Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surprise, AZ (2023 Update)
- Surprise 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 Surprise
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Surprise.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Surprise it's 2.61 per watt. The average Surprise homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,336 with the federal tax credit, or $13,350 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Surprise homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Surprise homeowners see about $27,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
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 Surprise
| 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 Surprise
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, 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 decide which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Surprise
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Surprise
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Surprise: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production 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 — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Surprise, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Surprise have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Surprise, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $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
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. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Surprise, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Surprise?
The average cost of solar panels in Surprise is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.