Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Havasu City, AZ (2024 Update)
- Lake Havasu City Solar Installation Cost: $11,560
- 25-Year Savings: $20,184
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Havasu City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lake Havasu City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake Havasu City generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lake Havasu City, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,560, or $16,531 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lake Havasu City based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lake Havasu City see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Lake Havasu City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Havasu City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,097 |
| 3 years | $-7,171 |
| 5 years | $-4,246 |
| 7 years | $-1,320 |
| 9 years | $1,606 |
| 11 years | $4,532 |
| 13 years | $7,457 |
| 15 years | $10,383 |
| 17 years | $13,309 |
| 19 years | $16,234 |
| 21 years | $19,160 |
| 23 years | $22,086 |
| 25 years | $25,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Havasu City
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lake Havasu City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Havasu City
The cost of installing a solar system in Lake Havasu City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lake Havasu City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lake Havasu City, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lake Havasu City, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk 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 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 | $20,065 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $27,097 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $34,302 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $41,678 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $49,226 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $56,945 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $64,837 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $72,901 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Lake Havasu City, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Havasu City?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Havasu City 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lake Havasu City?
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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lake Havasu City?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.