Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benson, AZ (2023 Update)
- Benson Solar Installation Cost: $9,431
- 25-Year Savings: $26,849
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benson
We go over average solar pricing in Benson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Benson it's 2.61 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Benson, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,427, or $13,481 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $27,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Benson find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Benson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,310 |
| 3 years | $-9,068 |
| 5 years | $-8,827 |
| 7 years | $-8,585 |
| 9 years | $-8,343 |
| 11 years | $-8,101 |
| 13 years | $-7,859 |
| 15 years | $-7,617 |
| 17 years | $-7,375 |
| 19 years | $-7,133 |
| 21 years | $-6,892 |
| 23 years | $-6,650 |
| 25 years | $-6,408 |
Top Solar Installers in Benson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Benson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benson
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Benson is $9,427, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Benson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Benson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Benson to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.71 | $11,400 | $30,768 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $41,317 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $52,011 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $62,852 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $73,839 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $84,972 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $96,251 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $107,677 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Benson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Benson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Benson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,405.63 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.