Solar Panel Cost in Arizona (2023 Local Savings Guide)
By Dan Simms /
In this guide to Arizona’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
In Arizona there is no shortage of sunshine. In fact, Arizona residents experience more than 300 days of sunshine each year, with over 82% of the year being perfect conditions for harvest solar energy, its no wonder that Arizona residents are flocking to convert to solar energy. As one of the sunniest states — the sunniest, according to several sources — Arizona is perfectly positioned to harness solar power.1
Arizona ranks 5th in the U.S. for solar installations, and the more than 296 solar companies that operate in Arizona have installed enough solar panels to power 945,767 homes to date.2 Many homeowners, are ready to benefit from this renewable energy source, to not only save money but live more sustainably.
But with so many companies competing for your business, it can be hard to find the best option for you in Arizona. To save you time and energy, the solar experts at EcoWatch have reviewed the top companies in the solar industry and are ready to help you find the right installer for your home.
Below you will find our reviews of the best solar panel companies in Arizona. If you’re ready to get connected to top installers in your area, click the buttons below.
Average cost
Pros
Cons
With nearly 10 years in the industry, Elevation has a solid reputation for helping homeowners make the switch to solar. The regional company hosts its headquarters in Chandler, so Arizonans have access to some of the company’s most experienced technicians.
Elevation is a top-rated solar contractor in the state. It provides best-in-class customer service. Elevation’s representatives will keep you informed throughout the entire solar installation process and its responsive customer service line is readily available to answer any questions during or after installation.
Although Elevation’s near decade of experience is more than some companies, it may not have as much social installation experience as other companies in Arizona. While company experience and years of operation play a role in our rating system, less experience doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lesser company. Elevation still makes our list due to its excellent customer service and quality products.
EcoWatch Rating |
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4 |
A+ |
2014 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, Smart Home Energy Solutions |
REC, Tesla, SolarEdge |
25-year manufacturer warranty |
Pros
Cons
SunPower’s Maxeon solar panels are some of the best in the business and rate high above other panels in both durability and efficiency. As the first solar panels to be Cradle to Cradle Certified, homeowners can trust that these panels will have a low impact on the environment.
Solar panels are ideal for energy efficiency, but truthfully, in Arizona, panel efficiency doesn’t matter as much because there’s an abundance of sunlight. Still, many homeowners also care about curb appeal, which is where SunPower shines. The company’s quality, all-in-one solar systems approach, virtual consultations, and online design studio allows homeowners to design a solar system that best fits their needs.
SunPower also rates high in customer satisfaction, which is not as common in national installers. Customers report excellent customer service and communication throughout the entire installation process, and many even claim to have cashed in on SunPower’s excellent 25-year warranty with no problems at all.
One of the major downsides to SunPower is the high upfront cost, but know that there are many ways — such as rebates, tax credits and local incentives in Arizona — to help offset its high price. Budget-conscious homeowners may opt for a less expensive solar installer, but know that the sheer quality of SunPower is worth the extra investment.
EcoWatch Rating |
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Sun Valley Solar Solutions offers local expertise that many national installers lack and installs only the best solar panels on the market, which truly makes this solar installer a gem in the industry.
As an installer of top solar panels and batteries from manufacturers like Tesla and Generac, Sun Valley Solar Solutions offers products at a lower-than-average price for Arizona homeowners.
To boost its authority in the field, Sun Valley Solar Solutions became a member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative and the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. These memberships show the Phoenix-based company is serious about proper installation and solar installation best practices.
The top solar installers offer comprehensive 25-year warranties, but sadly, this is where Sun Valley Solar Solutions lacks. With just a 90-day workmanship warranty, Sun Valley Solar Solutions cannot keep up with other leaders in the solar industry when it comes to system coverage.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Solar Roof Shingles, EV Chargers, Electrical Work, Maintenance & Repairs |
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Locally owned and operated, the team at Verde Solar Power is knowledgeable, efficient and cares about its Arizona clients. Strong testimonials from its customers speak to Verde Solar Power’s ability to deliver a seamless and quality solar experience from start to finish.
Verde Solar Power has over 25 years of experience servicing its local area in Arizona. This experience makes Verde not only veterans in the solar industry but incredibly knowledgeable about what Arizonans need in a home solar system.
Unlike national solar providers, Verde Solar Power has limited solar leasing options, so you may need to take out a full loan or pay more upfront to fully fund your home solar from Verde. However, Verde Solar Power’s responsive customer service line goes out of its way to make sure you are fully covered and satisfied with your solar panels.
EcoWatch Rating |
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
Not Rated |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, System Monitoring, Off-Grid Solar Solutions |
Pros
Cons
ADT Solar offers its services in 21 states, including Arizona, and has a nationwide reputation for stellar solar installation. Not only has ADT installed more than 25,000 solar systems across the U.S., but it only installs the best solar brands available — including Panasonic solar panels.
Most companies only offer a 10-year workmanship warranty, but ADT goes above and beyond to offer customers one of the best 25-year warranties in the solar industry. Its products and services are backed by a comprehensive warranty that covers labor, power production, solar panel modules and Enphase microinverters.
A common issue that customers seem to have with ADT is communication, particularly after a solar system has been installed. Many customers in Arizona rave about how quickly the panels are installed, but that excitement quickly dissipates once their panels need to be serviced. Unlike other companies on our list, ADT does not have great after-installation solar panel maintenance and monitoring.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4 |
A- |
2008 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
Silfab, Panasonic and others depending on location |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
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.
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:
Solar Incentive | Description |
Arizona Residential Solar Energy Tax Credit | A state solar tax credit of 25% is available for residential solar systems in Arizona (maximum $1,000 personal income tax reduction). |
Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption | Arizona offers a property tax exemption on the added property value from solar. |
Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption | Similar to the property tax exemption, Arizona allows an exemption on the state’s 5.6% sales tax. |
Federal Solar Tax Credit | The federal solar tax credit of 30% is available for solar energy systems purchased before December 31, 2032. The tax credit is set to decrease to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. It will be phased out entirely by 2035 unless it is renewed. |
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
In the sections below, we’ll explain why we believe these factors are so important in Maine.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read More About Going Solar in Arizona
Arizona, the sunniest state in the nation, offers unparalleled value when it comes to harnessing the benefits of solar energy systems. The state has a long history of solar reliance, meaning there are a large number of experienced and reputable solar installers to choose from. For example, Arizona Solar Wave & Energy is recognized as one of the best local solar companies in the state, while Sunpro Solar is a larger company that serves 21 states, including Arizona.
An EcoWatch rating means that our writers and editorial staff have researched as many solar companies as possible. The companies we include in our review lists have not raised any red flags. We analyze what services each company offers and how well they compare with industry standards. We look at what consumers are saying in-depth to see if concerns have been resolved to customer satisfaction. Read more about our methodology here.
Yes. Many solar panels function best in cooler climates since they become inefficient in hot weather conditions. Arizona experiences very dry heat, which reaches well over 110-plus degrees in cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Tucson and beyond. A local installer can often navigate the heat of the desert southwest better than a larger solar company. So in this case, the solar company and panels you select do matter.
Tip: High temperatures reduce the durability and efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panels hold up better in the heat and offer more kilowatt-hours per square foot covered. The only downside is that monocrystalline solar panels are the more expensive option of these two.
EcoWatch recommends comparing and contrasting a free quote from each of the solar companies that you’re interested in vetting. When a solar installer completes an energy audit, you’ll also gain more insight into solar equipment and pricing that best suit your energy needs and your home. The most affordable solar company should also have a variety of financing options, from paying in full to solar loans and leases.
For many, it’s cost, but in the end, it’s also about sustainability. It’s important to vet the experience and reputation of the solar company. Arizona gets plenty of sun, but you need the right panels and energy storage system for your home.
We understand that investing in a solar energy system can be intimidating, but the first step is actually pretty simple. We always recommend speaking with a few of Arizona’s best solar installers to compare solar quotes and proposals. By comparing these quotes, you can get a better idea of what solar might cost you, and whether solar is worth it for your Arizona home or business.
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