Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ (2023 Update)
- Sierra Vista Southeast Solar Installation Cost: $9,431
- 25-Year Savings: $27,532
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sierra Vista Southeast
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sierra Vista Southeast.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sierra Vista Southeast typically cost around 2.61. Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Sierra Vista Southeast, the average price of going solar will be about $9,427 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sierra Vista Southeast can save about $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sierra Vista Southeast for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sierra Vista Southeast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,308 |
| 3 years | $-9,062 |
| 5 years | $-8,815 |
| 7 years | $-8,569 |
| 9 years | $-8,322 |
| 11 years | $-8,076 |
| 13 years | $-7,830 |
| 15 years | $-7,583 |
| 17 years | $-7,337 |
| 19 years | $-7,090 |
| 21 years | $-6,844 |
| 23 years | $-6,597 |
| 25 years | $-6,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Sierra Vista Southeast
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Sierra Vista Southeast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sierra Vista Southeast
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sierra Vista Southeast: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,610 per kilowatt in Sierra Vista Southeast. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sierra Vista Southeast, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sierra Vista Southeast, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 want and also fits 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 | $31,562 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $42,375 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $53,334 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $64,439 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $75,691 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $87,089 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $98,632 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $110,322 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sierra Vista Southeast?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sierra Vista Southeast?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sierra Vista Southeast, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.