Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, AZ (2023 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $9,431
- 25-Year Savings: $27,532
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Douglas.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Douglas it's 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $9,427 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Douglas homeowner can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,773 |
| 3 years | $-4,457 |
| 5 years | $-1,141 |
| 7 years | $2,175 |
| 9 years | $5,491 |
| 11 years | $8,807 |
| 13 years | $12,123 |
| 15 years | $15,440 |
| 17 years | $18,756 |
| 19 years | $22,072 |
| 21 years | $25,388 |
| 23 years | $28,704 |
| 25 years | $32,020 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Douglas, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
While the average cost of a solar system in Douglas is $9,427, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Douglas, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Douglas homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $31,562 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $42,375 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $53,334 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $64,439 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $75,691 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $87,089 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $98,632 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $110,322 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Douglas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Douglas, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Douglas?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Douglas?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Douglas is currently $72,079, which means you could be looking at a value of about $2,955 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Douglas is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.