Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain Hills, AZ (2024 Update)
- Fountain Hills Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $23,123
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountain Hills
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fountain Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fountain Hills typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Fountain Hills is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,991 for a solar installation, or $15,717 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Fountain Hills homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Fountain Hills for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fountain Hills
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-9,551 |
3 years | $-6,672 |
5 years | $-3,793 |
7 years | $-913 |
9 years | $1,966 |
11 years | $4,846 |
13 years | $7,725 |
15 years | $10,605 |
17 years | $13,484 |
19 years | $16,364 |
21 years | $19,243 |
23 years | $22,123 |
25 years | $25,002 |
Top Solar Installers in Fountain Hills
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fountain Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain Hills
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,070 per kilowatt in Fountain Hills.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fountain Hills, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fountain Hills is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.19 | $13,410 | $24,678 | 8.8 years |
8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $33,248 | 8.6 years |
10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $41,989 | 8.5 years |
12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $50,903 | 8.3 years |
14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $59,989 | 8.1 years |
16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $69,246 | 8.0 years |
18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $78,676 | 7.8 years |
20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $88,277 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read 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 cost.
- 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fountain Hills, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountain Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Fountain Hills is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type 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 Fountain Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.