Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carefree, AZ (2024 Update)
- Carefree Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $24,524
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carefree
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Carefree.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carefree typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Carefree is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,991 for a solar installation, or $15,717 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carefree homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Carefree that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carefree
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,326 |
| 3 years | $-5,995 |
| 5 years | $-2,664 |
| 7 years | $668 |
| 9 years | $3,999 |
| 11 years | $7,330 |
| 13 years | $10,661 |
| 15 years | $13,992 |
| 17 years | $17,323 |
| 19 years | $20,654 |
| 21 years | $23,985 |
| 23 years | $27,316 |
| 25 years | $30,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Carefree
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Carefree
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carefree
Though the average cost of a solar system in Carefree is $10,991, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,070. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Carefree homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Carefree, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.19 | $13,410 | $26,321 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $35,438 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $44,728 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $54,189 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $63,823 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $73,628 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $83,605 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $93,754 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Carefree, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carefree?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carefree?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Carefree, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Carefree?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.