Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flagstaff, AZ (2024 Update)
- Flagstaff Solar Installation Cost: $11,891
- 25-Year Savings: $23,833
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flagstaff
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Flagstaff.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Flagstaff typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $11,891 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Flagstaff find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Flagstaff for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Flagstaff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,226 |
| 3 years | $-6,894 |
| 5 years | $-3,563 |
| 7 years | $-232 |
| 9 years | $3,099 |
| 11 years | $6,430 |
| 13 years | $9,761 |
| 15 years | $13,092 |
| 17 years | $16,423 |
| 19 years | $19,754 |
| 21 years | $23,085 |
| 23 years | $26,416 |
| 25 years | $29,747 |
Top Solar Installers in Flagstaff
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Flagstaff, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Flagstaff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flagstaff
For many Flagstaff homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Flagstaff, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,070. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Flagstaff, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Flagstaff, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Flagstaff is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $23,395 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $31,537 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $39,851 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $48,337 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $56,995 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $65,825 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $74,827 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $84,001 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Flagstaff, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Flagstaff?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Flagstaff?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Flagstaff. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Do solar panels increase your 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 Flagstaff is currently $631,199, which means you could be looking at a value of about $25,879 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Flagstaff is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.