Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain Hills, AZ (2023 Update)
- Fountain Hills Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $23,131
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountain Hills
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fountain Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fountain Hills it's 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,336 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Fountain Hills for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fountain Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,037 |
| 3 years | $-5,440 |
| 5 years | $-2,843 |
| 7 years | $-245 |
| 9 years | $2,352 |
| 11 years | $4,950 |
| 13 years | $7,547 |
| 15 years | $10,144 |
| 17 years | $12,742 |
| 19 years | $15,339 |
| 21 years | $17,937 |
| 23 years | $20,534 |
| 25 years | $23,131 |
Top Solar Installers in Fountain Hills
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fountain Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain Hills
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fountain Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Fountain Hills, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fountain Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fountain Hills homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
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 solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better 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 discount 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 | $2.71 | $11,400 | $26,687 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $35,875 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $45,209 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $54,690 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $64,316 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $74,089 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $84,008 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $94,073 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fountain Hills, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountain Hills?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fountain Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fountain Hills is currently $514,352, so you can look forward to a value of about $21,088 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fountain Hills is a rewarding investment.
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.