Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Tucson, AZ (Jan 2023)
- South Tucson Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $22,603
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Tucson
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in South Tucson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Tucson it's $3 per watt. The average South Tucson homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,336, or $6,909 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average South Tucson homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Tucson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,058 |
| 3 years | $-5,503 |
| 5 years | $-2,948 |
| 7 years | $-393 |
| 9 years | $2,162 |
| 11 years | $4,717 |
| 13 years | $7,272 |
| 15 years | $9,827 |
| 17 years | $12,382 |
| 19 years | $14,937 |
| 21 years | $17,493 |
| 23 years | $20,048 |
| 25 years | $22,603 |
Top Solar Installers in South Tucson
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in South Tucson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Tucson
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Tucson is $9,336, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,610. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Tucson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $26,124 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $35,125 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $44,271 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $53,564 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $63,003 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $72,588 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $82,320 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $92,197 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's South Tucson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Tucson?
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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 uses 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.