Solar Panel Cost Guide in Safford, AZ (2024 Update)
- Safford Solar Installation Cost: $11,135
- 25-Year Savings: $25,317
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Safford
See how much it might cost to go solar in Safford.
In Safford, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Safford, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,135, or $15,923 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $27,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Safford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Safford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,484 |
| 3 years | $-6,183 |
| 5 years | $-2,882 |
| 7 years | $419 |
| 9 years | $3,720 |
| 11 years | $7,021 |
| 13 years | $10,323 |
| 15 years | $13,624 |
| 17 years | $16,925 |
| 19 years | $20,226 |
| 21 years | $23,527 |
| 23 years | $26,828 |
| 25 years | $30,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Safford
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Safford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Safford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Safford is $11,135, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Safford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Safford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Safford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Safford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $26,869 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $36,169 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $45,642 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $55,286 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $65,102 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $75,090 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $85,250 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $95,581 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Safford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Safford, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Safford?
The average cost of solar panels in Safford 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Safford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Safford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Safford?
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.