Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Havasu City, AZ (2023 Update)
- Lake Havasu City Solar Installation Cost: $9,829
- 25-Year Savings: $20,182
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Havasu City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Lake Havasu City.
In Lake Havasu City, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Lake Havasu City is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,829 for a solar installation, or $14,055 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Lake Havasu City homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lake Havasu City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Havasu City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,629 |
| 3 years | $-6,228 |
| 5 years | $-3,827 |
| 7 years | $-1,426 |
| 9 years | $975 |
| 11 years | $3,376 |
| 13 years | $5,777 |
| 15 years | $8,178 |
| 17 years | $10,579 |
| 19 years | $12,980 |
| 21 years | $15,381 |
| 23 years | $17,782 |
| 25 years | $20,182 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Havasu City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Lake Havasu City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Havasu City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lake Havasu City: 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 some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,610. The type 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lake Havasu City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lake Havasu City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lake Havasu City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Lake Havasu City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $22,074 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $29,725 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $37,522 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $45,464 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $53,553 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $61,788 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $70,170 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $78,697 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Lake Havasu City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Lake Havasu City, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Havasu City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with 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 key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.