Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Mirage, AZ (2023 Update)
- El Mirage Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $24,882
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Mirage
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in El Mirage.
The average cost of a solar system in El Mirage is 2.61 per watt. The average El Mirage homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,336 with the federal tax credit, or $13,350 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average El Mirage homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in El Mirage can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in El Mirage for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in El Mirage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,967 |
| 3 years | $-5,230 |
| 5 years | $-2,492 |
| 7 years | $245 |
| 9 years | $2,983 |
| 11 years | $5,720 |
| 13 years | $8,457 |
| 15 years | $11,195 |
| 17 years | $13,932 |
| 19 years | $16,670 |
| 21 years | $19,407 |
| 23 years | $22,145 |
| 25 years | $24,882 |
Top Solar Installers in El Mirage
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in El Mirage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Mirage
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in El Mirage: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,610. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like El Mirage, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in El Mirage to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for El Mirage homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. El Mirage's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.71 | $11,400 | $28,741 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $38,614 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $48,633 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $58,798 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $69,109 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $79,566 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $90,169 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $100,919 | 6.1 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's El Mirage, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Mirage?
The average cost of solar panels in El Mirage is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 El Mirage is currently $168,693, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,916 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in El Mirage is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in El Mirage?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.