Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, AZ (2023 Update)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $9,336
- 25-Year Savings: $26,071
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vail
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Vail.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vail generally cost around 2.61. The average Vail 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.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Vail depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vail see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Vail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,920 |
| 3 years | $-5,087 |
| 5 years | $-2,255 |
| 7 years | $578 |
| 9 years | $3,410 |
| 11 years | $6,243 |
| 13 years | $9,076 |
| 15 years | $11,908 |
| 17 years | $14,741 |
| 19 years | $17,573 |
| 21 years | $20,406 |
| 23 years | $23,238 |
| 25 years | $26,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Vail
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Vail is $9,336, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,610. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Vail, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,199 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $40,557 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $51,062 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $61,713 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $72,510 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $83,453 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $94,543 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $105,778 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs 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 mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Vail, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vail?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Vail?
You can't get solar panels for free in Vail. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Vail?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Vail?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.