Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thatcher, AZ (2024 Update)
- Thatcher Solar Installation Cost: $11,135
- 25-Year Savings: $25,227
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thatcher
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thatcher.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Thatcher it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Thatcher, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,135, or $15,923 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Thatcher homeowner can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thatcher
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,533 |
| 3 years | $-6,330 |
| 5 years | $-3,126 |
| 7 years | $78 |
| 9 years | $3,281 |
| 11 years | $6,485 |
| 13 years | $9,688 |
| 15 years | $12,892 |
| 17 years | $16,095 |
| 19 years | $19,299 |
| 21 years | $22,502 |
| 23 years | $25,706 |
| 25 years | $28,909 |
Top Solar Installers in Thatcher
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Thatcher, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Thatcher, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
See all of the solar companies in Thatcher
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thatcher
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Thatcher: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,070 per kilowatt in Thatcher.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Thatcher have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Thatcher homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.19 | $13,410 | $26,765 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $36,030 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $45,467 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $55,077 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $64,858 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $74,811 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $84,936 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $95,233 | 7.2 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
EcoWatch's Thatcher, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thatcher?
The average cost of solar panels in Thatcher is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Thatcher?
Solar panels aren’t free in Thatcher, 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.
Does Thatcher have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.