Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the U.S., making it an ideal location for solar power. With abundant sunshine and high energy costs, many Arizona homes and businesses are switching to solar panels to save money while also being eco-friendly. When considering making the switch to solar power in Arizona, it’s important to find an experienced solar company you can trust to design and install a high-quality system customized for your needs and property.
What to Look for in a Solar Company in Arizona
With the growth in demand for residential and commercial solar, there’s been an influx of solar companies operating in Arizona. But not all solar contractors are created equal. Here are a few things to look for when evaluating solar providers in Arizona:
Experience and Track Record
Go with an established company that has been designing and installing solar systems in Arizona for several years. They should have extensive experience working in your area and with your local utility. Ask for referrals from past customers.
Certifications and Licensing
Make sure the company is licensed to operate in Arizona and that they have technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This demonstrates they’re adhering to high standards in the industry.
Memberships and Reviews
Choose a company that is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau and look over reviews on sites like SolarReviews and Yelp. High ratings and positive feedback indicate quality service.
Customized System Design
A reputable solar installer will visit your home to design a system catered to your specific energy needs, roof size and angle, and budget. Beware of companies pushing one-size-fits-all systems.
High-Quality Equipment
Established national or regional brands generally make the most durable solar panels and inverters. Make sure the company provides warranties of at least 10 years for equipment and backs its workmanship.
Fair Pricing and Financing Options
Get quotes from several solar providers to compare pricing. Ask about financing options like solar loans and leases to find the most economical solution for you.
Top Solar Companies in Arizona
Based on experience, certifications, customer service, and equipment quality, here are our top picks for solar panel installation and services in Arizona:
Sunrun
Founded in 2007, Sunrun is one of the largest and most established solar companies in the U.S. They design and install residential systems across Arizona and handle all permits, approvals, and rebate paperwork. Sunrun offers flexible financing options like solar leases and power purchase agreements to save on upfront costs.
Tesla (formerly SolarCity)
Tesla’s solar division designs sleek, high-efficiency solar panels combined with Powerwall home batteries. SolarCity was founded in 2006 and acquired by Tesla in 2016. Tesla has installed thousands of systems across Arizona and offers long-term leases and financing options.
SunPower
With over 30 years in the solar industry, SunPower manufactures its own high-efficiency panels and equips homes with intelligent monitoring systems. Their all-black panels are visually appealing and maximize energy production. SunPower handles everything from permits to installation to monitoring.
Vivint Solar
Part of home automation provider Vivint Smart Home, Vivint Solar installs solar panel systems with smart energy management. Their customized designs maximize solar savings for homeowners. Vivint also provides flexible financing solutions, including no-money-down options.
Petersen-Dean
Serving Arizona for over 35 years, Petersen-Dean Roofing and Solar installs roof-integrated solar systems for a sleek, unified look. They utilize integrated solar shingles from forward-thinking companies like Tesla. Petersen-Dean also handles roof replacements and repairs.
SolarCity
One of the big names in solar, SolarCity has installed thousands of systems in Arizona and offers flexible financing to make solar affordable. SolarCity provides high-efficiency panels as part of a customized solar solution designed specifically for your home.
American Solar and Roofing
Family-owned and operated, American Solar and Roofing provides customized solar systems for residential and commercial properties in Arizona. They utilize top equipment from manufacturers like SunPower and LG. American Solar handles electrical, roofing, and battery backup too.
Trinity Solar
As a full-service solar provider, Trinity Solar handles design, permitting, installation, rebates, and maintenance of solar systems across Arizona. They use intelligent technology to maximize solar production and savings for homeowners. Trinity Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB.
Arizona Solar Concepts
This locally owned company focuses on providing solar panels combined with Tesla Powerwall batteries to Arizona homes and businesses. They customize each system and emphasize affordable, high-quality equipment from industry leaders.
Key Factors When Going Solar in Arizona
There are a few key considerations unique to installing solar in Arizona that you’ll want to keep in mind:
Energy Bill Savings
Arizona has high temperatures and abundant sun year-round. This allows solar panels to generate a significant amount of a home’s electricity needs, providing greater bill savings compared to some less sunny states.
Net Metering Policies
Most electric utilities in Arizona offer net metering, which allows you to get credit for surplus solar energy fed back to the grid. This makes installing a system sized to cover 100% of your needs more beneficial.
Time-of-Use Plans
Some Arizona utilities like APS and SRP offer time-of-use rates, charging lower rates for energy usage during off-peak daylight hours when solar panels produce the most. This enhances solar savings.
Monsoon Season
Arizona’s monsoon season from July to September can create short periods of stormy weather. Solar systems are designed to withstand these seasonal thunderstorms, with minimal impacts on production.
Haboobs
Haboobs are intense dust storms that occasionally occur in Arizona, blocking sunlight for a short period. Solar panels may produce less energy during a haboob but are not damaged. Systems resume normal operation afterward.
HOAs and Regulations
Some homeowner associations (HOAs) in Arizona have restrictions on solar installations, particularly for aesthetic reasons. Check prior to installation to ensure your community allows solar panels.
Installation Incentives
Arizona provides some incentives for going solar beyond federal tax credits, like sales tax exemptions on solar panel purchases. Your solar company handles securing any incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Arizona
Looking to go solar in the Grand Canyon State? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much do solar panels cost in Arizona?
The average cost to install solar panels in Arizona is $2.87 per watt, with the typical residential system between 5-8 kilowatts. So the price range is usually $14,350 to $22,960 before incentives.
How long does it take to pay off a solar panel system in Arizona?
Most solar panel systems in Arizona take 7 to 12 years to pay for themselves through energy savings. This timeframe depends on system size, electricity costs, and available solar incentives.
What are the benefits of installing solar panels in Arizona?
Top benefits include significant electricity bill savings from harnessing abundant sunlight, lower environmental impact, increased home value, greater energy independence, and resilience in power outages.
Is my roof a good fit for solar panels?
If your roof gets full sun for a majority of daylight hours and is in good condition, it’s likely a good candidate for solar. A site inspection will verify this. Flat roofs can utilize tilt mount systems.
What direction should my solar panels face in Arizona?
The optimal orientation for Arizona is true south at a tilt angle equal to your latitude. But east/west facing panels work nearly as well and can be preferred on some homes to better match roof geometry.
What equipment is included in a basic solar panel system?
A standard solar setup includes panels, mounting hardware, inverters, electrical wiring and disconnects, a weatherproof exterior conduit, and a roof penetration fitting. Monitoring hardware is generally optional.
Should I buy or lease solar panels in Arizona?
Buying your system outright provides the most long-term savings but requires large upfront costs. Solar leases and PPAs provide zero-down financing options by contracting with a solar provider over 15-25 years.
Are their rebates or tax credits available for solar in Arizona?
A 26% federal tax credit on the cost of installed solar systems is available through 2032. Some Arizona electric utilities and municipalities also offer solar rebates. Your installer provides details.
How long do solar panels last in Arizona?
Top solar panels have a useful lifespan of 25-30 years in Arizona’s sunny climate. Quality inverters last 10-15 years. Solar providers offer extended warranties to protect your investment as components age.
Conclusion
Going solar can yield excellent return on investment for Arizona homeowners and businesses. With the state’s abundant sunlight and high energy costs, solar panels can drastically cut your electricity bills while benefiting the environment. We hope this overview has provided some guidance on choosing the best solar company for your needs and getting started with a solar installation in Arizona. Consulting with multiple providers and evaluating all of your options will ensure you select the right system and financing path for your property.