Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prescott, AZ (2023 Update)
- Prescott Solar Installation Cost: $9,665
- 25-Year Savings: $24,910
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prescott
See how much it might cost to go solar in Prescott.
In Prescott, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Prescott is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,665 for a solar installation, or $13,821 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Prescott can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prescott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,282 |
| 3 years | $-5,516 |
| 5 years | $-2,750 |
| 7 years | $16 |
| 9 years | $2,782 |
| 11 years | $5,548 |
| 13 years | $8,314 |
| 15 years | $11,080 |
| 17 years | $13,846 |
| 19 years | $16,612 |
| 21 years | $19,378 |
| 23 years | $22,144 |
| 25 years | $24,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Prescott
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Prescott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prescott
For many Prescott homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prescott, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Prescott, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Prescott average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prescott to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Prescott homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.71 | $11,400 | $27,821 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $37,387 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $47,099 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $56,958 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $66,962 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $77,113 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $87,410 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $97,853 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 past customers.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Prescott, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prescott?
The average cost of solar panels in Prescott 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prescott?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.