Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Is Solar Worth It In Arizona

Savings And Payback Period

Is Solar Worth It in AZ? | Solar Panel Investment In 2022

Seeing that the average lifespan of a solar panel system is 25 to 30 years, overall savings amounts are most often calculated over a 25 year period of time. Determining the overall savings is fairly straightforward and includes a few key data points that are specific to the area in which solar is to be installed. For the state of Arizona, the average solar production is multiplied by the average electricity rates resulting in the annual average savings of $2,015. This is then multiplied by a factor of 25 to account for the savings time period, and the resulting amount is reduced by the initial cost of the system . After all calculations are complete, total overall savings equate to $39,994 for a 6kWh grid-tied system in the state of Arizona.

The high value of overall savings in Arizona help contribute to a low payback period of only 5.2 years. This means that in 5.2 years time, the system will pay for itself!

Are Solar Panels Illegal In Arizona

Arizona law prohibits HOAs from outlawing the installation of solar panels. HOAs can create some limits with regard to solar panel installations. These limitations cannot prohibit solar panels outright or effectively prohibit them by making solar too expensive or complicated to install. Courts have upheld this law.

Is Arizona Good For Solar Energy

In this article, well discuss whether solar is worth it for the majority of Arizona homeowners, but whether solar panels are worth it will ultimately depend on your homes configuration and your energy needs. To speak with an EcoWatch-vetted professional who can help you determine whether solar is worth it for your Arizona home, follow the links below.

Jump to Section:

Arizona is the sunniest state in the entire country, with residents enjoying over 300 days of sunshine every year. Its no surprise that solar conversions in Arizona are generally worth the investment, but many homeowners see the average installation price of $30,015 or $21,011 after the 30% federal tax credit and wonder how it could be worth the upfront fees. Moreover, many people will wonder if their home specifically will benefit from solar conversion. Below, youll find a detailed guide on how to figure out if going solar is right for your Arizona home. Youll also find some information on the many benefits of installing solar panels and some things to keep in mind throughout the process.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Get Solar Panels For My House

What Direction Is Best For Solar Panels In Arizona

The most efficient direction for solar panel array to point in the Northern hemisphere is South. However, its not disastrous if this isnt entirely possible for some reason. Professional solar stallers can find many ways around such problems.

Solar panel arrays can also be pointed Southwest, or South East and yes, even point towards the East or the West. Pointing solar panels North isnt a great idea, because direct sunlight gives the best solar output.

As a general rule, roofs with normal tilt angles can generate considerable power pointing North, because of diffuse light. Its just not the perfect orientation for maximum output watts.

What Is The Condition Of The Roof

Nighttime solar power being tested in Arizona

If the roof is near the end of its useful life, new shingles should be placed before or during the installation of solar panels.

If the roof will need to be replaced in a few years, it can cost $2,000 or more to remove the solar panels to make way for that work. So, waiting to install the panels, or proceeding with the new shingles, is prudent.

Installation companies consulted for this story said there is no problem installing solar on homes that have recently reshingled, as the companies can place the equipment without causing problems on a good roof.

You May Like: How To Make Replacement Stakes For Solar Lights

How To Get The Best Price On Solar Panels In Arizona

Solar is a major purchase, and one that is often accompanied by significant complexity. With that in mind, most solar shoppers in the US compare two to five solar quotes before making a decision. Why? Comparing multiple solar quotes saves you money.

There are two primary reasons that comparing multiple solar quotes can save you money: competition and transparency. The competition effect means that each additional quote you receive for solar will help you to find the right solar panel system at the right price. Transparency can be trickier to put a price tag on, but for a market that has historically been opaque, knowing what equipment will be installed on your roofand the quality of that equipmenthelps to ensure youre getting the best solar solution for your needs.

This is where EnergySage can help: we take the hard work out of finding, calling and trying to compare quotes from different installers, by gathering custom solar quotes from local installers on your behalf and putting them in an easy-to-compare, side-by side format. When you receive multiple solar quotes through EnergySage, the two of these components combine, allowing you to save 15 to 25 percent on the cost of solar compared to going solar outside of EnergySage. .

Brings Down Your Carbon Impression

Contamination has longterm adverse consequences on both nearby conditions and the planet overall. Fortunately, many organizations and people the same are currently deciding to diminish their carbon impression however much as could be expected.

Without the utilization of petroleum products, sun powered charger frameworks will give energy that is far cleaner than that from different sources. Look at the natural advantages of sun powered energy at EnergySage.

Read Also: What Can You Run Off A 400 Watt Solar System

Is Solar In Arizona Worth It

Is solar in Arizona worth it? The price of solar panels is quite a bit in Arizona, but they also bump up your property value quite significantly. Based on data from Zillow, the typical homeowner will see a 4.1% value increase after going solar. 3 Given the average home value of $415,372 in Arizona, thats an average value increase of $17,030.

Who is the top rated solar company?

Top 10 Solar Companies

  • Blue Raven Solar: Best Benefits.
  • Green Home Systems: Best Solar Roofing Options.
  • Elevation: Best for Whole-Home Integration.
  • Trinity Solar: Most Experienced.
  • Tesla: Best Availability.
  • Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Service.

Is sunrun owned by Costco? Costco has a partnership with Sunrun, one of the largest residential solar companies in the country, to offer their members special benefits when they go solar. Here are the details of Costcos partnership with Sunrun.

Why solar panels are not popular in Arizona? Policy climate

Nasty public battles between the solar industry, utilities and the states government over net metering have been ongoing for years, which is what some experts cite as the cause for the drop in solar installations in the state.

Save Money On Your Electric Bill

Is Solar Worth it in Arizona? [The TRUTH About Solar in AZ]

Theres no getting around it, keeping your home cool and comfortable during summer temperatures can bring high electric costs. Now you can reduce the amount of electricity consumed at home or invest in solar panels. While the amount of savings may vary, you can consult a solar specialist to determine your energy usage and discuss a solar energy system that can meet your saving goals.

Don’t Miss: Do Solar Panels Need To Face The Sun

Wrap Up: Is Solar Worth It In Arizona

As the sunniest state in the nation, Arizona consistently ranks as one of the best states to convert to solar power. However, installing solar panels isnt right for everyone. Its best to assess your monthly energy bills, figure out how much sun your property gets, calculate the size and total expense of the solar panel array you need, determine your panel payback period, and more before diving into this clean energy source.

You should also consider your financing options and your expected return on investment to determine if solar is a good option for your home. We strongly recommend contacting a reputable solar installer in your area to have them complete a professional review of your situation and your home to find out if solar is a worthwhile investment.

Arizona Solar Panel Costs

The cost of solar systems in Arizona depends on many factors, including the number of panels needed to power your home, installation costs, permits and equipment like solar batteries. Arizona’s median size of solar systems is larger than the US median size, but the price per watt is less expensive. Here’s a look into the size and cost of solar systems in Arizona, based on the Tracking the Sun report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Don’t Miss: Can You Have Solar Panels On A Flat Roof

Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value In Arizona

Yes, installing solar panels on your Arizona home will increase its value. When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. The same monthly savings you find attractive will prove a compelling and marketable feature should you decide to list your home. Of course, finding the best return on investment for your solar panel system requires finding the right buyer. Certain people find solar panel systems more appealing when purchasing a home, and youll likely find buyer attitudes varying depending on how youve decided to finance your system.

Do you still have questions that need answered before you go solar? FOR Energy is ready to answer them for you! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Where Can I Find The Best Solar Installers In Arizona

Arizona Public Service Enters the Rooftop Solar Business: Good for ...

Our site has thousands of reviews for Arizona solar installers and we also publish a list of the best-rated solar companies in each city in Arizona.

You can use our solar calculator below to see solar panel offers from top-rated solar companies in Arizona. Our calculator will also estimate the cost of solar panels, solar savings, and payback period for any location in Arizona to use it, start by entering your zip code below.

See solar panel costs & savings for your home in Arizona

Also Check: Can I Buy Solar Panels And Install Myself

The Central Government Will Give You Another 30%

Believe it or not! As indicated by AZCentral.com, the public authority is as yet offering 30% tax break to property holders who go sun powered. After this year the credit will diminish to 26%, so its ideal to act now to in any case get your 30%. Mortgage holders can save more than $25,000 in power reserve funds north of 25 years.

What Is Net Metering

Net metering, or net energy metering is a billing mechanism that enables you to send extra solar energy your solar panels generate beyond what your home can consume at the moment back into the electric grid. In return, you earn credit that you can use to offset the cost of electricity you pull from the grid in the future.

The value of the credit depends on how electricity rates and net metering policies are structured in your utility. In Arizona, the largest utilities offer an export credit.

  • Arizona Public Service : approximately 9.4 cents/kWh
  • Tucson Electric Power : approximately 7.8 cents/kWh
  • Salt River Project : approximately 2.8 cents/kWh

Learn more about net metering here

Also Check: Does Tesla Manufacture Solar Panels

Does Arizona Have Net Metering

Arizona has what is called net billing instead of net metering. This is also known as a feed-in tariff. With net billing, the utility company credits you as the customer for any excess energy you send back to the grid that your solar panels overproduce.

The difference between net billing and net metering is that with net billing the utility company does not have to give you credits that amount to the retail rate of energy. They are allowed to credit you at a lower rate and that number is up to them. These credits still add up though and you are able to apply them to future bills when you might need to use grid energy at night, during the winter, or whenever.

Whats The Payback Period For Solar In Arizona

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Arizona? [YES]

Through monthly energy savings, solar panels almost always pay for themselves and then provide additional savings. The time it takes for the savings to offset the total upfront fees of the system is called the solar panel payback period. The typical Arizonan sees a return on their initial solar investment in 12 years, which is right in line with the national average. Most AZ homeowners will pay off their systems in between 9 and 15 years. We recommend using a solar calculator or having a solar installer assess your home to estimate your payback period. If its longer than 15 years, your overall savings will be lower than average. Youll still save money in the long run, but it will take longer to recuperate your initial investment.

Don’t Miss: Are Solar Panels A Tax Write Off

Why Is Home Solar The Best Alternative In Arizona

Arizona receives sunlight throughout the year, and this allows residential solar users lifelong benefits. It is unlikely that you will not receive energy throughout the year. Still not convinced? Here are some solar energy Arizona facts that will blow your mind-

  • Arizonas vast majority of its energy comes from non-renewable sources. 90% of electricity Arizona get is from non-renewable sources.
  • According to recent studies, solar penetration in Arizona, residential and consumer combined is approximately 5%, which is better than the 1.5% solar penetration of the national average.

Who Qualifies For The Investment Tax Credit

Anyone who has or wants a solar energy system installed qualifies for the incentive. And you are allowed to carry forward any credit into the subsequent year, assuming you dont have an adequate tax liability to claim all of it in one year.

Theres something else important that we feel obligated to share, as this is a mistake that most potential solar consumers make. Signing a PPA or lease with an installer doesnt make you the legal owner of the system. So when youre in the process of applying for the tax credit, youll get to a point where youll be disqualified.

Also Check: Poly Vs Mono Solar Panels

Walmart Saved $48 Million With Sun Powered

Walmart U.S. introduced 240 sun powered projects through 2013, saving roughly $4.8 million says Walmart.com. Any reasonable person would agree that sunlight based should have some sort of cash saving potential or quite possibly of the greatest retailer on the planet wouldnt anticipate making the shift to each store they own. The expense of business sun based is really reasonable in Arizona and can save your business a lot of cash.

Which Type Of Solar System Is Best For Your Home

solar panels on ground

When deciding whether or not to invest in a solar system for your home, youll want to consider the different types of systems available. Heres a breakdown of the three most popular types of solar systems:

1. Grid-Tied Solar Systems: These systems connect directly to the utility grid, so you can rely on the power generated by the sun to run your home. Theyre usually more expensive up front but can save you money on your energy bill over time.

2. Off-Grid Solar Systems: These systems dont connect to the utility grid, so you have to provide your own power source . This can be a cheaper option if you have access to an off-grid location or if you want to avoid paying electric bills. However, it can be more difficult to maintain an off-grid system, and you may need to upgrade it over time as technology improves.

3. Hybrid Solar Systems: These systems combine features of both grid-tied and off-grid systems. For example, some hybrid systems allow you to use electricity from the grid when available and then store energy from solar panels for later use. This makes them easier to manage than either grid-tied or off-grid systems, but they tend to be more expensive upfront.

Also Check: How To Check Solar Panel Efficiency

No Demand Response Charge

Some Arizona homeowners pay high electricity bills because of demand response charges. This is an increased rate that applies when demand is very high.

For example, many people crank up the air conditioning during the summer months, creating high demand and higher rates. But when you have a solar system installed, much of that demand is absorbed by the solar power you generate.

In peak sunlight, solar panels are likely to convert much more energy than your household might need. You can store that energy in a battery for later use. But if you dont install a battery, the power you produce goes back to the grid to help other homes.

Also, modern solar systems have advanced monitoring that can automatically optimize consumption based on demand. In practice, this means you store all the energy produced in a solar battery or a solar wall, and that energy gets used only when the system notices an increased demand.

How Much Is It To Go Solar In Arizona

The average price per watt for solar panels in AZ is $2.61 which is below the national average of $2.66 and the typical system size requirement is 11.5 kW. That comes out to a standard system total of $30,015 or $22,211 after the ITC is considered. While this number might be difficult to justify, solar panels are most valuable in areas where homeowners use a lot of energy and pay high electricity rates. Although the price of electricity in Arizona is below the national average, homeowners throughout the state use an immense amount of power, averaging around 1,114 kilowatt-hours per month. For comparison, the national average is just 893 kWh. As such, solar panels will provide a higher return on investment in Arizona than in most other states.

Also Check: How Much Energy Can Solar Panels Store

Popular Articles
Related news