Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sun City Homeowners?
The state of Arizona offers a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
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 Sun City
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues distinctive licenses for solar PV and thermal installers. To install solar thermal systems, a contractor must be a licensed plumber, and for solar PV systems, they must be a licensed electrician. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded 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 Sun City
Your solar modules' style will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can expect to pay about $15,350 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Sun City. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Sun City solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,182 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $922 |
| Thin-Film | $539 |
| Solar Battery | $756 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,836 |
Financing Solar Energy in Sun City
Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. We recommend making a cash payment or using 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 minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Sun City.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you 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 Sun City
How much money could I save by going solar in Sun City?
How prevalent is solar energy in Sun City?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Sun City?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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