Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun City West, AZ (2023 Update)
- Sun City West Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $26,633
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun City West
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sun City West.
In Sun City West, solar panels cost about 2.61 per watt on average. 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 may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Sun City West homeowner can save about $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sun City West
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,897 |
| 3 years | $-5,020 |
| 5 years | $-2,142 |
| 7 years | $735 |
| 9 years | $3,613 |
| 11 years | $6,490 |
| 13 years | $9,368 |
| 15 years | $12,245 |
| 17 years | $15,123 |
| 19 years | $18,000 |
| 21 years | $20,878 |
| 23 years | $23,755 |
| 25 years | $26,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun City West
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 West
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun City West
While the average cost of a solar system in Sun City West is $9,336, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sun City West, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall 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 increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sun City West homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sun City West is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $30,795 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $41,352 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $52,056 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $62,905 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $73,901 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $85,043 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $96,331 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $107,765 | 5.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sun City West, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sun City West?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sun City West?
Solar panels aren't free in Sun City West, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sun City West?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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.