Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oro Valley, AZ (2024 Update)
- Oro Valley Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $25,276
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oro Valley
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oro Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oro Valley, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,974 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Oro Valley can save about $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oro Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,397 |
| 3 years | $-6,241 |
| 5 years | $-3,085 |
| 7 years | $71 |
| 9 years | $3,227 |
| 11 years | $6,382 |
| 13 years | $9,538 |
| 15 years | $12,694 |
| 17 years | $15,850 |
| 19 years | $19,006 |
| 21 years | $22,162 |
| 23 years | $25,317 |
| 25 years | $28,473 |
Top Solar Installers in Oro Valley
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Oro Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oro Valley
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Oro Valley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Oro Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oro Valley to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Oro Valley is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $27,249 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $36,675 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $46,274 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $56,045 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $65,987 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $76,101 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $86,388 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $96,846 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Oro Valley, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oro Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Oro Valley is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oro Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,355.28 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Oro Valley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.