Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottonwood, AZ (2025 Update)
- Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cottonwood.
In Cottonwood, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cottonwood, the average price of going solar will be about $11,366 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Cottonwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottonwood
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 Cottonwood
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Cottonwood, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Cottonwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottonwood
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cottonwood is $11,366, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cottonwood homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottonwood is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Cottonwood, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Cottonwood, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottonwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottonwood 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Cottonwood have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.