Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carefree, AZ (2025 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carefree it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,991 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Carefree can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Carefree for a quote 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
DIY 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 converting to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Carefree
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carefree
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Carefree: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carefree have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 a large number of companies available in Carefree, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
EcoWatch's Carefree, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carefree?
The average cost of solar panels in Carefree is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Carefree?
Solar panels aren’t free in Carefree, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.