Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Rico, AZ (2024 Update)
- Rio Rico Solar Installation Cost: $11,120
- 25-Year Savings: $20,385
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Rico
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rio Rico.
The average cost of a solar system in Rio Rico is 3 per watt.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rio Rico, the average price of going solar will be about $11,120 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rio Rico homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rio Rico can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rio Rico
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,860 |
| 3 years | $-7,339 |
| 5 years | $-4,819 |
| 7 years | $-2,299 |
| 9 years | $222 |
| 11 years | $2,742 |
| 13 years | $5,263 |
| 15 years | $7,783 |
| 17 years | $10,303 |
| 19 years | $12,824 |
| 21 years | $15,344 |
| 23 years | $17,864 |
| 25 years | $20,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Rio Rico
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Rio Rico
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rio Rico
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,070 per kilowatt in Rio Rico.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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 Rio Rico to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Rio Rico’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $23,864 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $32,163 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $40,633 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $49,276 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $58,090 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $67,076 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $76,235 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $85,565 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Rio Rico, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rio Rico?
The average cost of solar panels in Rio Rico 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 certain factors 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 Rio Rico?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.