6 Best Solar Companies in Arizona in 2023
Table of Contents
| Company | Service Area | Products Offered | Warranty | Years in Business | Finance Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Solar Best Overall | 30 states | Solar panels, microinverters, backup batteries | 25 years | Since 2008, formerly known as Sunpro Solar | Loans and PPAs |
| SunPower Most Experienced | 50 states | Solar roof, solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers | 25 years | Since 1985 | Loans and PPAs |
| Elevation Best for Full House Integration | 5 states | Solar panels, microinverters, battery storage, Curb energy monitoring | 25 years | Since 2014 | Loans |
| Sun Valley Solar Solutions Best for Local Experience | 1 state | Solar panels, microinverters, battery storage, EV charging | 25 years | Since 2006 | Loans and PPAs |
| Momentum Solar Best for Customer Experience | 11 states | Solar panels, microinverters, battery storage | 25 years | Since 2009 | Loans and PPAs |
| Sunrun Best Financing Options | 22 states | Solar panels, Enphase microinverters, Tesla Powerwall, battery storage | 25 years | Since 2014 | Loans and PPAs |
How to Choose the Best Solar Company in Arizona
There are several key factors to consider when choosing the best solar company for your home in Arizona.
Design and Installation Processes
The design and installation process should be streamlined, efficient, and transparent. Ask your potential company about its design process, what factors it considers when designing a system for your home, and whether it uses high-quality materials during installation. Make sure the installation team is experienced, certified, and licensed in Arizona to ensure a safe and effective installation.
Financing Options
Many solar companies in Arizona offer financing options, including leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Before choosing a financing option, make sure you understand the terms, interest rates, repayment schedules, and any fees associated with the financing.
Equipment Quality
Solar panels, inverters, and batteries should be high quality and from reputable manufacturers. Ask the solar company about the brands of equipment it uses, if said tools are tested and certified for use in Arizona, and if they have any warranties or guarantees.
Customer Service
A good solar company should have a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team available to answer any questions you may have before, during, and after the installation. Check the company’s online reviews and ratings to read clients’ experiences and ask any of your neighbors if they’ve used the company.
Monitoring
Ensuring your solar panels are functioning correctly is crucial for maximizing energy savings. We recommend looking into Arizona solar companies that offer monitoring services, which allow you to track your system’s performance, spot any issues, and ensure that you’re getting the maximum return on your investment. A variety of companies offer 24/7 monitoring (some at an additional cost), so make sure to ask when speaking to a representative.
Warranty Length
A longer warranty can provide peace of mind and may save you money in the long run. The typical industry standard is 25 years, but you should still ask about the length of the warranty for panels, inverters, and any other equipment as this may vary depending on the company. Additionally, some things to ask include if your warranty covers parts and labor, or just just one of these aspects.
Incentives
Arizona offers several solar incentives to reduce your upfront costs or provide ongoing savings, but beware that most PPAs and solar leases may not allow you to access these incentives. Look for solar companies in Arizona who are knowledgeable about the state’s incentives like federal solar tax credit, rebates, and net metering programs.
Average Cost of Solar Products in Arizona
To estimate the cost of installing solar panels in Arizona, homeowners can determine their average energy usage by looking at their power bills to see how many watts or kilowatts they need. The average cost per watt for solar panels in Arizona varies depending on the type of panel and product, but it can be estimated at around $2.82 per watt. For most homes, this translates to a total cost of between $11,000 and $17,000 for a system that generates between 4kW to 6kW of energy.
It’s important to note that additional costs can arise if homeowners choose to install a battery backup, such as Tesla’s Powerwall, which costs $11,500 per unit and provides between 5.8 kW to 10 kW of power. Depending on the model, Enphase’s IQ batteries are a more affordable option, costing between $3,000 to $6,000 per unit.
Do note that Installation and labor costs can further add anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 to your final price. Due to the high cost of solar installation, many homeowners opt to take out solar loans or lease their solar panels through a PPA. However, it’s important to carefully review all terms and conditions before committing to a solar panel company to avoid feeling trapped by the agreement’s terms.
Do You Need Approval to Install Solar Panels in Arizona?
In Arizona, a permit is generally required to install solar panels. This is issued by the city or county where the installation will take place. The process of obtaining a permit typically involves submitting an application which includes a description of the proposed solar panel system, and paying a fee. Homeowners should ensure that the installation company is aware of the permit requirements and can handle the application process. The Arizona Corporation Commission provides additional information and resources for homeowners regarding solar panel installations and permits.
Are There Tax Incentives for Going Solar in Arizona?
Arizona offers a residential solar energy credit of up to $1,000 for homeowners who install solar panels on their primary residence. Additionally, Arizona has a property tax exemption for residential solar panel installations, which means that the added value of the solar panels to the property will not increase your property’s taxes. The federal government also offers a tax credit of up to 26% of the cost of the solar panel installation. Homeowners should consult with a tax professional to ensure that they are eligible for these incentives.
Methodology
The best solar companies in Arizona were determined by collecting data points based on an extensive set of criteria, ranging from financing options to warranties. Over a dozen local Arizona companies were reviewed and rated in the following categories:
- Coverage locations
- Financing options
- Installation costs
- Customer service
- Solar panel design
- Company reputation
- Years in the business
- Online quote system
- Warranties and guarantees
Solar companies that offer a variety of solar panel system solutions and battery storage were awarded extra points. Companies that do not have a presence in Arizona were not evaluated.
