Solar panel costs in Arizona may be more affordable than many property owners realize. Solar panel systems differ based on their features, power generation opportunities, and overall size.
For those who are considering an investment in them, it is important to consider all factors that play a role in those costs, including the setup selected and even the availability of solar panel incentives that could lower costs.
SmartSolar offers a wide range of resources to help you determine how well solar panels fit into your budget. Contact us now for a free quote to find out how much a solar panel system in Arizona will cost you.
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arizona
Various factors impact the value of solar panel systems, but it is possible to provide an average. According to data from Fixr, the average solar panel system in Arizona will range from $12,900 to $15,180. This solar panel system is a 6 kW monocrystalline system that is mounted on the roof.
While this cost is a good starting point for the average cost of solar panels, there are many factors that play a role in what you can expect to pay for solar panels.
What Factors Determine the Cost of Solar Panels in Arizona?
You may know that Arizona gets a lot of sun each year, and that’s good news for those who want to invest in solar panels to save money on electric bills. However, before you do that, you need to have a good understanding of the factors that play a role in solar panel affordability. Here are some of them:
The size of the solar panel system
The larger the solar panel system is, the more expensive it will be. The average home needs a 6 kW system, but you may need a larger system. That’s especially true if you have a home with a large number of electronics and appliances or you like to keep the air conditioning set lower than average.
To find out what size solar panel is best for your needs, take a look at your electric bill from the last few months. There, the power company will list the number of kW-hours of electricity you need. Your solar system should offer at least that much power to meet your needs.
Added equipment for your home
Some solar panel systems are slightly more expensive because they incorporate storage systems. Most homes will benefit from having energy storage so that, when the sun isn’t shining, they still have power. However, this adds to the cost somewhat.
If you do not want to do this, you can remain connected to the power grid as you are now and draw on utility power when the sun isn’t available.
The type of solar panels used
Solar panels come in several forms. Each one is a bit different in how it works, and some are better than others when it comes to efficiency and overall functionality. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shares the following:
- Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient option, but they tend to cost more.
- Polycrystalline is less efficient, meaning you may need more to meet your needs, but it costs less.
- Thin film solar panels are less commonly used but are still rather affordable overall.
It's also important to think about how efficient the brand of solar panels you choose is, since this can vary from one brand to the next.
Your roof
Your home’s roof will play a role in the cost of solar panels. If the roof is in need of any repairs or upgrades, that is going to increase what you have to pay to have solar panels installed. If your roof isn’t large enough, that could mean you need a solar array that’s positioned on the ground, which could increase costs. A more complexly structured roof will cost a bit more to mount solar panels on.
The cost of installation
Solar installation companies typically charge a fee to install the system. The amount you pay will be dependent on the complexity and size of your solar panel system. However, you can shop around to find the most reliable provider at the best price.
How to Save Money on Arizona Solar Panel Costs
While the cost of solar panels in Arizona may seem high, there may be a few ways for you to reduce those costs substantially.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to invest in solar panels that meet the federal tax credit guidelines. This credit allows you to take a dollar-for-dollar credit on your federal income taxes for the amount you spend on solar panels, up to 30% of the total cost (depending on the year in which you install them). This could include the cost of installing solar PV panels, balance-of-system equipment, inverters, and ways to store energy. Solar tax credits are a solid way to save money.
You may also be able to reduce costs through state-sponsored savings programs and tax rebates. Keep in mind that costs can vary from year to year, but many people can save substantially. You also want to keep in mind the amount of money that a solar panel system could save you over the long term.
For example, you might be able to lower or eliminate your energy bill, which helps make up for the cost of a solar system.
How Do You Know How Much Solar Panels Will Cost You?
There are a lot of factors to think about when buying solar panels. The best way to find out what you can expect in your home based on your location, the type of system you need, and the overall power you want to produce is to request a quote.
SmartSolar will provide you with a free quote for how much solar panels cost in Arizona. Get started today with our homeowner quiz.
Meet the author:
Joey Cheek spent 10 years on the US National Speedskating Team where he competed in two Olympic Games, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. He attended Princeton before diving into the startup and tech world. In 2011 he launched a livestreaming platform for sports before leading a team of engineers building next-gen news and content apps for Fortune 100 companies. He is the CEO and co-founder of SmartSolar.org, whose mission is to move the earth to cheap, abundant, carbon-free energy.
