Solar Panel Cost Guide in Florence, AZ (2023 Update)
- Florence Solar Installation Cost: $9,409
- 25-Year Savings: $24,185
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Florence
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Florence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Florence it's 2.61 per watt. Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Florence, the average price of going solar will be about $9,409 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Florence based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Florence see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Florence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,065 |
| 3 years | $-5,378 |
| 5 years | $-2,690 |
| 7 years | $-3 |
| 9 years | $2,685 |
| 11 years | $5,372 |
| 13 years | $8,060 |
| 15 years | $10,747 |
| 17 years | $13,435 |
| 19 years | $16,122 |
| 21 years | $18,810 |
| 23 years | $21,497 |
| 25 years | $24,185 |
Top Solar Installers in Florence
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Florence, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Florence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Florence
The cost of installing a solar system in Florence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Florence, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Florence, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Florence, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Florence, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $27,721 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $37,253 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $46,932 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $56,757 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $66,728 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $76,845 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $87,108 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $97,518 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Florence, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Florence?
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 be more expensive if you want additional 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Florence?
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 can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Florence is currently $173,655, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,120 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Florence is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.