Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maricopa, AZ (2023 Update)
- Maricopa Solar Installation Cost: $9,409
- 25-Year Savings: $23,698
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maricopa
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Maricopa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Maricopa it's 2.61 per watt. The average Maricopa homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,409 with the federal tax credit, or $13,455 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Maricopa homeowner can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Maricopa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maricopa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,085 |
| 3 years | $-5,436 |
| 5 years | $-2,788 |
| 7 years | $-139 |
| 9 years | $2,509 |
| 11 years | $5,158 |
| 13 years | $7,807 |
| 15 years | $10,455 |
| 17 years | $13,104 |
| 19 years | $15,752 |
| 21 years | $18,401 |
| 23 years | $21,049 |
| 25 years | $23,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Maricopa
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Maricopa, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Maricopa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maricopa
For many Maricopa homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Maricopa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Maricopa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Maricopa provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Maricopa is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Maricopa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $27,154 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $36,498 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $45,987 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $55,623 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $65,405 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $75,334 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $85,408 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $95,629 | 6.4 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. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When reading over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Maricopa, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Maricopa?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Maricopa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty 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 need to know 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.