Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summit, AZ (2024 Update)
- Summit 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 Summit
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Summit.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Summit is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,974 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Summit that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Summit
| 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 Summit
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Summit:
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 Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summit
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Summit: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over 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. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Summit provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Summit’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they 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 Summit, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summit?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Summit?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summit. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Summit?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.