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How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arizona?

Solar Panel Cost in Arizona

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arizona?

Searching for solar panels cost in Arizona is a no-brainer. With some of the best sun exposure in the country and incredibly high electricity bills, homeowners in the Grand Canyon state are in a position to see impressive financial benefits from switching to renewable energy.

So, how do you go about pricing a solar panel system for your home? We’ve got all the information you need to get started; from average costs to total savings, continue reading to learn more about the cost of solar in Arizona. 

Average Solar Panel Cost in Arizona

At an average cost of $2.64/watt, solar in Arizona runs higher than in some states but lower than the national estimate. As this translates to a 6kW system, homeowners should budget for about $15,840 in total (more than $2,000 less than arrays across the country.)

To show how this can financially benefit homeowners from the Grand Canyon state, we relate this number to standard electricity usage. Arizonans use about 1,114kWh per month, some of the highest in the country. At a rate of 12.75 cents per kWh, the average utility bill in Arizona comes to about $142.04 a month. This is well above the national standard of $122.

Considering the low cost of solar and the higher-than-normal electricity bill, homeowners in Arizona could highly benefit from going solar. Additionally, the United States solar tax credit can reduce the cost even further. This incentive, which offers a 30% tax return for solar purchases, would drop the price of a 6kW system to $11,088.

How Much Solar Do Arizonans Need?

solar panel cost arizona
The 5 MW solar trough system at the University of Arizona Solar Tech Park project was completed in 2011.

©PICTOR PICTURES/Shutterstock.com

The average solar panels cost in Arizona gives a ballpark estimate for solar installations, but it may not accurately represent the aspects of your home. For a better idea of what you can expect, you’ll have to determine how much solar you need. To do that, we’ll need to look at peak sun hours and average electricity usage. 

Arizonans use about 37.1kWh per day (1,114kWh per month). With around 6.57 peak sun hours, our panels should be able to produce 5.65kW/hr. Using Arizona’s estimated cost of $2.64/watt, homeowners can expect to spend about $14,916 before incentives.

Of course, peak sun hours change across Arizona, which can affect how much wattage your array should have. For a more accurate sun hour estimate, check out this chart.

Arizona Solar Cost Factors

When calculating the cost of solar in Arizona, it’s essential to know that panels aren’t the only aspect covered in the total price. Considering the estimated budget of $14,196, homeowners can expect to cover all equipment, marketing, labor, and other categories. These fluctuate with a few factors, which we’ll cover below. 

Panel Type

Depending on your situation, you and your installers will have to consider solar panel types. Monocrystalline panels typically come with higher efficiency and quality but for a higher cost. Polycrystalline panels are typically less efficient but more affordable, making them ideal for houses that receive a lot of sunlight.

Wattage Amount

Usually, solar manufacturers offer bulk discounts on panels. While you can expect a higher overall bill with more wattage, the price per watt will drop. However, this goes both ways, and areas needing less wattage can expect to pay more per watt.

Installation Quality

solar in alaska
Solar panels have an average lifespan of 25-30 years and require only little maintenance over the years.

©jittawit21/Shutterstock.com

Choosing the right solar installation company can have a considerable influence on the life of your array. While some installers might offer a better price, the quality of their work and the strength of their service over time could prove lesser than others. With solar panels lasting about 25 years, working with a company that can maintain them their entire lifetime is essential.

Best Solar Panel Installers in Arizona

American Array Solar and Roofing has over 80 years of experience in the California and Arizona region. The company’s reputation earned them certifications with top solar companies such as Panasonic and Tesla. These installers offer one of the longest warranties in the industry, covering solar installations for 30 years.

Starting their business in 2009, Solar Topps is a local, family business located in Phoenix Arizona. This company benefits from its local affinity, having close ties to utility companies and HOA leaders in the area. They offer a wide variety of equipment to match most budgets and offer a quality, 25-year warranty on installations.

Method Solar is another small business located in Tuscon, Arizona. Priding itself as Arizona-owned, the company does all its installations and consultations in-house. From quality equipment to industry-standard warranties, you can expect a smooth process over the entirety of your array.

Can Solar Save Arizonans Money?

It’s one thing to know how much solar panels cost in Arizona, but it’s another to know if the price is worth it. In the Grand Canyon state, homeowners can cover the average cost of a solar array with their electricity bill saving in about 9.4 years. Considering the typical 20 to 30-year lifespan of panels, Arizonans will see net savings of over $16,000.

With incredible, year-round sun exposure, Arizona offers some of the best incentives for homeowners to go solar. Not only does the 30% federal tax return help with the cost, but the Grand Canyon state has policies for state returns, municipal net metering, and future investments. For more on Arizona’s solar incentives, check out our article on the subject.

Solar Panel Cost in Arizona: Further Reading

With some of the highest electricity bills in the country, homeowners can find incredible financial benefits when searching for solar panel costs in Arizona. Residential alternative energy is just one application of technology in our society. For more on the solar industry, continue reading some of the articles below.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Arizona? FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is solar worth it in Arizona?

Arizonans with a solar array could save over $1,700 a year on electricity. This adds up to about $18,000 over the lifetime of the system.

How much does solar cost in Arizona?

On average, a solar array in Arizona costs $2.64 per watt. When related to a 6kW system, users can expect to spend about $15,840 before incentives.

How long does it take for solar panels to pay back in Arizona?

When comparing the average cost of solar in Arizona to the standard annual electricity bill, homeowners can expect to pay off their system in 9.3 years.

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