Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flagstaff, AZ (Mar 2023)
- Flagstaff Solar Installation Cost: $10,103
- 25-Year Savings: $23,839
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flagstaff
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Flagstaff.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Flagstaff generally cost about 2.61. The average solar panel system size in Flagstaff is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,103 for a solar installation, or $14,447 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Flagstaff homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Flagstaff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,746 |
| 3 years | $-6,030 |
| 5 years | $-3,315 |
| 7 years | $-599 |
| 9 years | $2,116 |
| 11 years | $4,831 |
| 13 years | $7,547 |
| 15 years | $10,262 |
| 17 years | $12,977 |
| 19 years | $15,693 |
| 21 years | $18,408 |
| 23 years | $21,124 |
| 25 years | $23,839 |
Top Solar Installers in Flagstaff
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Flagstaff:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Flagstaff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flagstaff
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Flagstaff: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly 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 $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 Flagstaff, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Flagstaff have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Flagstaff homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Flagstaff, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $25,404 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $34,165 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $43,071 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $52,124 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $61,323 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $70,668 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $80,159 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $89,797 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Flagstaff, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Flagstaff?
The average cost of solar panels in Flagstaff 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Flagstaff?
You can't get solar panels for free in Flagstaff. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.