Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbert, AZ (2023 Update)
- Gilbert Solar Installation Cost: $9,344
- 25-Year Savings: $21,467
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbert
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gilbert.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gilbert generally cost around 2.61. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gilbert, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,336, or $13,350 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Gilbert for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gilbert
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,242 |
| 3 years | $-9,036 |
| 5 years | $-8,831 |
| 7 years | $-8,625 |
| 9 years | $-8,420 |
| 11 years | $-8,215 |
| 13 years | $-8,009 |
| 15 years | $-7,804 |
| 17 years | $-7,598 |
| 19 years | $-7,393 |
| 21 years | $-7,187 |
| 23 years | $-6,982 |
| 25 years | $-6,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilbert
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Gilbert:
See all of the solar companies in Gilbert
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilbert
The cost of installing a solar system in Gilbert can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,610. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gilbert homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gilbert, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gilbert know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $24,745 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $33,286 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $41,973 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $50,806 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $59,785 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $68,910 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $78,182 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $87,599 | 6.8 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. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Gilbert, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilbert?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gilbert?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 higher 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.