Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarkdale, AZ (2024 Update)
- Clarkdale Solar Installation Cost: $11,366
- 25-Year Savings: $26,306
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarkdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clarkdale.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clarkdale generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $11,366 before the 0 federal solar 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 making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarkdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,701 |
| 3 years | $-6,370 |
| 5 years | $-3,039 |
| 7 years | $292 |
| 9 years | $3,624 |
| 11 years | $6,955 |
| 13 years | $10,286 |
| 15 years | $13,617 |
| 17 years | $16,948 |
| 19 years | $20,279 |
| 21 years | $23,610 |
| 23 years | $26,941 |
| 25 years | $30,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarkdale
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Clarkdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarkdale
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clarkdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Clarkdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $27,393 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $36,868 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $46,515 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $56,334 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $66,324 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $76,487 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $86,822 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $97,328 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Clarkdale, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarkdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Clarkdale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.