Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Defiance, AZ (2024 Update)
- Fort Defiance Solar Installation Cost: $12,035
- 25-Year Savings: $21,009
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Defiance
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Defiance.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Defiance generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Defiance, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,035, or $17,210 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fort Defiance see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Fort Defiance, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Defiance
| 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 Fort Defiance
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fort Defiance
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Defiance
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Defiance is $12,035, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,070.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Defiance have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.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 above the equipment and labor 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 opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Fort Defiance’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 solar panel 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:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Fort Defiance, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Defiance?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Defiance 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Fort Defiance?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Defiance. 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,115.70 per year.
How many solar panels do I need 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 buy 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.