Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Defiance, AZ (Jan 2023)
- Fort Defiance Solar Installation Cost: $10,231
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Defiance
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fort Defiance.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Defiance it's $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Defiance, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,231, or $7,571 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Defiance
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,982 |
| 3 years | $-6,482 |
| 5 years | $-3,983 |
| 7 years | $-1,484 |
| 9 years | $1,015 |
| 11 years | $3,514 |
| 13 years | $6,014 |
| 15 years | $8,513 |
| 17 years | $11,012 |
| 19 years | $13,511 |
| 21 years | $16,010 |
| 23 years | $18,510 |
| 25 years | $21,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Defiance
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fort Defiance, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fort Defiance
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Defiance
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fort Defiance is $10,231, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fort Defiance average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fort Defiance, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Fort Defiance, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
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 Fort Defiance, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Defiance?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Defiance?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.