Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scottsdale, AZ (2024 Update)
- Scottsdale Solar Installation Cost: $10,991
- 25-Year Savings: $23,964
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scottsdale
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Scottsdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Scottsdale is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $10,991 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Scottsdale homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Scottsdale for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Scottsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,363 |
| 3 years | $-6,108 |
| 5 years | $-2,852 |
| 7 years | $404 |
| 9 years | $3,660 |
| 11 years | $6,916 |
| 13 years | $10,172 |
| 15 years | $13,427 |
| 17 years | $16,683 |
| 19 years | $19,939 |
| 21 years | $23,195 |
| 23 years | $26,451 |
| 25 years | $29,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Scottsdale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Scottsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scottsdale
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Scottsdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Scottsdale, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Scottsdale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 provides 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 | $25,665 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.13 | $17,536 | $34,564 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.07 | $21,490 | $43,635 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.01 | $25,272 | $52,877 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.95 | $28,883 | $62,292 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.89 | $32,321 | $71,878 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.82 | $35,587 | $81,637 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.76 | $38,682 | $91,567 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Scottsdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Scottsdale, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scottsdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Scottsdale is about $15,350 for a 5-kW system and $30,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scottsdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 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.