Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cave Creek, AZ (2025 Update)
- Cave Creek Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $24,874
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cave Creek
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cave Creek.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cave Creek is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Cave Creek, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,991, or $15,717 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cave Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,326 |
| 3 years | $-5,995 |
| 5 years | $-2,664 |
| 7 years | $668 |
| 9 years | $3,999 |
| 11 years | $7,330 |
| 13 years | $10,661 |
| 15 years | $13,992 |
| 17 years | $17,323 |
| 19 years | $20,654 |
| 21 years | $23,985 |
| 23 years | $27,316 |
| 25 years | $30,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Cave Creek
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Cave Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cave Creek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cave Creek is $10,991, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 $3,070. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cave Creek to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cave Creek homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Cave Creek, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $26,732 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $35,986 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $45,413 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $55,011 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $64,781 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $74,723 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $84,837 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $95,123 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely 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 component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Cave Creek, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cave Creek?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cave Creek?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cave Creek. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cave Creek?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Cave Creek?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.