Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catalina, AZ (2024 Update)
- Catalina Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $25,679
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catalina
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Catalina.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Catalina, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Catalina homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,974 with the federal tax credit, or $15,693 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Catalina homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Catalina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,309 |
| 3 years | $-5,978 |
| 5 years | $-2,647 |
| 7 years | $684 |
| 9 years | $4,015 |
| 11 years | $7,346 |
| 13 years | $10,678 |
| 15 years | $14,009 |
| 17 years | $17,340 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,002 |
| 23 years | $27,333 |
| 25 years | $30,664 |
Top Solar Installers in Catalina
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Catalina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catalina
While the average cost of a solar system in Catalina is $10,974, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $3,070. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Catalina to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Catalina, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater 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 | $3.19 | $13,410 | $27,722 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $37,307 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $47,063 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $56,991 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $67,092 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $77,364 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $87,808 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $98,424 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Catalina, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Catalina?
The average cost of solar panels in Catalina 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Catalina?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.