Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maricopa, AZ (2024 Update)
- Maricopa Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
- 25-Year Savings: $23,694
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maricopa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Maricopa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Maricopa generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Maricopa, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,072, or $15,833 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Maricopa see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Maricopa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maricopa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,407 |
| 3 years | $-6,076 |
| 5 years | $-2,744 |
| 7 years | $587 |
| 9 years | $3,918 |
| 11 years | $7,249 |
| 13 years | $10,580 |
| 15 years | $13,911 |
| 17 years | $17,242 |
| 19 years | $20,573 |
| 21 years | $23,904 |
| 23 years | $27,235 |
| 25 years | $30,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Maricopa
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Maricopa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maricopa
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Maricopa is $11,072, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,070 per kilowatt in Maricopa.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Maricopa to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $25,145 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $33,870 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $42,767 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $51,837 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $61,078 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $70,491 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $80,076 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $89,833 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Maricopa, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Maricopa?
The average cost of solar panels in Maricopa is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Maricopa?
Solar panels aren’t free in Maricopa, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,285.15 per year.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.