Are Solar Panels in Arizona Worth It?
Stepping outside you smell the fresh desert air as the sun beats down.
It’s another nice day here. And isn’t that why making the move to Arizona is so attractive?
It’s the weather.
Since you decided to make Prescott and the desert part of your life, there is one more step you should consider.
I mean besides where to eat along the famous Whiskey Row that was part of the Old West and now home to restaurants.
With more than 300 days of sun a year, why not join one of the hottest trends in home ownership these days.
Solar energy is booming in the United States right now and for good reason.
The cost is now affordable for the average homeowner.
The cost per solar panel is now at the price point where even some colleges are going off the grid and adding systems that deliver all the energy they need.
But you have to ask yourself. After the big move, are solar panels for your home worth it?
Here is a guide to help you decide if you want to be part of the big trend, or wait a few years:
SOLAR PANEL COST IN ARIZONA
The average cost to install solar panels in the United States these days is about $12,000 after federal tax incentives.
That may sound like a lot after a move, but when you look at the entire picture, it’s not.
There are cheaper solar panel systems for about $5,000 and top models go for about $40,000.
So the question is, what is right for you?
Looking at your electrical needs, the mid-range system should do the trick. Those coast about $15,000, but there is government money that can help.
The federal solar tax credit is good for 26% of the system costs. But that is only if you do that this year. By 2023 the credit dips to 22%.
And it’s not a shock that Arizona ranks in the Top 5 states for solar.
Arizona also has a 25% credit for solar against your income tax, with a maximum of $1,000 saved.
So, the average solar panels system in Arizona is about $16,000.
When you figure both the state and federal tax incentives the cost in Arizona is about $11,000.
Good deal.
PROS AND CONS OF SOLAR ENERGY PANELS
Well first, the positive.
Solar panels will save the average homeowner about $400 a year or more on your electric bill.
Not bad.
The average cost is about $2.61 per watt in Arizona.
Another pro to adding solar is the climate. You won’t be using power from anything but the sun.
So, if this is so positive then what are the cons?
Well, the initial cost.
You have to take a look at your budget and see if you can afford to install a system after having just moved.
Also, you might want to consider how long you will be in the area.
The average system starts to save you money in years 9 through 12.
THE COST OF INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS IN ARIZONA
This is a tough question. The true cost is not only the money put out but how you will feel when you don’t have to use any energy except for the sun.
It’s a question you will have to ask yourself.
What cost do I want to pay to know that this is clean energy and saves money each month on the electric bill?
One of the first steps you have to look at is how many panels you will need. The average home will need about 30. So you need to look at your roof and decide if that is right for you. Or you can install panels in your yard.
Most panels are about 5.5 feet by 3 feet.
But each day you walk out into that perfect sunny day, it might be time to think about solar panels and if they are right for you.
HIRE THE BEST
Now that you have an idea of what the Prescott Valley area is like, it’s time to consider what a successful move looks like. Folkestad Moving Services is the area’s most trusted and reputable mover. Give us a call at 928-771-2704 or schedule your free, online moving quote. Are you moving out of Arizona? Because we are an agent of National Van Lines, our network reaches throughout the United States!
How are your windows doing? If you wonder whether or not you need new windows, our friends at North Bay Moving & Storage have a guide to help you out!