Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cave Creek, AZ (2024 Update)
- Cave Creek Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $24,874
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cave Creek
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cave Creek.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cave Creek is 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cave Creek homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cave Creek
| 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 Cave Creek
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cave Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cave Creek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cave Creek is $10,991, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,070 per kilowatt in Cave Creek.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $26,732 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $35,986 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $45,413 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $55,011 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $64,781 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $74,723 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $84,837 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $95,123 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Cave Creek, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cave Creek?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cave Creek?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cave Creek, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cave Creek?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.