Solar Panels Cost 6.3k-14k in Carefree, AZ | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $6.3k-$14k in Carefree, AZ | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Carefree, AZ in 2024?

Solar panels in Carefree, AZ during October, 2024 have an average cost of $3.04 per watt.

Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacity will cost you $3,040 for installation. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar installation in Carefree generally costs $10,640. It's vital to realize that a higher capacity system could be essential to fulfill your energy needs.

To the left, you can choose your county to see the typical roof size and the average maximum generation capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. You can review the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Carefree: $10,640US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Carefree: 5 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Carefree: $23,927US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Carefree

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Carefree.

Roof size 1,090sq. ft.
Capacity 15.25kW DC
Electricity 24.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Carefree, AZ & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The standard kWh usage for a Carefree resident is 1,025 monthly, with an average electric bill of $163.03. Compact apartments are also included in the numbers mentioned in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of residences impacts those averages.

In October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Carefree, AZ is 15.9¢ per kWh.

In Carefree, a system size of 7 kW or larger is needed for the typical energy consumer to account for their entire electricity consumption requirements. After incentives, a 7 kW solar installation costs around $14,896.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Carefree

On the left, you will find a breakdown of prices for different solar panel system sizes set up in Carefree. With more extensive solar systems, the price goes up, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.

The solar panel cost calculator, situated down and to the right, offers a cost-benefit analysis using an average $163.03 electric bill for Carefree. By changing the $163.03 to your average electricity bill, you can get customized results.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $869 a year
Est. Price
$6,384
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,429 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $72
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.62 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 75 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,019 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,158 a year
Est. Price
$8,512
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,239 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.16 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 99 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,359 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,448 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,048 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.71 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 124 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,699 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,737 a year
Est. Price
$12,768
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,858 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $145
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.25 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 149 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,038 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,027 a year
Est. Price
$14,896
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,668 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $163
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.66 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 168 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,050 mi less a year

Carefree Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant is designed to assist rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses by covering 80% to 100% of the costs associated with photovoltaic or wind turbine installations. Not sure if you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

A 30% federal tax credit is available to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which helps make solar energy a practical choice in various regions in the United States. State and local efforts are also in place to further drive the growth of solar energy use.

In Arizona, 12 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from various utilities and government bodies.

Solar incentives in AZ

Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit

Value:Up to $1,000

Arizona is offering a Solar Energy Credit to individual taxpayers who install a solar or wind energy device at their Arizona residence. The credit can be applied against their personal income tax; the credit is one-fourth of the cost of solar or wind energy, up to $1000. The number of devices does not matter. The credit may be claimed in the year that the devices are installed or up to five years if the amount exceeds their tax liability. Taxpayers who lease the system or enter into a third-party power purchase agreement are not eligible to receive the credit.

Mohave Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Incentive Program

Value:Up to $2,500

Mohave Electric Cooperation has incentives to encourage its customers to install renewable energy systems in the homes and businesses, and thus help them save money on electric bills. It provides rebates for small commercial and residential photovoltaic and wind systems; however, rebates for solar water heaters are available for residential systems only. These rebates should help offset the price of those systems, making them more attractive to potential buyers and eventually helping them to help better the environment. Also, residential and business customers must meet all applicable terms and conditions with the appropriate forms submitted through their website.

Southwest Gas Corporation - Commercial High-Efficiency Equipment Rebate Program

Value:Varies

The Southwest Gas Corporation offers rebates to commercial customers in Arizona who purchase energy-efficient natural gas equipment in order to better assist environmental measures. Customers of the natural gas company may apply for custom incentives. Those commercial customers interested in obtaining a rebate for their natural gas equipment should refer to the Southwest Gas Corporation website for more information. A list of rebates available through the Southwest Gas Corporation may found here. The rebates should encourage customers of the company to better access more energy-efficient equipment for their companies' needs.

SRP - Solar Water Heating Program

Value:Varies

The Salt River Project's Solar Water Heating program provides incentives to encourage its residential customers to purchase solar water heating systems as back-ups to their electric systems, in hopes that the residential customers will use the renewable energy systems in preference to their familiar systems. The usual incentive for residential solar water heating systems is $0.30 per kilowatt-hour of the estimated annual energy savings, determined by calculating current use to determine estimated use for the next year. The incentives are pro-rated ($0.24 per kilowatt-hour) for systems where solar collectors are installed in sub-optimal locations, such as shady areas.

Sulphur Springs Valley EC - SunWatts Rebate Program

Value:Varies

The SunWatts program offers home and business owners incentives for purchasing solar water heating systems. The ideal is that residential and business customers of various companies will take advantage of the incentives offered through the SunWatts program and upgrade their homes. Also, the solar water heating systems may encourage the homeowners and business owners to try other renewable energy systems, especially once they see how much the heating systems save them. Systems must meet all program requirements, and incentives are usually available through local companies. See the SunWatts program website for complete details on rebates offered and other incentives.

Renewable Energy Tax Credit for International Operations Centers (Corporate)

Value:Varies

A 2014 act of the Arizona legislature created tax incentives on new solar, wind, or other renewable energy systems used to power "international operations centers." To qualify for the credit, systems should be rated for at least 20 MW of generation capacity or produce 40,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year. "International operations center" certification is obtained through ten years of investment records in new Arizona-located capital. Additional information is available from the state department of revenue.

Solar Contractor Licensing

Value:Varies

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors does not offer a general solar electric contractor license, but the state's R-11 and C-11 electric licenses cover solar electric installations. The Registrar also has licenses for solar water heaters. There are also licenses for space heating and cooling systems, including solar thermal systems. For those interested in working with pools that include a solar pool heating system, there is another license. All contractors that work with solar energy systems must have four years of applicable work experience and pass an exam in order to obtain a license in Arizona.

Trico Electric Cooperative - SunWatts Incentive Program

Value:Varies

The Trico Electric Cooperative offers its residential and business customers a rebate for installing solar water heaters into their homes and businesses, thus helping to encourage the use of sustainable energy in those homes and businesses. Rebates equal $.40 per kilowatt that is expected to be saved in the first year of the use of solar water heating systems, as compared to the systems that they are used to using to heat their water. The rebates are offered through the SunWatts program, and should encourage its residential and business customers to look for another way to use renewable energy sources in their homes and businesses.

Renewable Energy Standard

Value:Varies

The Arizona Corporation Commission is debating changes to the state's Renewable Energy Standard to expand the standard to 15% by 2025, with 30% of the renewable energy coming from distributed energy technologies. The new rules were certified as constitutional and were allowed to go forward. Prior to the 2006 rules, Arizona's original Environmental Portfolio Standard required Arizona 0.4% of its energy from renewable sources; this was increased incrementally to 60% by 2012. The RES should allow Arizona to meet its goals, and to eventually see more of its energy needs being met by renewable energy sources.

SRP - Net Metering

Value:Varies

The Salt River Project modified its net-metering program for residential customers in February 2015. Effective with the April 2015 billing cycle, residential customers who generate part of the electricity onsite are billed under the Customer Generation Price Plan. Customers that have purchased their distributed energy system or signed a lease agreement before December 8, 2014, may keep their original plan for twenty years. Net-metering allows customers discounts on the energy bill if they produce more electricity than they use. While the Arizona Corporation Commission adopted net-metering rules in October 2008, the state's rules do not apply to Salt River Project customers.

Interconnection Guidelines

Value:Varies

The Arizona Corporation Commission initiated a rule-making process to establish statewide interconnection standards for distributed generation. The proceedings are still in effect, and the commission has recommended that the utilities use the Interconnection Document as a guide. The state's utilities developed interconnection agreements prior to the ACC's ongoing proceedings. Each utility has adopted its own standards, sometimes based on different metrics than other utilities. It is likely that Arizona's regulated utilities will adopt the ACC's interconnection standards when the final rules are adopted in order to provide a system that will enable all utilities to provide consistent service across the state.

Renewable Energy Tax Credit for International Operations Centers (Personal)

Value:Varies

S.B. 1484 of 2014 provides a tax credit for renewable energy systems used in manufacturing that produce energy. H.B. 2528 of 2017 removes manufacturer eligibility in 2018. Eligible systems must be capable of creating at least 20 megawatts of energy or a typical annual generation of at least 40,000 megawatt-hours. The tax credit of $5 million per year for five years for each facility. Taxpayers must apply to the Department of Revenue; the sooner you apply the better as when the $10 million is gone it is gone.

Are solar panels worth it in Arizona?

Homeowners in Carefree who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an clear choice. A 5 kW system in Carefree, AZ will enable you to save the average homeowner, on average, $28,487.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 5 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Carefree, AZ

The absence of solar panels or another backup power source means missing out on the previously highlighted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. Recent news examples have shown that full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal.

Each year, the average number of outages per customer in Carefree is about 0.89. The average length of an outage is 84.05 minutes. However, during significant events such as equipment failure, landslides or planned maintenance, this duration can grow considerably.

Whether it includes a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could ease the inconvenience of any future power interruptions you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Maricopa County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Carefree, AZ?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size increases. It is often useful for homeowners to set up a solar system that can make enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, similar to many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. Your installer’s potential brand preferences make it more important to pick a highly rated contractor. Consumers who choose superior makes and models generally enjoy a superior long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive but produce more energy. The majority of installers in the industry use panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - No two homes or properties are the same. Elements such as trees, sloping terrain, or additional challenges might complicate the installation process. These days, solar installers typically leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies have varied pay scales for their employees, and these costs are eventually passed on to consumers. Higher wages typically lead to businesses getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your initial quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other AZ cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Carefree?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Erus Energy

Phoenix, AZ(844) 272-8336

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

ABCO Solar

Tucson, AZ(800) 292-2280

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Powur PBC

Del Mar, CA(866) 467-6987

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunny Energy

Tempe, AZ(480) 257-3283

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunlink Energy

Maricopa, AZ(480) 624-8105

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Solar Gain

Tucson, AZ(520) 822-8377

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Rooftop Solar

Flagstaff, AZ(928) 213-5670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Hunt Electric

Salt Lake City, UT(801) 975-8844

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entero Energy

Austin, TX(512) 551-0742

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

CNR Electric

Mesa, AZ(480) 737-1524

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Fusion Power

Chandler, AZ(844) 387-6797

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Sun Logix Energy

Palm Desert, CA(760) 531-4400

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PE Solar

Tempe, AZ(480) 264-0690

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

KGT Renewables

Phoenix, IL

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions

Chandler, AZ(480) 689-5000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Badass Energy

Claremont, CA(909) 320-9860

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Carefree, AZ Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Carefree, AZ is $3.04/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Carefree, AZ, after deducting federal tax credits, is $10,640.
  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Arizona are offering 12 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Carefree, AZ is 5 years, with expected savings of $28,487.2 on electricity over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01