Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Maricopa Homeowners?
Arizona homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, reimbursements, tax credits and special financing. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of sales tax on eligible equipment
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: azdor.govIncentive Amount:
25%
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
Total cost, exclusive of taxes, interest and other finance charges
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of increased value
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: srpnet.comIncentive Amount:
$0.30/kWh for annual estimated energy savings (based on SRCC rating)
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Maricopa
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues specialty licenses for solar thermal and PV contractors. To install solar PV systems, a contractor must be a licensed electrician, and for solar thermal systems, they must be a licensed plumber. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Maricopa
Your solar panels' style will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.
Most Maricopa homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,350 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,167 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $910 |
| Thin-Film | $532 |
| Solar Battery | $747 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,800 |
Financing Solar Energy in Maricopa
There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Maricopa.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 1.7 years |
| 2 kW | 3.3 years |
| 5 kW | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | 16.5 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Maricopa
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in Maricopa?
Will solar energy systems boost my Maricopa home price?
How can I check my property's solar viability?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What size should my new Maricopa solar system be?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or energy providers require you to enroll in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll get a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, the government, local banks and specialty lenders. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are higher, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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