Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tucson, AZ (2024 Update)
- Tucson Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $24,142
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tucson
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Tucson.
In Tucson, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Tucson is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,974 for a solar installation, or $15,693 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tucson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,416 |
| 3 years | $-6,299 |
| 5 years | $-3,182 |
| 7 years | $-65 |
| 9 years | $3,052 |
| 11 years | $6,169 |
| 13 years | $9,286 |
| 15 years | $12,403 |
| 17 years | $15,520 |
| 19 years | $18,637 |
| 21 years | $21,754 |
| 23 years | $24,871 |
| 25 years | $27,988 |
Top Solar Installers in Tucson
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
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 Tucson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tucson
While the average cost of a solar system in Tucson is $10,974, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 $3,070. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tucson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tucson homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Tucson know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $25,917 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $34,900 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $44,055 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $53,381 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $62,880 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $72,551 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $82,393 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $92,408 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
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 Tucson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tucson?
The average cost of solar panels in Tucson 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 stuff such as the model 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 without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.