Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Arizona (2023 Reviews)

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Arizona

With a cost of about $2.61 per watt, the price of solar panels in Arizona is a little below the average cost to install solar panels in the U.S. After the federal solar tax credit has been applied, homeowners can expect to pay between $9,135 and $18,270 for a 5 kilowatt (kW) to 10 kW solar panel system.

This price may induce some sticker shock — many homeowners are caught off-guard by the total price. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make your total clean energy project more affordable. Let’s explore those below.

Arizona Solar Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits

The total cost of solar installation is impacted by the energy needs of your home. What do you pay monthly for your electric bill? Your roof configuration, equipment needed and the complexity of the solar installation are just a few factors to consider when you compare free quotes from solar companies.

Look for variation in solar financing. Does the solar company offer solar loans, solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs)? Should you pay in full? Here are a few solar incentives and tax exemptions in Arizona that you should be aware of:

Controversial policy in the state has all but phased out net metering solar incentives. However, it is still available in certain areas, so we encourage you to check with your local utility company to learn more. It’s also a great opportunity to ask about the impact of net metering on your electricity bill.

Type of Solar Panel

The solar panel type that you choose to install has a large impact on the total cost of your solar system. The more efficient a solar panel is, the more pricey it will be. Regions that experience fewer sunny days require more efficient solar panels that perform better in low-light conditions. Luckily for Arizona, this is not a problem.

Because Arizona gets so much sunshine, homeowners can often get away with more affordable solar panels. This choice can save you thousands of dollars, yet you’ll still benefit from renewable energy and lower energy bills.

System Size

Don’t pay for a solar panel system that’s too big for your needs.

Unlike other states, Arizona does not have net metering available for all its citizens, so excess energy does not freely come back to you as a credit. Instead, take time to review at least one year — if not more — of your monthly energy usage and choose a solar system that will offset your energy costs and not overproduce.

Read Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Arizona?

You are guaranteed to see an increase in your property value by installing solar panels. Solar projects may be expensive, but given that the average value increase of an Arizona home sits around $17,030, it is absolutely worth it to install solar in Arizona.³

Homes with solar typically increase in value by about 4.1%, so the amount that your home value increases depends on its current value.⁴ Even so, the return on your investment (ROI) is excellent in Arizona.

Should Arizona Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?

There is no denying that solar panel installation is expensive, but there are reasons why homeowners should leave the electrical work to professionals. The money you’d save if you install your own panels may seem worth it now, but should something happen to your panels down the line, you’ll probably wish you’d gone with a solar installer.

Electrical and General Safety

Unless you have extensive electrical or solar installation experience, it is not safe to install your own panels. Even the smallest mistake could lead to more extensive damage and fire hazards, which you do not want to risk for your home and family.

When you hire a professional to install your panels, you can guarantee the panels have been installed correctly according to your area’s building codes and protocols.

Solar Panel Workmanship Warranty

Many solar panel installers offer a separate workmanship warranty that covers any problems with installation. When you install your solar panels yourself, you’ll miss out on this opportunity, which could also save you money in the long run.

If you install your panels yourself, you may get the product warranty and performance guarantee, but even these warranties can be at risk. If you install your panels incorrectly, the manufacturer can claim that poor installation was the reason for the malfunction and may not honor your warranty.

Quality Installation

Quality installation is every bit as important as the quality of the panels themselves. Novice or DIY solar installers may not have the experience, tools nor knowledge necessary to install panels correctly. Poor installation can impact the efficiency of your panels, which in turn can impact the amount of energy your panels produce.

Best National Provider

5/5

National coverageGreat warranty coverageMost efficient panels on the market

Get Free Quote

Outstanding Local Installer

4.5/5

Offers products from leading manufacturersCompetitive pricingMany financing options

Get Free Quote

What Should Arizona Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

Every Arizona homeowner has unique needs for their solar system, but there are some industry standards that you should look for as you research different solar companies. To start, our solar experts recommend you review the following:

• Warranty
• Year founded
• Services offered
• Brands of solar equipment offered
• Industry affiliations
• Size of company
• Solar pricing and financing

Warranty

Most solar panel companies in Arizona include a warranty on their products and services, with 25-year warranties being the industry standard of excellence. These high-quality warranties can give some much-needed peace of mind that both the technology and workmanship behind your new solar photovoltaic (PV) system will hold up over the years.

Two types of warranties typically back solar panel installation:

• Equipment warranties guarantee 10 to 12 years of efficiency.
• Performance warranties guarantee 90% production for 10 years, then 80% production at 25 years.

The best companies will offer both equipment and performance warranties for 25 years, but not all companies meet this standard. It’s hard to compete with the comprehensive warranties offered by ADT, but every company on our list — except Sun Valley Solar Solutions — does offer a 25-year warranty of some kind.

Year Founded

The year a business was founded speaks to both its reputation and its experience in the solar industry. The popularity of going solar may mean a surge of “fly by night” solar companies that are inexperienced in solar energy system installation. Although these companies can offer a competitive price, your warranty may not be honored should that company go out of business.

Just because a company is older doesn’t mean it’s the best in Arizona, but that company’s experience can speak for itself simply due to the number of solar systems it has installed. Older companies, such as SunPower and Verde Solar, have coveted solar installation experience that you can trust.

Services Offered

Different solar installers will offer slightly different services. Design and installation of solar panels — such as the advanced design studio offered by SunPower — is one thing, but will the company also help install battery storage and an EV charging station for your electric car? Will it provide windows or weatherization to help boost your household’s energy efficiency?

Choose a full-service solar company like ADT Solar whenever possible, unless you can pinpoint your specific needs. Talk with your electric company to further assess your home’s energy needs. You may be surprised to learn that many solar companies, such as Verde Solar, also offer off-grid and electrical services.

Before you hire an Arizona solar company, it’s helpful to ask about the installation process. Though it may seem simple, the process can vary from company to company.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

Different solar equipment brands vary in both pros and cons. Looking for the most affordable solar panels or the most efficient solar panels? Ask the representatives from each company and see what each can offer.

If you’re looking for a specific brand, it’s best to first look at a solar company’s product listings. What brands do they offer? Not all companies offer the Tesla Powerwall battery like Sun Valley Solar Solutions, and many companies — like SunPower — only offer their own solar products.

Reputable solar companies will always ask about your needs first and will not try to upsell you. Get a quote from different solar providers in Arizona to see if there’s a trend in recommendations — you can always price check to see which can offer the best deal.

Industry Affiliations

To ensure the solar provider you hire is reputable and reliable, we recommend hiring a company that’s held in high regard within the industry. Specifically, look for a provider with Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) affiliation and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification, like the certifications boasted by Sun Valley Solar Solutions.

Size of Company

The size of the solar installation company you choose is as important as the products and services it offers.

We often hear consumers complain that larger companies rely on third-party contractors to install and service their solar energy systems. However, some larger solar companies have an excellent record of service, from installation to system updates and repairs. Always read customer reviews from various sources.

It’s more likely that smaller companies are aware of local renewable energy policies and the nuances in design your system might need. In Arizona, this is especially important due to issues surrounding the dry heat.

Larger companies, however, may find it hard to interpret area-based needs. But, they typically have access to bulk purchasing that a smaller company may not. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine what you need from a solar company.

Solar Pricing and Financing

Not every homeowner has the cash to pay for their entire solar panel system upfront, so make sure to look for companies that offer alternative payment options. The best solar companies in Arizona and throughout the U.S., such as SunPower, offer solar loans, solar leasing and PPAs so that customers from all socioeconomic statuses can afford to go solar.

Best National Provider

5/5

National coverageGreat warranty coverageMost efficient panels on the market

Get Free Quote

Outstanding Local Installer

4.5/5

Offers products from leading manufacturersCompetitive pricingMany financing options

Get Free Quote

Methodology: How We Ranked Solar Companies In Arizona

We had our work cut out for us when ranking solar providers in AZ, especially since the state is home to an estimated 140 installation companies. In an effort to recommend only the best companies to Arizona residents like you, we carefully consider the following criteria first:

• Solar Equipment Brands Offered (20%)
• Solar Equipment Types Offered (20%)
• Warranty Coverage (15%)
• Solar Financing Options (15%)
• Experience and Customer Service (10%)
• Availability (10%)
• Impact on the Environment and the Industry (10%)

In the sections below, we’ll explain why we believe these factors are so important in Maine.

Solar Equipment Brands Offered

One of the first things we look at when assessing a solar company’s value in AZ is the range of equipment brands offered. Arizona residents see around 300 sunny days per year, which is about 1.5x the national average. Abundant sun means above-average solar production, but high-efficiency panels can help reduce the system size required to offset electric bills in AZ.

We often recommend high-efficiency panel brands like Maxeon in Arizona because electric bills are some of the highest in the country at over $136 per month. High-efficiency equipment will help minimize your system size and keep your all-in solar conversion costs down.

Solar Equipment Types Offered

Next, we consider the types of equipment offered. As solar batteries are increasingly popular in Arizona, we prioritize companies that provide battery installation as an add-on service.

Arizona is prone to power outages, and the state, unfortunately, doesn’t offer net metering anymore. Solar batteries help maintain power through blackouts, and they also let you effectively take advantage of net metering. You’ll at least be able to use the excess power you produce to offset energy bills as much as possible. This is massively helpful in AZ.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage included with your equipment is another important factor we consider when ranking companies. Solar installers usually offer warranties for physical damage, efficiency or labor, and some of the best companies offer all three.

In Arizona, we believe efficiency warranties are most important, so we give precedence to companies that have long efficiency guarantees. Having a warranty for efficiency means you’ll be able to take full advantage of the abundant sunlight in AZ, offset more of your above-average electric bills and, ultimately, increase your long-term energy savings.

Availability

Many of the solar companies in Arizona only serve major cities and the surrounding areas, which means they’ll naturally appeal to fewer homeowners throughout the state. We rank companies higher that serve the entire state or at least more areas throughout the state for this reason.

We also look at actual availability as well. With solar becoming more popular in AZ than ever before, many companies are running into delays with installations and permitting. We assess customer reviews to gauge a company’s availability and rank the installers according to how likely they are to meet your needs in a timely manner.

Experience and Customer Service

With nearly 140 installers operating in Arizona and a booming local solar industry, we’re seeing more and more companies popping up that are focusing on profit rather than providing quality service. We’re also seeing new companies go out of business and taking your warranty coverage with them.

For that reason, we more often recommend companies that have a proven track record and at least five years of experience. We also look for local experience in Arizona, specifically, as companies familiar with the high energy demands in AZ and local laws are more likely to provide excellent service and equipment that serves you well for years after installation.

Solar Financing Options

Since the average cost of a solar system in Arizona is well above the national average at $30,015 before incentives, we rank companies higher that offer loans and financing options to keep clean energy accessible. We look specifically at loan terms, down payment options and interest rates, and we recommend companies that keep things affordable.

We also give slight precedence to companies that include solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). While we generally don’t recommend these options, they can be good options for customers who can’t pay cash and won’t qualify for a solar loan.

Impact on the Environment and the Industry

Finally, we look at a company’s overall impact on the environment and the local solar industry. We more commonly recommend installers that have industry affiliations that suggest they’re committed to pushing clean energy forward rather than turning a profit.

We look for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification, affiliation with the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA), Arizona Solar United Neighbors and more.

Best National Provider

5/5

National coverageGreat warranty coverageMost efficient panels on the market

Get Free Quote

Outstanding Local Installer

4.5/5

Offers products from leading manufacturersCompetitive pricingMany financing options

Get Free Quote

Read More About Going Solar in Arizona

• Is Solar Worth It in Arizona?
• Arizona Solar Incentives Guide
• Find Cost Savings on Solar Panels in Arizona
• What to Know Before Buying Solar Panels in Arizona