Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Carlos, AZ (2024 Update)
- San Carlos Solar Installation Cost: $11,288
- 25-Year Savings: $26,384
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Carlos
We go over average solar pricing in San Carlos.
In San Carlos, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in San Carlos is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,288 for a solar installation, or $16,142 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of San Carlos homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in San Carlos can save about $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Carlos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,642 |
| 3 years | $-6,349 |
| 5 years | $-3,057 |
| 7 years | $236 |
| 9 years | $3,529 |
| 11 years | $6,821 |
| 13 years | $10,114 |
| 15 years | $13,406 |
| 17 years | $16,699 |
| 19 years | $19,991 |
| 21 years | $23,284 |
| 23 years | $26,577 |
| 25 years | $29,869 |
Top Solar Installers in San Carlos
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 San Carlos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Carlos
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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’re only able to 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
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $27,690 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $37,263 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $47,009 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $56,927 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $67,016 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $77,278 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $87,711 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $98,316 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 San Carlos, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Carlos?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in San Carlos?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in San Carlos?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in San Carlos?
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.