Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Tucson, AZ (2024 Update)
- South Tucson Solar Installation Cost: $10,974
- 25-Year Savings: $22,609
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Tucson
We go over average solar pricing in South Tucson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Tucson it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Tucson is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,974 for a solar installation, or $15,693 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in South Tucson based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in South Tucson for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in South Tucson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,418 |
| 3 years | $-6,306 |
| 5 years | $-3,194 |
| 7 years | $-82 |
| 9 years | $3,030 |
| 11 years | $6,142 |
| 13 years | $9,253 |
| 15 years | $12,365 |
| 17 years | $15,477 |
| 19 years | $18,589 |
| 21 years | $21,701 |
| 23 years | $24,813 |
| 25 years | $27,925 |
Top Solar Installers in South Tucson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in South Tucson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Tucson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Tucson
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in South Tucson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Tucson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Tucson to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Tucson homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in South Tucson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in South Tucson have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $24,115 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $32,497 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $41,051 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $49,778 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $58,676 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $67,745 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $76,987 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $86,401 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 South Tucson, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Tucson?
The average cost of solar panels in South Tucson 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 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 South Tucson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.