Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paulden, AZ (2023 Update)
- Paulden Solar Installation Cost: $9,665
- 25-Year Savings: $23,864
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paulden
We break down average solar pricing in Paulden.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Paulden generally cost around 2.61. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Paulden, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,665, or $13,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paulden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,324 |
| 3 years | $-5,641 |
| 5 years | $-2,959 |
| 7 years | $-277 |
| 9 years | $2,406 |
| 11 years | $5,088 |
| 13 years | $7,770 |
| 15 years | $10,453 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,817 |
| 21 years | $18,500 |
| 23 years | $21,182 |
| 25 years | $23,864 |
Top Solar Installers in Paulden
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Paulden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paulden
For many Paulden homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Paulden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,610 per kilowatt in Paulden. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Paulden to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Paulden, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $26,635 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $35,806 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $45,123 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $54,585 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $64,195 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $73,950 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $83,851 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $93,899 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Paulden, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Paulden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Paulden?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Paulden have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Paulden?
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.