Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottonwood, AZ (2024 Update)
- Cottonwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,366
- 25-Year Savings: $26,306
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottonwood
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cottonwood.
In Cottonwood, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cottonwood, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,366, or $16,253 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cottonwood see about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottonwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,701 |
| 3 years | $-6,370 |
| 5 years | $-3,039 |
| 7 years | $292 |
| 9 years | $3,624 |
| 11 years | $6,955 |
| 13 years | $10,286 |
| 15 years | $13,617 |
| 17 years | $16,948 |
| 19 years | $20,279 |
| 21 years | $23,610 |
| 23 years | $26,941 |
| 25 years | $30,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottonwood
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cottonwood:
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 Cottonwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottonwood
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,070. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cottonwood, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cottonwood, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Cottonwood, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cottonwood have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $27,393 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $36,868 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $46,515 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $56,334 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $66,324 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $76,487 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $86,822 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $97,328 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Cottonwood, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottonwood?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cottonwood?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.