Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbert, AZ (2023 Update)

  • Gilbert Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,476
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbert

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gilbert.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gilbert, the average cost of a solar system is 2.61 per watt. Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Gilbert, the average price of going solar will be about $9,336 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Gilbert can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gilbert

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,103
3 years $-5,639
5 years $-3,174
7 years $-709
9 years $1,756
11 years $4,221
13 years $6,686
15 years $9,151
17 years $11,616
19 years $14,081
21 years $16,546
23 years $19,011
25 years $21,476

Top Solar Installers in Gilbert

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,610. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Gilbert have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gilbert is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies 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.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilbert?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Gilbert?

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 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.

Follow us