Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbert, AZ (2024 Update)
- Gilbert Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $21,467
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbert
We break down average solar pricing in Gilbert.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gilbert generally cost about 3.The average Gilbert homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,991 with the federal tax credit, or $15,717 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gilbert homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Gilbert homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilbert
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,653 |
| 3 years | $-6,976 |
| 5 years | $-4,298 |
| 7 years | $-1,621 |
| 9 years | $1,056 |
| 11 years | $3,733 |
| 13 years | $6,410 |
| 15 years | $9,087 |
| 17 years | $11,764 |
| 19 years | $14,442 |
| 21 years | $17,119 |
| 23 years | $19,796 |
| 25 years | $22,473 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilbert
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Gilbert, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gilbert
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilbert
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,070. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
Most solar companies in Gilbert provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Gilbert, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $3.19 | $13,410 | $22,736 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $30,658 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $38,753 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $47,019 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $55,457 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $64,067 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $72,849 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $81,803 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Gilbert, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gilbert?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.