Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catalina Foothills, AZ (2024 Update)

  • Catalina Foothills Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,612
  • Payback Period: 7.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catalina Foothills

We break down average solar pricing in Catalina Foothills.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Catalina Foothills generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,974 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Catalina Foothills based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Catalina Foothills homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Catalina Foothills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,397
3 years $-6,241
5 years $-3,085
7 years $71
9 years $3,227
11 years $6,382
13 years $9,538
15 years $12,694
17 years $15,850
19 years $19,006
21 years $22,162
23 years $25,317
25 years $28,473

Top Solar Installers in Catalina Foothills

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.

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

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Foothills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catalina Foothills

The cost of installing a solar system in Catalina Foothills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, 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 solar panels in Catalina Foothills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Catalina Foothills, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Catalina Foothills homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $27,644 8.2 years
8 kW $3.13 $17,536 $37,202 8.0 years
10 kW $3.07 $21,490 $46,932 7.9 years
12 kW $3.01 $25,272 $56,835 7.7 years
14 kW $2.95 $28,883 $66,909 7.5 years
16 kW $2.89 $32,321 $77,155 7.4 years
18 kW $2.82 $35,587 $87,573 7.2 years
20 kW $2.76 $38,682 $98,163 7.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Catalina Foothills, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Catalina Foothills?

The average cost of solar panels in Catalina Foothills 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Catalina Foothills?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Catalina Foothills?

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 higher 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.

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