As energy costs continue to climb, using solar power in Arizona becomes the logical choice for homeowners looking to save money and protect the environment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what you should know about going solar in Arizona.
Pros and Cons of Going Solar
If you are considering installing a solar power system, you have probably already considered some of the potential advantages. These include:
- Saving money on your electric bill – Using solar power can bring your monthly electric bill down to as little as $10 for a monthly interconnection fee.
- Access to available incentives – Although Arizona does not offer the same incentives it used to, people switching over to solar power still have access to incentives that they can take advantage of.
- Helping protect the environment by using sustainable energy – Installing solar panels on your property will allow you to keep your air conditioner set to a comfortable temperature without wasting fossil fuel energy.
- Increased property value – People seeking a home in Arizona will notice your investment and consider it an asset.
On the other hand, as you weigh the benefits of installing a solar energy system to your home, keep in mind these cautions:
- Significant upfront costs – Solar panels and the systems that make them practical for your home are an investment.
- Panels may be affected by weather – Solar panels need sunshine to produce energy, so cloudy or rainy weather can decrease the energy you are able to produce, cutting into your potential electric bill savings. Luckily, Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country and an ideal location for solar power.
- Incentive opportunities may change – Solar power in Arizona has cycled through different incentive programs, and you cannot be sure if the next incentives will be better or less useful than the current incentives. Going solar now is good insurance against future reductions in solar incentives.
Average Cost of Solar Panels
Before committing to your new solar energy system, you should be aware of what to expect to pay. Residents installing a small system of about 5 kW can expect to pay about $12,030 to $14,030 before factoring in any solar incentives. A mid-sized solar system averages about $30,000 before factoring in the tax credits.
Available Solar Incentives
Currently, Arizona residents who install solar panels are entitled to the federal government’s tax incentive program called the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Arizona also offers a tax exemption to cover the increase in taxable value adding solar panels to your home creates. Most energy companies also offer exemptions and incentives that vary by area that can help defray the initial costs of installing your solar energy system.
Average Investment Return Time
On average, you can expect your investment in solar panels in Arizona to return to you by means of energy bill savings in about 12 years. As Arizona is one of the sunniest locations in the US, after your initial investment has paid off the solar panels continue working, and many families will see an additional $23,000 worth of energy bill savings over the lifetime of their solar energy systems.
Solar Is Worth it In Arizona
Solar panels in Arizona are in general a highly practical investment. How quickly your investment will return to you does depend on specific features of your property, such as how much sun hits your roof or what direction your home faces, but the benefits of this sustainable energy source are calculable and significant.
For specifics on your property and how solar could work for you, give Solar Optimum a call today, and our experienced technicians can give you personalized information. We serve all of Maricopa County, including Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, El Mirage, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Surprise, Wickenburg, and Youngtown.
