Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, AZ (2024 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $11,093
- 25-Year Savings: $27,532
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Douglas.
In Douglas, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $11,093 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $27,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Douglas find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| 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 Douglas
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Douglas, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
Although the average cost of a solar system in Douglas is $11,093, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 nearly $3,070. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Douglas, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Douglas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Douglas know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $29,553 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $39,747 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $50,114 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $60,653 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $71,363 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $82,246 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $93,300 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $104,526 | 6.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Douglas, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Douglas?
Solar panels aren’t free in Douglas, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,432.08 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Douglas?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.