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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Thatcher typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Thatcher, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,135, or $15,923 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Thatcher can save about $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Thatcher for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Thatcher, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Thatcher: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,070 per kilowatt in Thatcher.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thatcher average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Thatcher to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Thatcher homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Thatcher, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Thatcher know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully 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 brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Thatcher?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Thatcher. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Thatcher?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.