Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, AZ (2024 Update)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $26,077
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vail
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vail.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vail it’s 3 per watt.The average Vail homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,974 with the federal tax credit, or $15,693 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Vail based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,418 |
| 3 years | $-6,306 |
| 5 years | $-3,194 |
| 7 years | $-82 |
| 9 years | $3,030 |
| 11 years | $6,142 |
| 13 years | $9,253 |
| 15 years | $12,365 |
| 17 years | $15,477 |
| 19 years | $18,589 |
| 21 years | $21,701 |
| 23 years | $24,813 |
| 25 years | $27,925 |
Top Solar Installers in Vail
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vail:
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 Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
Though the average cost of a solar system in Vail is $10,974, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Vail, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Vail, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Vail homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vail homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.19 | $13,410 | $28,190 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $37,930 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $47,842 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $57,926 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $68,182 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $78,611 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $89,210 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $99,982 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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 around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Vail, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vail?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vail?
Solar panels aren’t free in Vail, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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.