Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oro Valley, AZ (2023 Update)
- Oro Valley Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $25,270
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oro Valley
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Oro Valley.
The average cost of solar panels in Oro Valley is 2.61 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oro Valley, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,336, or $13,350 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oro Valley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high initial cost, the average Oro Valley homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Oro Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,952 |
| 3 years | $-5,183 |
| 5 years | $-2,415 |
| 7 years | $354 |
| 9 years | $3,122 |
| 11 years | $5,891 |
| 13 years | $8,659 |
| 15 years | $11,427 |
| 17 years | $14,196 |
| 19 years | $16,964 |
| 21 years | $19,733 |
| 23 years | $22,501 |
| 25 years | $25,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Oro Valley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Oro Valley:
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 Oro Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oro Valley
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Oro Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,610. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Oro Valley offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Oro Valley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Oro Valley, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oro Valley have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $29,258 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $39,303 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $49,494 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $59,831 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $70,315 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $80,944 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $91,720 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $102,642 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive 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 Oro Valley, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oro Valley?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oro Valley?
Solar panels aren't free in Oro Valley, 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 can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.