Arizona is one of the best states in the nation to outfit homes and businesses with solar panels. With more sunny days annually than almost anywhere else in the United States, there are few better places to take advantage of the benefits of solar power generation.
Buying solar panels in Maricopa County in particular does very well in terms of cost vs. long-term gain. Still, there are several aspects that can impact cost, including which panel installer you decide to work with, and whether you buy or lease. Read on to learn more about the true costs of solar panels in Maricopa County, AZ.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Maricopa County?
For a typical residential home, the solar panel cost per watt in Maricopa County is $3, just slightly higher than the national average of $2.66 per watt. This is, in part, due to less aggressive subsidizing in Arizona. However, when paired with a buyer incentive like the Federal Investment Tax Credit program, you can still save big on solar panels here.
Most buyers pay between $11,000 to $12,000 upfront to install a solar panel system in Maricopa County. And, while local subsidies aren’t quite as aggressive as other regions, Arizona taxes are lower than the national average. For new homeowners, Arizona is overall a very affordable place for green energy homes.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Solar Panels in Maricopa County
The figures presented above account for average costs. There are three major factors that affect solar panel installation and upkeep costs that could put the overall investment somewhat higher or lower:
System Size
The bigger your house, the larger the amount of panels it takes to power your home. The average home consumes 10,971 kilowatt hours, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest report from 2022. Many families could rate well below that amount and not require as many panels from the start.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installers don’t offer identical parts and labor costs. Choosing a trustworthy, efficient company to install your panels can bring prices down a great deal.
Leasing vs. Buying
Buying upfront, of course, comes with a notably higher initial investment. Subsidies can take a bite out of that, though, so make sure to figure out the exact costs of buying. Leasing and PPAs, on the other hand, defers costs over a longer period. This takes out the headache of setting aside too much money at once, and may be a better fit for homes that need more solar panels than the average home.
Invest Wisely When You Partner With Solar Optimum
Are you ready to pin down exactly how much it would cost to set up your Maricopa County home with affordable, reliable, clean solar energy? Contact us or download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar to learn more about how to take your first step toward a brighter energy source.
