Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benson, AZ (2024 Update)
- Benson Solar Installation Cost: $11,093
- 25-Year Savings: $26,849
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benson
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Benson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Benson, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Benson, the average price of going solar will be about $11,093 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Benson homeowner can save about $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,435 |
| 3 years | $-6,119 |
| 5 years | $-2,803 |
| 7 years | $513 |
| 9 years | $3,829 |
| 11 years | $7,145 |
| 13 years | $10,461 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,093 |
| 19 years | $20,410 |
| 21 years | $23,726 |
| 23 years | $27,042 |
| 25 years | $30,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Benson
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Benson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benson
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,070 per kilowatt in Benson.The brand and kind 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Benson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $28,759 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $38,689 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $48,791 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $59,065 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $69,511 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $80,129 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $90,919 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $101,881 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Benson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benson?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Benson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Benson is currently $245,736, so you can expect a value of about $10,075 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Benson is a worthwhile investment.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.