Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra Vista, AZ (2023 Update)
- Sierra Vista Solar Installation Cost: $9,431
- 25-Year Savings: $27,864
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sierra Vista
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Sierra Vista.
In Sierra Vista, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sierra Vista, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,427, or $13,481 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sierra Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,307 |
| 3 years | $-9,058 |
| 5 years | $-8,810 |
| 7 years | $-8,561 |
| 9 years | $-8,312 |
| 11 years | $-8,064 |
| 13 years | $-7,815 |
| 15 years | $-7,566 |
| 17 years | $-7,318 |
| 19 years | $-7,069 |
| 21 years | $-6,821 |
| 23 years | $-6,572 |
| 25 years | $-6,323 |
Top Solar Installers in Sierra Vista
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Sierra Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sierra Vista
There are many criteria that can play into 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
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by about $2,610. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sierra Vista, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Sierra Vista is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $31,947 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $42,889 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $53,976 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $65,210 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $76,590 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $88,116 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $99,788 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $111,607 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Sierra Vista, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable 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 research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Sierra Vista, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sierra Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Sierra Vista is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sierra Vista?
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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sierra Vista is currently $153,791, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,305 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sierra Vista is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.