Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, AZ (2025 Update)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $26,077
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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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.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,974 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Vail can save about $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, 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
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
For many Vail homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vail, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few 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 influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Vail homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Vail, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Vail, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vail?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.