The average cost of electricity in the United States has been steadily rising in recent months. The country sources most of its electricity from non-renewable resources such as Uranium, natural gas, and coal. For example, as of 2021, Arizona produces 43% of its electricity using natural gas and 13% from coal, more than half of the state’s supply.
Non-renewable resources are subject to fluctuating prices due to global pressures like conflict or demand outpacing supply. Therefore, it is time consumers found alternative sources of electricity to ensure they do not get overwhelmed by their electricity bills.
Luckily, Arizona is among states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, and Florida within the sunbelt. This refers to states that receive more sunny days and sunshine than the national average.
In the case of Arizona, depending on where you live, you can receive between 264 and 313 sunny days. This makes Arizona one of the most favorable places in America to invest in solar energy.
If you are wondering how to transition to solar, this article looks into some of the best solar companies in Arizona. It also highlights factors you should consider before choosing one, so read on for more information.
Best Solar Companies in Arizona
According to the Solar Energies Industry Association (SEIA), Arizona has 368 companies involved in the solar industry, of which 171 are solar installers. Below are some of the most reliable solar companies in Arizona.
1. SunPower
SunPower tops our list of the best solar companies in Arizona, given its wealth of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing solar panels countrywide. Founded in 1985, SunPower’s primary goals include pushing innovation to deliver reliable and high-performing solar panels and helping reduce global emissions.
SunPower has among the best-performing solar panels in the industry. The panels capture more sunlight, especially at dawn and dusk, and produce 5% more energy than the average solar panels. Such productivity can be beneficial, especially in Arizona, which receives a substantial amount of sunlight all year round.
We must also mention that SunPower offers the best comprehensive warranty from a solar panel company. Its warranties cover up to 40 years for its flagship products and 25 years for its other products. The warranty on its flagship products is longer than the company has existed, showing how much confidence SunPower has in its products.
SunPower also makes custom-designed solar panels through its SunPower Design Studio. This service targets clients with unique architectural structures who want to tap solar energy.
In addition, the company has a legal team on standby to help you with any paperwork. Therefore, SunPower is a one-stop shop for all your solar needs, from manufacturing to installation and operationalization.
2. ADT Solar
ADT Solar was founded in 2008 as SunPro Solar and has operated for over a decade. However, it was later bought by ADT Home Security in 2021 to form ADT Solar. The company operates in thirty-one states, including Arizona. It excels by combining SunPro’s experience in solar installation with ADT’s 150 years of experience providing residential security solutions.
ADT Solar offers free consultation services, whereby it sends a team to evaluate your solar needs, analyze your energy consumption habits then determine the type of solar panels your property needs. The company works with several reputable solar panel manufacturers, including Canadian Solar, QCells Solar, and Silfab Solar.
It has also partnered with reputable solar battery manufacturers like Tesla and Enphase, thus guaranteeing exceptional performance and reliability. ADT Solar primarily installs monocrystalline solar panels, which have a reputation for high performance, reliability, longevity, and efficiency compared to polycrystalline panels.
Under ADT Solar, you will enjoy a 25-year comprehensive warranty with guarantees on labor, power production, panel module performance, and Enphase microinverters. The company also has an app that offers access to real-time data. You can monitor how much energy your solar produces and how much power your property consumes.
3. Sun Valley Solar Solutions
Unlike the first two companies on this list, Sun Valley Solar Solutions is a local company operating only within Arizona. Being a local company is one of Sun Valley Solar Solutions’ advantages because it has a deeper understanding of the Arizona solar market and climate.
Founded in 2006, the company has completed 8,000 residential solar installations and worked with major corporations in Arizona. As a result, the company can anticipate and meet its clients’ needs better than most national solar panel companies.
In addition, as a local solar company, its services are easier to access, given its roots are entrenched within the community. It also guarantees better customer service than a company operating from another state with only a small local office.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions operates on an education-first policy, whereby it sends in a highly-trained employee to consult on various factors about your installation needs and answer pertinent questions. The company then designs, installs, and offers after-sales services.
The company also offers financing options through loans and power purchase agreements. Moreover, clients receive a 25-year warranty on solar panels and batteries and a 10-year warranty on workmanship and roof penetration.
4. Tesla Solar
Tesla has banked on its recognition as an electric vehicle brand to develop its renewable energy division, starting with Tesla Solar. The company’s biggest selling point is its well-designed solar panels and battery, the Tesla Powerwall.
Tesla solar panels are the most visually captivating panels currently on the market. The panels are distinct from those made by competitors in that they do not have visible grids and have concealed edges that hide the panels’ technical details.
Tesla solar panels are also designed to lie closer to the roof than standard panels because they do not use rails. Their design also minimizes interference with the roof structure.
Instead, interlocking brackets hold the panels together, which combines several panels into a single block. In addition, Tesla solar panels have seals on their installation points to prevent exposure to the elements.
Regarding performance, Tesla solar panels have a wide operating temperature window that ranges from -40°F to 185°F. Furthermore, the Tesla solar inverters are rated at 97.5% efficiency.
Buying Tesla solar panels also allows you to acquire Tesla Powerwall, which is a solar battery system that stores solar energy generated during the day for use later, such as during a blackout or at night. Lastly, Tesla solar equipment has a 25-year warranty, and you can monitor their performance via the Tesla App.
5. Elevation
Elevation is a regional energy solutions company in Arizona, Nevada, and California with a presence in Texas and Florida. It operates a solar energy division that aims to help consumers achieve energy efficiency and cost reduction.
The company works with several partners to deliver high-quality products, including monocrystalline solar panels, batteries, and microinverters.
Through the company’s Curb Energy Monitoring program, Elevation can connect your solar energy system to the Curb app, allowing you to monitor your energy consumption habits. You can also use the app to determine which household electronics consume the most energy.
How to Pick the Best Solar Panel Company in Arizona
Installing solar panels in your residence or business is a significant investment. Moreover, solar energy is growing in popularity in hot and warm states like Arizona. Such factors draw in a lot of companies looking to cash in.
However, among those companies will be some that provide substandard installation services. Therefore, it is vital to have a checklist of factors to help you vet a company before proceeding with the investment. The list should include the following:
Experience
One factor to consider when evaluating a solar panel installation company is its experience. That includes how long the company has been operational in your area. You want to select a company with a fair amount of experience working within your location, as they will have insight into the unique aspects of the area.
An experienced installation company will also know how to maximize your property’s potential to produce solar energy. For example, they will know where and how to place the solar panels to avoid obstructions like tree shade.
In addition, they will evaluate your roof and determine whether it can sustain the weight of the solar panels or whether they should install them on the ground.
Customer Education
Arizona produces about 9% of its electricity from solar energy. That means most of the state’s residents may not know how solar panels work.
Therefore, the solar panel company you choose should be willing to explain how solar power works and how they conduct the installation process. The company should also be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have so that you can buy solar panels from an informed position.
Customer Service
Customer service goes beyond a company’s ability to evaluate your solar needs and quote an installation fee. It begins with an installation company’s accessibility and communication practices. You want a company that is easy to reach, meaning round-the-clock access to various services.
The company should also have an excellent customer service reputation. For that, you can look at the customer service reviews the company receives on its website and social media handles.
Lastly, the company should have a proven record of working with high-quality products like solar panels and hiring highly skilled technicians.
Financing Options
As noted earlier, solar panel installation is a significant investment. The process can cost tens of thousands of dollars, an amount most people cannot foot upfront. That is why solar financing is crucial when looking for a solar panel company.
Some companies offer several financing options, including loans that lead to direct ownership. You can also lease the equipment or get into a power purchasing agreement which significantly lowers your upfront costs but disqualifies you from tax rebates and incentives.
Warranties
The unofficial industry figure for warranties and guarantees is 25 years. However, not all companies offer such terms, hence the need to go through a company’s warranties and guarantees data to determine whether they offer sufficient protection to your investment.
Moreover, the company should provide all warranties and guarantees in writing and clearly articulate any exemptions that may void the agreements.
Why Solar in Arizona?
The most obvious reason to go solar in Arizona are the financial benefits. Arizona has some of the most expensive energy costs in Western America due to its reliance on fossil fuels to generate electricity.
Though initially expensive, solar energy is significantly cheaper than electricity from the grid. It is especially so in Arizona, where every household experiences at least 260 days of sunlight yearly.
In addition, numerous incentives exist for people looking to shift to solar energy. For example, the Federal government offers the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which covers up to 30% of the solar installation costs for qualified individuals. Arizona also provides a residential solar tax credit that refunds 25% of your solar installation cost up to $1,000.
Lastly, as a renewable energy resource, solar does not result in the emission of fumes that can pollute the air or toxic waste that can seep into soils and underground water supplies. Therefore, going solar helps conserve the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Summary Table
| Rank | Solar Company |
|---|---|
| #1 | SunPower |
| #2 | ADT Solar |
| #3 | Sun Valley Solar Solutions |
| #4 | Tesla Solar |
| #5 | Elevation |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jessica Kirsh/Shutterstock.com.
