Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fortuna Foothills, AZ (2023 Update)
- Fortuna Foothills Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $23,859
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fortuna Foothills
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fortuna Foothills.
In Fortuna Foothills, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. The average Fortuna Foothills homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,336 with the federal tax credit, or $13,350 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Fortuna Foothills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fortuna Foothills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,008 |
| 3 years | $-5,353 |
| 5 years | $-2,697 |
| 7 years | $-41 |
| 9 years | $2,614 |
| 11 years | $5,270 |
| 13 years | $7,925 |
| 15 years | $10,581 |
| 17 years | $13,236 |
| 19 years | $15,892 |
| 21 years | $18,548 |
| 23 years | $21,203 |
| 25 years | $23,859 |
Top Solar Installers in Fortuna Foothills
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Fortuna Foothills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fortuna Foothills
The cost of installing a solar system in Fortuna Foothills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Fortuna Foothills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fortuna Foothills, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Fortuna Foothills, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points 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 | $27,568 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $37,050 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $46,678 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $56,452 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $66,373 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $76,439 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $86,652 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $97,011 | 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time 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. Although 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 be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fortuna Foothills, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fortuna Foothills?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fortuna Foothills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fortuna Foothills. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fortuna Foothills?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Fortuna Foothills?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.