Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ (2024 Update)

  • Pinetop-Lakeside Solar Installation Cost: $11,908
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,851
  • Payback Period: 8.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinetop-Lakeside

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Pinetop-Lakeside.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pinetop-Lakeside typically cost around 3.Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Pinetop-Lakeside, the average price of going solar will be about $11,908 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pinetop-Lakeside homeowner. 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pinetop-Lakeside

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,243
3 years $-6,911
5 years $-3,580
7 years $-249
9 years $3,082
11 years $6,413
13 years $9,744
15 years $13,075
17 years $16,406
19 years $19,737
21 years $23,068
23 years $26,399
25 years $29,730

Top Solar Installers in Pinetop-Lakeside

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Pinetop-Lakeside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinetop-Lakeside

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Pinetop-Lakeside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,070. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking 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 installers in Pinetop-Lakeside offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 $3.19 $13,410 $25,543 8.6 years
8 kW $3.13 $17,536 $34,401 8.4 years
10 kW $3.07 $21,490 $43,431 8.3 years
12 kW $3.01 $25,272 $52,633 8.1 years
14 kW $2.95 $28,883 $62,007 7.9 years
16 kW $2.89 $32,321 $71,553 7.8 years
18 kW $2.82 $35,587 $81,271 7.6 years
20 kW $2.76 $38,682 $91,161 7.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When looking 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 the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pinetop-Lakeside?

The average cost of solar panels in Pinetop-Lakeside 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Pinetop-Lakeside?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Pinetop-Lakeside. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pinetop-Lakeside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 higher 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.

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