Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Defiance, AZ (2023 Update)
- Fort Defiance Solar Installation Cost: $10,231
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Defiance
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fort Defiance.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Defiance it's 2.61 per watt. The average Fort Defiance homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,231 with the federal tax credit, or $14,630 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fort Defiance homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Defiance find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Defiance
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,521 |
| 3 years | $-5,099 |
| 5 years | $-1,678 |
| 7 years | $1,743 |
| 9 years | $5,165 |
| 11 years | $8,586 |
| 13 years | $12,007 |
| 15 years | $15,428 |
| 17 years | $18,850 |
| 19 years | $22,271 |
| 21 years | $25,692 |
| 23 years | $29,114 |
| 25 years | $32,535 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Defiance
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fort Defiance, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Fort Defiance
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Defiance
For many Fort Defiance homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Defiance, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,610 per kilowatt in Fort Defiance. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Defiance provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Defiance homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across 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 specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,070 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $29,720 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $37,515 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $45,456 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $53,544 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $61,778 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $70,158 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $78,684 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
EcoWatch's Fort Defiance, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Defiance?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Defiance is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fort Defiance?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fort Defiance, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Fort Defiance have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.