Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun Lakes, AZ (2023 Update)
- Sun Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $24,812
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun Lakes
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sun Lakes.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sun Lakes it's 2.61 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sun Lakes, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,336, or $13,350 before 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 use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sun Lakes can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sun Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,970 |
| 3 years | $-5,238 |
| 5 years | $-2,506 |
| 7 years | $225 |
| 9 years | $2,957 |
| 11 years | $5,689 |
| 13 years | $8,421 |
| 15 years | $11,153 |
| 17 years | $13,884 |
| 19 years | $16,616 |
| 21 years | $19,348 |
| 23 years | $22,080 |
| 25 years | $24,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun Lakes
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Sun Lakes, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun Lakes
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Sun Lakes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,610. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sun Lakes, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sun Lakes is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $28,658 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $38,504 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $48,495 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $58,632 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $68,916 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $79,346 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $89,921 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $100,644 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sun Lakes, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sun Lakes?
The average cost of solar panels in Sun Lakes is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sun Lakes?
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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sun Lakes is currently $325,800, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,358 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sun Lakes is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Sun Lakes?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.