Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tucson Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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: trico.coopIncentive Amount:
$0.40 per expected first year kWh savings
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: ssvec.orgIncentive Amount:
$0.250 per estimated first year kWh savings
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 Tucson
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors grants separate licenses for solar PV and thermal installers. To install solar PV systems, a contractor must be a licensed electrician, and for solar thermal systems, they must be a licensed plumber. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Tucson
Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $15,350 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Tucson. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,091 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $851 |
| Thin-Film | $498 |
| Solar Battery | $699 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,619 |
Financing Solar Energy in Tucson
There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. 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, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Tucson.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates 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 Tucson
How much money could I save by going solar in Tucson?
How popular is solar energy in Tucson?
Will solar panels improve my Tucson home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, rainy, or wooded area?
How long does the solar panel installation process require?
What's the average solar system size in Tucson?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Being evasive about warranties, cost, references and credentials and training
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?
In contrast, solar loans can come from local banks, specialty lenders, the government and installer. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are more expensive, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have total ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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