Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun City, AZ (2023 Update)
- Sun City Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $25,582
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun City
We break down average solar pricing in Sun City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sun City 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sun City can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Sun City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sun City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,939 |
| 3 years | $-5,146 |
| 5 years | $-2,352 |
| 7 years | $441 |
| 9 years | $3,235 |
| 11 years | $6,028 |
| 13 years | $8,822 |
| 15 years | $11,615 |
| 17 years | $14,408 |
| 19 years | $17,202 |
| 21 years | $19,995 |
| 23 years | $22,789 |
| 25 years | $25,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sun City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun City
The cost of installing a solar system in Sun City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Sun City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,610 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sun City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind 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 choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $29,563 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $39,709 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $50,002 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $60,441 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $71,026 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $81,757 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $92,634 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $103,657 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sun City, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sun City?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sun City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sun City. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Sun City?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.