Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, AZ (2024 Update)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $11,303
- 25-Year Savings: $20,688
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Clifton.
In Clifton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Clifton is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,303 for a solar installation, or $16,163 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clifton see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Clifton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,254 |
| 3 years | $-8,157 |
| 5 years | $-6,059 |
| 7 years | $-3,962 |
| 9 years | $-1,865 |
| 11 years | $232 |
| 13 years | $2,330 |
| 15 years | $4,427 |
| 17 years | $6,524 |
| 19 years | $8,621 |
| 21 years | $10,719 |
| 23 years | $12,816 |
| 25 years | $14,913 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several 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 Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clifton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clifton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When trying to figure out 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 company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $21,153 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $28,547 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $36,114 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $43,853 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $51,763 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $59,845 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $68,100 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $76,526 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Clifton, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clifton is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Clifton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clifton. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,152.08 per year.
How many solar panels do I need 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 account for 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.