Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tucson Estates, AZ (2023 Update)
- Tucson Estates Solar Installation Cost: $9,330
- 25-Year Savings: $24,495
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tucson Estates
We break down average solar pricing in Tucson Estates.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tucson Estates it's 2.61 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,336 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tucson Estates 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 investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Tucson Estates for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tucson Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,774 |
| 3 years | $-4,662 |
| 5 years | $-1,550 |
| 7 years | $1,562 |
| 9 years | $4,674 |
| 11 years | $7,786 |
| 13 years | $10,898 |
| 15 years | $14,010 |
| 17 years | $17,122 |
| 19 years | $20,234 |
| 21 years | $23,346 |
| 23 years | $26,458 |
| 25 years | $29,570 |
Top Solar Installers in Tucson Estates
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Tucson Estates, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Tucson Estates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tucson Estates
For many Tucson Estates homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tucson Estates, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Tucson Estates' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tucson Estates have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.71 | $11,400 | $28,341 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $38,080 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $47,966 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $57,998 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $68,175 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $78,499 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $88,970 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $99,586 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
EcoWatch's Tucson Estates, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tucson Estates?
The average cost of solar panels in Tucson Estates 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Tucson Estates?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.