Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mesa, AZ (2023 Update)
- Mesa Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $21,608
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mesa
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mesa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mesa it's 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,336 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 use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mesa homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Mesa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mesa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,098 |
| 3 years | $-5,623 |
| 5 years | $-3,147 |
| 7 years | $-672 |
| 9 years | $1,804 |
| 11 years | $4,279 |
| 13 years | $6,755 |
| 15 years | $9,230 |
| 17 years | $11,706 |
| 19 years | $14,181 |
| 21 years | $16,657 |
| 23 years | $19,132 |
| 25 years | $21,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Mesa
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Mesa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mesa
The cost of installing a solar system in Mesa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mesa have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Mesa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $24,900 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $33,492 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $42,230 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $51,115 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $60,145 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $69,322 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $78,645 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $88,114 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Mesa, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mesa?
The average cost of solar panels in Mesa is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Mesa?
A solar panel system isn't free in Mesa, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mesa?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.