Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catalina, AZ (2023 Update)
- Catalina Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $25,673
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catalina
We break down average solar pricing in Catalina.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Catalina, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.61 per watt. The average Catalina homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,336 with the federal tax credit, or $13,350 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Catalina 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. With average savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Catalina find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Catalina, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Catalina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,936 |
| 3 years | $-5,135 |
| 5 years | $-2,334 |
| 7 years | $466 |
| 9 years | $3,267 |
| 11 years | $6,068 |
| 13 years | $8,869 |
| 15 years | $11,669 |
| 17 years | $14,470 |
| 19 years | $17,271 |
| 21 years | $20,071 |
| 23 years | $22,872 |
| 25 years | $25,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Catalina
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Catalina, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Catalina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catalina
The cost of installing a solar system in Catalina can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Catalina, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Catalina, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Catalina offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Catalina, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $29,731 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $39,934 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $50,283 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $60,778 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $71,419 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $82,207 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $93,140 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $104,220 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Catalina, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Catalina?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.