Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Manuel, AZ (2024 Update)

  • San Manuel Solar Installation Cost: $11,072
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,029
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 San Manuel

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

The average cost of a solar panel system in San Manuel is 3 per watt.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in San Manuel, the average price of going solar will be about $11,072 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in San Manuel see about $26,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in San Manuel

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,407
3 years $-6,076
5 years $-2,744
7 years $587
9 years $3,918
11 years $7,249
13 years $10,580
15 years $13,911
17 years $17,242
19 years $20,573
21 years $23,904
23 years $27,235
25 years $30,566

Top Solar Installers in San Manuel

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in San Manuel

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Manuel

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in San Manuel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,070. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in San Manuel, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. San Manuel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 $27,864 8.1 years
8 kW $3.13 $17,536 $37,495 8.0 years
10 kW $3.07 $21,490 $47,299 7.8 years
12 kW $3.01 $25,272 $57,275 7.7 years
14 kW $2.95 $28,883 $67,422 7.5 years
16 kW $2.89 $32,321 $77,741 7.3 years
18 kW $2.82 $35,587 $88,233 7.2 years
20 kW $2.76 $38,682 $98,896 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's San Manuel, AZ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Manuel?

The average cost of solar panels in San Manuel 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in San Manuel?

You can’t get solar panels for free in San Manuel. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in San Manuel?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

Follow us