Solar in Arizona: is it worth it? While you’ve probably heard lots of rhetoric about solar’s long-term benefits, you’re still unsure whether it’s worth the investment.
Since Arizona has the most sunshine in the U.S., you can save big year-round with solar panels. By breaking down upfront costs and potential savings over time, this article will help Arizona homeowners decide if solar is worth it for them.
Is Solar Worth It in Arizona?
In one of the sunniest states in the country, solar energy has massive potential to benefit Arizona households. But solar may not be the best solution for every home. Here are some factors to consider when determining if solar is worth it for you:
Monthly Electricity Consumption
Solar energy is a popular choice among homeowners because it reduces the cost of electricity. Your property might not benefit as much from solar power if you don’t use much energy.
A useful rule of thumb is that properties that use more than 500 kWh per month might find solar conversion to offer a valuable return on investment, and consumption below this amount will likely make the solar panels less valuable.
Generally, residential properties with monthly electricity bills of more than $100 are good candidates for solar. The average household in Arizona spends about $130 per month, so the large majority of homeowners will benefit immensely from solar conversion.
The Cost of Going Solar in Arizona
If you want to save the cost of energy, consider solar equipment costs and compare them with other energy sources like electricity.
The average Arizona homeowner will pay about $22,211 for a solar system after the ITC (federal solar investment tax credit) is considered. Without the state sales tax exemption and before the credit is applied, you’re looking at an average of $30,015.
Note: These prices assume you’d require an 11.5 kW system – the standard size needed to offset utility costs in the state – and pay the average price per watt for a solar panel in Arizona of $2.61.
While the price of electricity in this state is below the national average, residents throughout Arizona use an immense amount of electricity, averaging about 1,556 kWh per month. This is less than the national average of 886 kWh. As such, solar panel systems will offer a higher return on investment to Arizona residents than in most other states.
Your Roof’s Exposure to Sunlight
Generally, solar panels rely on direct sunlight to produce electricity, so the more sunlight your household receives, the more efficient your system will be. Given that Arizona boasts year-round sunlight, solar panel systems will likely be at optimum efficiency throughout the state.
However, it’s worth noting that there are other individual factors to consider. For instance, if your house is shaded by buildings and trees, you might not be the perfect candidate for solar conversion. The direction your roof faces can also impact the efficiency of your solar panel systems. Homeowners in Arizona with roofs facing west or south receive adequate sunlight converted to electricity.
It would help if you considered hiring a certified solar installer to assess your daily sunlight levels and help you decide whether solar energy suits your needs.
Let Solar Optimum Help You Go Solar This Year
Arizona’s residents have the perfect opportunity to benefit from solar power’s numerous benefits. Sunlight is available year-round, so you can harvest solar energy and minimize your dependence on the grid.
Solar Optimum is here to help homeowners in Arizona transition to solar energy with ease. Our Energy Consultants are standing by and ready to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today or download your free copy of Living with Solar to learn more about the benefits of going solar.
