Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, AZ (2023 Update)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $9,609
- 25-Year Savings: $20,688
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
We go over average solar pricing in Clifton.
In Clifton, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Clifton is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,610 for a solar installation, or $13,742 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clifton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,508 |
| 3 years | $-9,306 |
| 5 years | $-9,104 |
| 7 years | $-8,902 |
| 9 years | $-8,700 |
| 11 years | $-8,498 |
| 13 years | $-8,296 |
| 15 years | $-8,094 |
| 17 years | $-7,892 |
| 19 years | $-7,690 |
| 21 years | $-7,488 |
| 23 years | $-7,286 |
| 25 years | $-7,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
For many Clifton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clifton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clifton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Clifton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $23,162 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $31,175 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $39,334 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $47,639 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $56,091 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $64,688 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $73,432 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $82,322 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with 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 can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Clifton, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clifton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clifton is currently $36,297, so you could be looking at a value of about $1,488 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clifton is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Clifton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.