Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Carlos, AZ (2025 Update)

  • San Carlos Solar Installation Cost: $11,288
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,384
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 San Carlos

We go over average solar pricing in San Carlos.

In San Carlos, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in San Carlos is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,288 for a solar installation, or $16,142 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in San Carlos that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in San Carlos

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,642
3 years$-6,349
5 years$-3,057
7 years$236
9 years$3,529
11 years$6,821
13 years$10,114
15 years$13,406
17 years$16,699
19 years$19,991
21 years$23,284
23 years$26,577
25 years$29,869

Top Solar Installers in San Carlos

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in San Carlos, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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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

See all of the solar companies in San Carlos

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Carlos

Although the average cost of a solar system in San Carlos is $11,288, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in San Carlos, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many San Carlos homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in San Carlos, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.19$13,410$27,6908.2 years
8 kW$3.13$17,536$37,2638.0 years
10 kW$3.07$21,490$47,0097.8 years
12 kW$3.01$25,272$56,9277.7 years
14 kW$2.95$28,883$67,0167.5 years
16 kW$2.89$32,321$77,2787.4 years
18 kW$2.82$35,587$87,7117.2 years
20 kW$2.76$38,682$98,3167.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects 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.
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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

EcoWatch's San Carlos, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Carlos?

The average cost of solar panels in San Carlos is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in San Carlos?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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.

Does San Carlos have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

How long do solar panels last in San Carlos?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.