Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Tucson, AZ (2024 Update)
- South Tucson Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $22,609
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Tucson
We go over average solar pricing in South Tucson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Tucson, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,974 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in South Tucson based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $24,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Tucson find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Tucson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,418 |
| 3 years | $-6,306 |
| 5 years | $-3,194 |
| 7 years | $-82 |
| 9 years | $3,030 |
| 11 years | $6,142 |
| 13 years | $9,253 |
| 15 years | $12,365 |
| 17 years | $15,477 |
| 19 years | $18,589 |
| 21 years | $21,701 |
| 23 years | $24,813 |
| 25 years | $27,925 |
Top Solar Installers in South Tucson
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Tucson, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in South Tucson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Tucson
There are many criteria that can influence 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in South Tucson, one of the most crucial 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 about $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Tucson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Tucson to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in South Tucson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $24,115 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $32,497 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $41,051 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $49,778 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $58,676 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $67,745 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $76,987 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $86,401 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in South Tucson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's South Tucson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Tucson?
The average cost of solar panels in South Tucson 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Tucson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 South Tucson is currently $399,412, so you could be looking at a value of about $16,376 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Tucson 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 need to know 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 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.