Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flagstaff, AZ (2023 Update)
- Flagstaff Solar Installation Cost: $10,109
- 25-Year Savings: $23,833
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flagstaff
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Flagstaff.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Flagstaff it's 2.61 per watt. The average Flagstaff homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,103 with the federal tax credit, or $14,447 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Flagstaff homeowners. 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Flagstaff see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Flagstaff, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Flagstaff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,996 |
| 3 years | $-9,770 |
| 5 years | $-9,544 |
| 7 years | $-9,317 |
| 9 years | $-9,091 |
| 11 years | $-8,865 |
| 13 years | $-8,639 |
| 15 years | $-8,412 |
| 17 years | $-8,186 |
| 19 years | $-7,960 |
| 21 years | $-7,733 |
| 23 years | $-7,507 |
| 25 years | $-7,281 |
Top Solar Installers in Flagstaff
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Flagstaff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flagstaff
Though the average cost of a solar system in Flagstaff is $10,103, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,610. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Flagstaff homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Flagstaff homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Flagstaff's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $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 you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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.
- 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 project timeline.
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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Flagstaff?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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.
Is it worth going solar in Flagstaff?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Flagstaff?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.