119,20 +118,17 @@ def test_compute_wavelet_array_invalid(clear_sky_index):
         scaling._compute_wavelet(clear_sky_index)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_wvm_series(clear_sky_index, time, positions, expect_cs_smooth):
     csi_series = pd.Series(clear_sky_index, index=time)
     cs_sm, _, _ = scaling.wvm(csi_series, positions, cloud_speed)
     assert_almost_equal(cs_sm[5000:5005], expect_cs_smooth, decimal=4)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_wvm_array(clear_sky_index, positions, expect_cs_smooth):
     cs_sm, _, _ = scaling.wvm(clear_sky_index, positions, cloud_speed, dt=dt)
     assert_almost_equal(cs_sm[5000:5005], expect_cs_smooth, decimal=4)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_wvm_series_xyaslist(clear_sky_index, time, positions,
                              expect_cs_smooth):
     csi_series = pd.Series(clear_sky_index, index=time)
@@ -140,7 +136,6 @@ def test_wvm_series_xyaslist(clear_sky_index, time, positions,
     assert_almost_equal(cs_sm[5000:5005], expect_cs_smooth, decimal=4)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_wvm_invalid(clear_sky_index, positions):
     with pytest.raises(ValueError):
         scaling.wvm(clear_sky_index, positions, cloud_speed)
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_singlediode.py b/pvlib/tests/test_singlediode.py
index ca2a2e1270..ee20e4885e 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_singlediode.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_singlediode.py
@@ -7,13 +7,11 @@
 from pvlib.singlediode import (bishop88_mpp, estimate_voc, VOLTAGE_BUILTIN,
                                bishop88, bishop88_i_from_v, bishop88_v_from_i)
 import pytest
-from conftest import requires_scipy
 
 POA = 888
 TCELL = 55
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('method', ['brentq', 'newton'])
 def test_method_spr_e20_327(method, cec_module_spr_e20_327):
     """test pvsystem.singlediode with different methods on SPR-E20-327"""
@@ -42,7 +40,6 @@ def test_method_spr_e20_327(method, cec_module_spr_e20_327):
     assert np.isclose(pvs_ixx, ixx)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize('method', ['brentq', 'newton'])
 def test_newton_fs_495(method, cec_module_fs_495):
     """test pvsystem.singlediode with different methods on FS495"""
@@ -99,7 +96,6 @@ def get_pvsyst_fs_495():
 # DeSoto @(888[W/m**2], 55[degC]) = {Pmp: 72.71, Isc: 1.402, Voc: 75.42)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     'poa, temp_cell, expected, tol', [
         # reference conditions
@@ -187,7 +183,6 @@ def test_pvsyst_recombination_loss(method, poa, temp_cell, expected, tol):
     assert np.isclose(vsc_88, 0.0, *tol)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     'brk_params, recomb_params, poa, temp_cell, expected, tol', [
         # reference conditions without breakdown model
diff --git a/pvlib/tests/test_soiling.py b/pvlib/tests/test_soiling.py
index 200bcfe59f..3bdd52bde1 100644
--- a/pvlib/tests/test_soiling.py
+++ b/pvlib/tests/test_soiling.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from conftest import assert_series_equal
 from pvlib.soiling import hsu, kimber
 from pvlib.iotools import read_tmy3
-from conftest import requires_scipy, DATA_DIR
+from conftest import DATA_DIR
 import pytest
 
 
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ def expected_output():
         index=dt)
     return expected_no_cleaning
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def expected_output_1():
     dt = pd.date_range(start=pd.Timestamp(2019, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0),
@@ -39,6 +40,7 @@ def expected_output_1():
         index=dt)
     return expected_output_1
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def expected_output_2():
     dt = pd.date_range(start=pd.Timestamp(2019, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0),
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ def expected_output_3():
         index=dt_new)
     return expected_output_3
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def rainfall_input():
 
@@ -80,7 +83,6 @@ def rainfall_input():
     return rainfall
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_hsu_no_cleaning(rainfall_input, expected_output):
     """Test Soiling HSU function"""
 
@@ -97,7 +99,6 @@ def test_hsu_no_cleaning(rainfall_input, expected_output):
     assert_series_equal(result, expected_no_cleaning)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_hsu(rainfall_input, expected_output_2):
     """Test Soiling HSU function with cleanings"""
 
@@ -115,7 +116,6 @@ def test_hsu(rainfall_input, expected_output_2):
     assert_series_equal(result, expected_output_2)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_hsu_defaults(rainfall_input, expected_output_1):
     """
     Test Soiling HSU function with default deposition velocity and default rain
@@ -126,7 +126,6 @@ def test_hsu_defaults(rainfall_input, expected_output_1):
     assert np.allclose(result.values, expected_output_1)
 
 
-@requires_scipy
 def test_hsu_variable_time_intervals(rainfall_input, expected_output_3):
     """
     Test Soiling HSU function with variable time intervals.
@@ -145,6 +144,7 @@ def test_hsu_variable_time_intervals(rainfall_input, expected_output_3):
         rain_accum_period=pd.Timedelta('2h'))
     assert np.allclose(result, expected_output_3)
 
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def greensboro_rain():
     # get TMY3 data with rain
diff --git a/pvlib/tools.py b/pvlib/tools.py
index 1f8c1b7cbb..b6ee3e7c3a 100644
--- a/pvlib/tools.py
+++ b/pvlib/tools.py
@@ -2,9 +2,7 @@
 Collection of functions used in pvlib_python
 """
 
-from collections import namedtuple
 import datetime as dt
-import warnings
 import numpy as np
 import pandas as pd
 import pytz
@@ -251,111 +249,6 @@ def _build_kwargs(keys, input_dict):
     return kwargs
 
 
-# FIXME: remove _array_newton when SciPy-1.2.0 is released
-# pvlib.singlediode.bishop88_i_from_v(..., method='newton') and other
-# functions in singlediode call scipy.optimize.newton with a vector
-# unfortunately wrapping the functions with np.vectorize() was too slow
-# a vectorized newton method was merged into SciPy but isn't released yet, so
-# in the meantime, we just copied the relevant code: "_array_newton" for more
-# info see: https://github.com/scipy/scipy/pull/8357
-
-def _array_newton(func, x0, fprime, args, tol, maxiter, fprime2,
-                  converged=False):
-    """
-    A vectorized version of Newton, Halley, and secant methods for arrays. Do
-    not use this method directly. This method is called from :func:`newton`
-    when ``np.isscalar(x0)`` is true. For docstring, see :func:`newton`.
-    """
-    try:
-        p = np.asarray(x0, dtype=float)
-    except TypeError:  # can't convert complex to float
-        p = np.asarray(x0)
-    failures = np.ones_like(p, dtype=bool)  # at start, nothing converged
-    nz_der = np.copy(failures)
-    if fprime is not None:
-        # Newton-Raphson method
-        for iteration in range(maxiter):
-            # first evaluate fval
-            fval = np.asarray(func(p, *args))
-            # If all fval are 0, all roots have been found, then terminate
-            if not fval.any():
-                failures = fval.astype(bool)
-                break
-            fder = np.asarray(fprime(p, *args))
-            nz_der = (fder != 0)
-            # stop iterating if all derivatives are zero
-            if not nz_der.any():
-                break
-            # Newton step
-            dp = fval[nz_der] / fder[nz_der]
-            if fprime2 is not None:
-                fder2 = np.asarray(fprime2(p, *args))
-                dp = dp / (1.0 - 0.5 * dp * fder2[nz_der] / fder[nz_der])
-            # only update nonzero derivatives
-            p[nz_der] -= dp
-            failures[nz_der] = np.abs(dp) >= tol  # items not yet converged
-            # stop iterating if there aren't any failures, not incl zero der
-            if not failures[nz_der].any():
-                break
-    else:
-        # Secant method
-        dx = np.finfo(float).eps**0.33
-        p1 = p * (1 + dx) + np.where(p >= 0, dx, -dx)
-        q0 = np.asarray(func(p, *args))
-        q1 = np.asarray(func(p1, *args))
-        active = np.ones_like(p, dtype=bool)
-        for iteration in range(maxiter):
-            nz_der = (q1 != q0)
-            # stop iterating if all derivatives are zero
-            if not nz_der.any():
-                p = (p1 + p) / 2.0
-                break
-            # Secant Step
-            dp = (q1 * (p1 - p))[nz_der] / (q1 - q0)[nz_der]
-            # only update nonzero derivatives
-            p[nz_der] = p1[nz_der] - dp
-            active_zero_der = ~nz_der & active
-            p[active_zero_der] = (p1 + p)[active_zero_der] / 2.0
-            active &= nz_der  # don't assign zero derivatives again
-            failures[nz_der] = np.abs(dp) >= tol  # not yet converged
-            # stop iterating if there aren't any failures, not incl zero der
-            if not failures[nz_der].any():
-                break
-            p1, p = p, p1
-            q0 = q1
-            q1 = np.asarray(func(p1, *args))
-    zero_der = ~nz_der & failures  # don't include converged with zero-ders
-    if zero_der.any():
-        # secant warnings
-        if fprime is None:
-            nonzero_dp = (p1 != p)
-            # non-zero dp, but infinite newton step
-            zero_der_nz_dp = (zero_der & nonzero_dp)
-            if zero_der_nz_dp.any():
-                rms = np.sqrt(
-                    sum((p1[zero_der_nz_dp] - p[zero_der_nz_dp]) ** 2)
-                )
-                warnings.warn('RMS of {:g} reached'.format(rms),
-                              RuntimeWarning)
-        # newton or halley warnings
-        else:
-            all_or_some = 'all' if zero_der.all() else 'some'
-            msg = '{:s} derivatives were zero'.format(all_or_some)
-            warnings.warn(msg, RuntimeWarning)
-    elif failures.any():
-        all_or_some = 'all' if failures.all() else 'some'
-        msg = '{0:s} failed to converge after {1:d} iterations'.format(
-            all_or_some, maxiter
-        )
-        if failures.all():
-            raise RuntimeError(msg)
-        warnings.warn(msg, RuntimeWarning)
-    if converged:
-        result = namedtuple('result', ('root', 'converged', 'zero_der'))
-        p = result(p, ~failures, zero_der)
-    return p
-
-
 # Created April,2014
 # Author: Rob Andrews, Calama Consulting
 
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 44dac1ecc3..11b8b79df1 100755
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -40,15 +40,16 @@
 INSTALL_REQUIRES = ['numpy >= 1.12.0',
                     'pandas >= 0.22.0',
                     'pytz',
-                    'requests']
+                    'requests',
+                    'scipy >= 1.2.0']
 TESTS_REQUIRE = ['nose', 'pytest', 'pytest-cov', 'pytest-mock',
                  'pytest-timeout', 'pytest-rerunfailures', 'pytest-remotedata']
 EXTRAS_REQUIRE = {
     'optional': ['cython', 'ephem', 'netcdf4', 'nrel-pysam', 'numba',
-                 'pvfactors', 'scipy', 'siphon', 'statsmodels', 'tables',
+                 'pvfactors', 'siphon', 'statsmodels', 'tables',
                  'cftime >= 1.1.1'],
     'doc': ['ipython', 'matplotlib', 'sphinx == 1.8.5', 'sphinx_rtd_theme',
-            'sphinx-gallery', 'docutils == 0.15.2', 'pillow', 'scipy',
+            'sphinx-gallery', 'docutils == 0.15.2', 'pillow',
             'netcdf4', 'siphon', 'tables'],
     'test': TESTS_REQUIRE
 }
@@ -61,9 +62,6 @@
     'Intended Audience :: Science/Research',
     'Programming Language :: Python',
     'Programming Language :: Python :: 3',
-    'Programming Language :: Python :: 3.5',
-    'Programming Language :: Python :: 3.6',
-    'Programming Language :: Python :: 3.7',
     'Topic :: Scientific/Engineering',
 ]
 
@@ -71,7 +69,7 @@
     'zip_safe': False,
     'scripts': [],
     'include_package_data': True,
-    'python_requires': '~=3.5'
+    'python_requires': '>=3.6'
 }
 
 # set up pvlib packages to be installed and extensions to be compiled