You can lower your energy bills by almost 50% when you install a solar panel system to power your home. But how much will it cost you to purchase and install solar panels? While several factors go into determining solar panel cost in Tucson, this guide gives you an average budget for a typical home.
Purchasing and Installation Costs for Solar Panels in Tucson
Purchasing and installing solar panels costs around $2.21/W. A 5 kW solar panel would cost you $11,034 ($2.21*5). The price drops by almost 30% when you include incentives. You may even pay less when you factor in state incentives. The $11,034 figure is the average price for a 5 kW solar panel and may change depending on other factors.
Price Ranges and Factors Affecting Costs in The Tucson Area
Several factors affect solar panel cost. Here are common factors that determine solar panel cost Tucson.
- System Size. Solar panels come in different sizes. Your size of choice depends on your household power needs and budget. Homes with high power needs require a large panel, which costs more. Small-sized panels, on the other hand, cost less but may not work well for large homes. The table below shows the price range, depending on system size.
System Size System Cost Cost after tax credit and rebates
3 kW $6,621 $4,634
4 kW $8,827 $6,179
5 kW $11,034 $7,724
6 kW $13,241 $9,269
7 kW $15,448 $10,814
8 kW $17,655 $12,358
9 kW $19,862 $13,903
10 kW $22,068 $15,448
- Sunlight Exposure and Roof Orientation. Arizona is among the sunniest states in the US, which translates into greater savings on energy bills. However, sun exposure depends on roof orientation and shades. You receive more sunlight if your roof faces south with no shades.
- Panel Type. There are three types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but cost more. Thin-film panels cost less but are the least efficient. You can settle for polycrystalline if you want a low-budget but efficient panel.
- Panel Quality. Like other electrical appliances, there are different qualities of solar panels. High-quality panels cost more, while low-quality types are cheap.
Solar Panel Maintenance Costs
Solar panels are fairly cheap to maintain in Tucson. On average, your solar panel requires maintenance two to four times annually, which may cost between $250 to $500, depending on the services required.
Does Solar Installation Reduce Your Power Bills?
Installing a solar panel has the potential to reduce your energy bills. While the installation costs can be high, you pay it once. The future cost savings make it a viable project.
Local and federal incentives also make solar power cheaper than the grid. Federal and state incentives and tax credits can reduce installation costs by up to 30%.
Get an Ultimate Guide on How To Go Solar
Are you looking for a sustainable way to reduce your energy bills? Consider going solar with Solar Optimum. Contact us today for a free quote, or download our guide on going solar.