Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scottsdale, AZ (2023 Update)
- Scottsdale Solar Installation Cost: $9,344
- 25-Year Savings: $23,964
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scottsdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Scottsdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Scottsdale it's 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,336 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Scottsdale depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Scottsdale for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Scottsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,716 |
| 3 years | $-4,461 |
| 5 years | $-1,205 |
| 7 years | $2,051 |
| 9 years | $5,307 |
| 11 years | $8,563 |
| 13 years | $11,818 |
| 15 years | $15,074 |
| 17 years | $18,330 |
| 19 years | $21,586 |
| 21 years | $24,842 |
| 23 years | $28,097 |
| 25 years | $31,353 |
Top Solar Installers in Scottsdale
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Scottsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scottsdale
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,610 per kilowatt in Scottsdale. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scottsdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Scottsdale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scottsdale homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Scottsdale is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 | $2.71 | $11,400 | $27,674 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $37,191 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $46,855 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $56,664 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $66,620 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $76,721 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $86,969 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $97,363 | 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Scottsdale, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scottsdale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scottsdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,302.49 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.