Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catalina Foothills, AZ (2023 Update)

  • Catalina Foothills Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,606
  • Payback Period: 6.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Catalina Foothills.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Catalina Foothills is 2.61 per watt. Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Catalina Foothills, the average price of going solar will be about $9,336 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Catalina Foothills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,938
3 years $-5,143
5 years $-2,348
7 years $448
9 years $3,243
11 years $6,039
13 years $8,834
15 years $11,629
17 years $14,425
19 years $17,220
21 years $20,015
23 years $22,811
25 years $25,606

Top Solar Installers in Catalina Foothills

Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Catalina Foothills, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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

See all of the solar companies in Catalina Foothills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catalina Foothills

For many Catalina Foothills homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Catalina Foothills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Catalina Foothills, 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 figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Catalina Foothills average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Catalina Foothills to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Catalina Foothills is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Catalina Foothills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $29,653 6.9 years
8 kW $2.66 $14,908 $39,830 6.8 years
10 kW $2.61 $18,270 $50,152 6.7 years
12 kW $2.56 $21,486 $60,621 6.5 years
14 kW $2.51 $24,555 $71,236 6.4 years
16 kW $2.45 $27,478 $81,998 6.3 years
18 kW $2.40 $30,255 $92,905 6.1 years
20 kW $2.35 $32,886 $103,959 6.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Catalina Foothills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

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

EcoWatch's Catalina Foothills, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Catalina Foothills?

The average cost of solar panels in Catalina Foothills is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 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.

Can you get solar panels for free in Catalina Foothills?

Solar panels aren't free in Catalina Foothills, 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 you can take advantage of.

Is it worth going solar in Catalina Foothills?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get 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.

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