Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chinle, AZ (2024 Update)
- Chinle Solar Installation Cost: $12,035
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chinle
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chinle.
In Chinle, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Chinle, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,035, or $17,210 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Chinle for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chinle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,324 |
| 3 years | $-6,903 |
| 5 years | $-3,481 |
| 7 years | $-60 |
| 9 years | $3,361 |
| 11 years | $6,783 |
| 13 years | $10,204 |
| 15 years | $13,625 |
| 17 years | $17,046 |
| 19 years | $20,468 |
| 21 years | $23,889 |
| 23 years | $27,310 |
| 25 years | $30,732 |
Top Solar Installers in Chinle
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Chinle:
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 Chinle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chinle
For many Chinle homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chinle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,070 per kilowatt in Chinle.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chinle average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chinle to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chinle is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,061 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $27,092 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $34,295 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $41,670 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $49,216 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $56,935 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $64,825 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $72,888 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Chinle, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chinle?
The average cost of solar panels in Chinle is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Chinle have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Chinle?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
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.