Solar Panel Cost Guide in Flagstaff, AZ (2024 Update)
- Flagstaff Solar Installation Cost: $11,891
- 25-Year Savings: $23,833
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Flagstaff
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Flagstaff.
In Flagstaff, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Flagstaff, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,891, or $17,004 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Flagstaff homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Flagstaff find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Flagstaff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,226 |
| 3 years | $-6,894 |
| 5 years | $-3,563 |
| 7 years | $-232 |
| 9 years | $3,099 |
| 11 years | $6,430 |
| 13 years | $9,761 |
| 15 years | $13,092 |
| 17 years | $16,423 |
| 19 years | $19,754 |
| 21 years | $23,085 |
| 23 years | $26,416 |
| 25 years | $29,747 |
Top Solar Installers in Flagstaff
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Flagstaff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Flagstaff
Though the average cost of a solar system in Flagstaff is $11,891, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,070 per kilowatt in Flagstaff.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Flagstaff homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Flagstaff’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $23,395 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $31,537 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $39,851 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $48,337 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $56,995 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $65,825 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $74,827 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $84,001 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Flagstaff, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Flagstaff?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Flagstaff?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Flagstaff. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Flagstaff?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.