Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, AZ (Mar 2023)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $24,121
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
We break down average solar pricing in Glendale.
In Glendale, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Glendale is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,336 for a solar installation, or $13,350 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Glendale based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Glendale can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,998 |
| 3 years | $-5,321 |
| 5 years | $-2,645 |
| 7 years | $32 |
| 9 years | $2,708 |
| 11 years | $5,385 |
| 13 years | $8,062 |
| 15 years | $10,738 |
| 17 years | $13,415 |
| 19 years | $16,091 |
| 21 years | $18,768 |
| 23 years | $21,444 |
| 25 years | $24,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Glendale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,610. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Glendale average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Glendale, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Glendale is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $27,848 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $37,423 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $47,144 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $57,012 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $67,025 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $77,185 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $87,491 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $97,942 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Glendale, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glendale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glendale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.