Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sahuarita, AZ (2024 Update)

  • Sahuarita Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,727
  • Payback Period: 8.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sahuarita

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sahuarita.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sahuarita, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Sahuarita homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,974 with the federal tax credit, or $15,693 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Sahuarita for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Sahuarita

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,566
3 years$-6,750
5 years$-3,934
7 years$-1,118
9 years$1,698
11 years$4,514
13 years$7,331
15 years$10,147
17 years$12,963
19 years$15,779
21 years$18,595
23 years$21,412
25 years$24,228

Top Solar Installers in Sahuarita

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sahuarita, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Sahuarita

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sahuarita

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sahuarita: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,070.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sahuarita average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sahuarita, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.19$13,410$25,4298.6 years
8 kW$3.13$17,536$34,2498.5 years
10 kW$3.07$21,490$43,2418.3 years
12 kW$3.01$25,272$52,4058.1 years
14 kW$2.95$28,883$61,7418.0 years
16 kW$2.89$32,321$71,2497.8 years
18 kW$2.82$35,587$80,9297.6 years
20 kW$2.76$38,682$90,7817.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Sahuarita, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Sahuarita, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sahuarita?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Sahuarita?

Solar panels aren’t free in Sahuarita, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 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.