Arizona is one of the best places in the country to go solar, thanks to its abundant sunlight and the array of solar incentives available in the state. With solar so beneficial and popular, it comes as no surprise that there are an impressive number of installers in the state — more than 170 — to meet the demand. While I always prefer having options, it does make choosing one a challenge.
Luckily, I’ve done the research for you. I’ve spent years investigating and reviewing solar installers, and as a solar panel owner myself, I know what’s most important to look for in a solar company. In this guide, I’ll list and review the best solar companies Arizona has to offer. I’ll also explain why I think each is a valid option for your home solar project.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Compare Arizona’s Top-Rated Solar Providers
If you’re going solar in Arizona, I strongly recommend you consider SunPower or ADT Solar. Local solar companies like Sun Valley Solar Solutions and Verde Solar Power can provide a significant amount of value for residents, but the larger national companies service the entire state and have more resources for your installation. The below table provides a brief, side-by-side look at the top solar companies in Arizona to help you decide which is best for you.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
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 |
Best Technology |
All 50 states |
|||
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Best Customer Service |
9 states |
|||
 |
Best Local Installer |
Arizona |
|||
 |
Most Affordable |
Arizona |
|||
 |
Most Comprehensive Service |
20 states |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
A+ |
||
Best Technology |
All 50 states |
NR |
||
Best Customer Service |
9 states |
A+ |
||
Best Local Installer |
Arizona |
A+ |
||
Most Affordable |
Arizona |
A+ |
||
Most Comprehensive Service |
20 states |
A+ |
What Are the Best Solar Companies in Arizona?
In my opinion, the following seven installers are the best solar companies Arizona residents have to choose from:
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Arizona Solar Installer?
Before I get into why I think these companies are the best options for solar in Arizona, I want to explain what I recommend looking for in an installer in case you choose to do your own research. These are the things I looked for in a solar company when choosing an installer for my own home.
Reputation: Arizona is home to over 170 solar installers, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). With that many companies, it’s crucial that you find one with a solid reputation and years of experience serving Arizona customers like yourself. A lot of fly-by-night companies have emerged to capitalize on solar’s popularity in the Grand Canyon State, so make sure you read through reviews before choosing one to avoid a bad experience.
Panel and production warranty: Solar equipment is expensive, especially in Arizona, where most residents need systems that are much larger than the national average. That’s why I think choosing a solar installer that offers solid warranty coverage is crucial, as it protects your investment and offers peace of mind for many years. In contrast with other states, a workmanship warranty is less critical because of the minimal rainfall in Arizona, but I do recommend focusing on the production guarantee, which helps ensure you continue to offset your well-above-average energy bills in the area.
High-quality solar panel brands: Arizona residents use far more energy than most Americans, and they deal with excessively hot temperatures for a good portion of the year. Premium, high-efficiency panels are essential for maximizing how much energy you can offset with your solar array, and a solid temperature coefficient will mean your panels continue to perform even in the hot summers. Make sure you choose an installer that carries quality brands you can trust for decades to come.
SunPower
4.4
Our Rating
SunPower only installs Maxeon panels, which outperform all other brands in many different areas, including efficiency. The company offers stellar solar equipment as well as labor warranties for total peace of mind. The company’s options are expensive, but I feel they’re well worth the investment.
There are so many things to love about SunPower, but in particular, the high-quality solar panels it carries are fantastic. The panels are manufactured by SunPower’s sister company, Maxeon, and have the highest efficiency rating in the entire solar industry. In terms of power production, you can’t get any better than these panels, which is huge for maximizing your savings in a region like Arizona, where energy bills are especially high.
SunPower provides better warranty coverage than most other companies, as it includes a 25-year warranty for the panels, the panel production, and the workmanship. The labor warranty is less important in Arizona than in rainier states, but it’s still great to have. And the performance warranty means you can count on SunPower panels to continue saving you money for more than two decades.
Finally, SunPower is a company with a solid reputation and over 30 years of experience, so just know that your expensive investment in solar equipment is well worth it.
There’s not much I don’t love about SunPower other than the price. SunPower averages around $3.30 per watt, which is around $0.70 higher than the average in Arizona. That means you’ll spend around $8,000 more on a SunPower system than you would on panels from another installer. I still think it’s worth it, but you should be aware of the high installation cost.
Additionally, SunPower only installs one panel brand. I usually like to see companies offering a few brands to allow homeowners to customize a bit, but I do give SunPower a pass here, as the panel brand it does carry is top-of-the-line.
As I mentioned already, SunPower only installs panels manufactured by its sister company, Maxeon. These panels are the cream of the crop, provide more energy per watt than any other option on the market, and have better warranty coverage than most — with some models coming with an unprecedented 40 years of coverage. These panels work well for all homeowners in Arizona, but especially those with above-average energy bills.
Below are some additional products and services you can get access to through SunPower:
- SunVault solar battery storage solutions
- WallBox Pulsar electric vehicle (EV) chargers
- MySunPower solar monitoring app
- SunPower Design Studio for design visualization
Although SunPower is more expensive than most competitors, it does manage to keep its products and services accessible by accepting all of the common solar payment options, including cash, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). I strongly recommend a cash purchase if you can swing it, but a loan is an option as well.
SunPower includes a 25-year comprehensive warranty for all of its products, which covers the panels, the efficiency, and the workmanship. Some of the Maxeon panels come with an extended warranty of up to 40 years.
On average, you can expect your SunPower panels to last for between 35 and 45 years, which is longer than average.
ADT Solar
4.4
Our Rating
ADT Solar — formerly SunPro — is known in the industry for its outstanding solar warranty packages, which puts solar customers at peace knowing their large investment is covered. Despite being a big company, it also offers helpful customer service and is more affordable than SunPower. However, the company does have some issues with warranty claims taking a long time to address.
I chose ADT Solar mostly for the warranty coverage, which is the company’s claim to fame. ADT covers its panels, the panel efficiency, and the workmanship for 25 years. The labor warranty, in particular, is impressive, as most companies offer less than half that with a warranty term of just ten years.
ADT Solar provides access to three tier-one panel brands, all of which are outstanding options in Arizona. While I still think Maxeon panels are worth the investment, more affordable panel brands like the ones ADT offers — QCells, Canadian Solar, and Silfab — are efficient enough to provide massive savings in sunny Arizona, and they’re more affordable on a per-watt basis.
ADT started as a home security company and still operates as one, and it’s respected in both industries (solar and security). It says a lot about the company as a whole that, after decades of being in business, it still has high ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintains a upstanding customer reputation. This is especially important in an area like Arizona, where less reputable companies with no track record often pop up in response to the high demand.
There are only two drawbacks to working with ADT, in my opinion. The first is that while the company is known to hold true to and honor its warranty coverage, some customers have experienced long delays while waiting for resolutions to issues. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but going without access to functioning panels can cut into your savings, so it’s something to consider in Arizona, where electric bills can run high.
The only other downside I see is that ADT only offers three brands of solar panels, none of which are considered “premium.” Those brands include QCells, Silfab, and Canadian Solar, and while these are reliable options, Arizonans looking for maximum efficiency ratings to take full advantage of the abundant sunlight would be better off with something like Maxeon panels.
ADT offers three different panel options: QCells, Canadian Solar, and Silfab. These are all excellent brands with a worthy reputation in the industry, and they’re well-known for providing reliable solar power for decades. If I had to recommend one of these, I’d suggest QCells, as they’re a little more affordable, and they have the lowest first-year degradation rate of the three, so you can take full advantage of the sunny weather in Arizona for longer.
ADT also offers the following products and services:
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Enphase IQ solar batteries
- Tesla solar monitoring software
- Enphase solar monitoring app
ADT Solar accepts cash purchases and solar loans, and it recently started accepting leases and PPAs via SunPower Financial. Cash and solar loans are the best and most beneficial options, with cash edging out loans due to the savings on interest. Leases and PPAs are nice options to have for keeping upfront costs down, but they’re far less beneficial in the long term.
ADT Solar stands behind its products and services with an outstanding 25-year warranty for the panels, the panel production, and the workmanship. The labor warranty is about 2.5X as long as the industry average, and the production warranty is about five years longer than average.
Overall, you can expect a home energy system installed by ADT to last for between 25 and 30 years.
Tesla Energy
4.3
Our Rating
Tesla provides first-rate equipment and shines when it comes to availability, in large part because it uses third-party local installers to handle its solar panel installations. This can create some issues with customer service, but overall, I think it’s worth considering Tesla.
I chose Tesla in large part because of its availability. It services all of Arizona, which is more than I can say for some local companies and even some national companies that only operate in certain parts of the state — usually larger cities. Tesla outsources the installation to third-party companies, which means virtually anyone living within the vicinity of any solar installer can go solar through Tesla.
Tesla has more going for it than just a wide coverage area, though. It also manufactures what is considered the best solar battery available: the Tesla Powerwall. Since Arizona abandoned net metering in favor of the less beneficial net billing policy, solar batteries are a great option in the area because they maximize your savings by granting you retail value for your excess energy. Without a battery, you might end up still paying an electric bill, although it would still be lower than without solar panels at all.
Tesla’s technology is advanced, offering helpful features through its Tesla solar monitoring app. If you have a time-of-use energy plan, you can dial in what percentage of your battery is used to push up savings during high-cost hours of the day, which can also help maximize savings.
The outsourcing that allows Tesla to service a broader area also does the company a disservice in some cases. Using third parties for installation work means the customer experience varies from solar project to solar project. Depending on the installer assigned to your home solar system installation, you could see below-average customer service.
Tesla also only installs a single brand of each product, and while the products offered are considered high quality, it would be nice to see a little variety for system customization.
Tesla used to manufacture its own panels but has since abandoned panel manufacturing and instead installs QCells panels now. QCells is an outstanding panel brand with an above-average efficiency rating and stellar durability. Plus, its panels are a little more affordable than direct competitors.
In addition to QCells panels, Tesla also offers the following products and services:
- Tesla solar roof
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Tesla EV chargers
- Tesla solar monitoring mobile application
Tesla offers price matching to keep its prices as low as possible, and it also remains accessible by accepting all of the main financing options. That includes cash, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs. I recommend paying cash or securing a loan if possible, as these options lead to panel ownership and let you take the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
Tesla’s warranty coverage is all in line with the industry standard, offering 25 years of coverage for the panels and the panel efficiency and ten years of coverage for the workmanship. Normally, I like to see a longer workmanship warranty, but in an area like Arizona, where rainfall is limited, I think the average of ten years is acceptable.
Momentum Solar
3.9
Our Rating
Momentum Solar is known for its concierge service, which provides a notable customer experience overall. However, the company has recently had issues with lawsuits related to racial discrimination in the workplace, which does turn off some customers.
Momentum Solar is best known for its customer service. It’s one of the only large solar panel companies that uses a concierge service, which means you’ll always have a single point of contact with your solar provider. When I went solar, I found it confusing when figuring out who to reach out to with questions, and that’s something you can avoid entirely with Momentum. The company is also quick to respond, even when it comes to warranty claims.
Momentum Solar has been around since 2009, and with over a decade of experience, you can rest assured that you’re getting involved with a professional installer. This, plus the company’s certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), should put your mind at ease that your system is being installed properly and safely.
Finally, Momentum works with virtually any tier-one panel brand you want installed on your home. Unlike other installers, it doesn’t carry a select number of brands, which means you can customize based on your budget and energy needs.
As I mentioned, Momentum has been involved in some class-action lawsuits, one of which involves racial discrimination. There hasn’t been a resolution to the case yet, so it’s unclear if the claims will be substantiated, but it’s still something I’d rather not see from any installer. Other lawsuits involve aggressive marketing, which isn’t ideal, either.
Another downside I see to Momentum is that it isn’t a one-stop shop for all things solar, like some other companies are. It installs panels and batteries, but customers looking for EV chargers or other energy efficiency upgrades will need to look elsewhere.
Most solar installers choose just a few panel brands to install, which shoehorns you into a specific brand. Momentum, on the other hand, works with just about any tier-one panel brand out there. That’s great because it means Arizonans who want maximum efficiency and others who want to prioritize affordability will all have access to a brand that fits their needs from this installer.
In addition to the huge array of panels, you can also get access to the following products and services with Momentum:
- Enphase IQ solar batteries
- Enphase inverters and microinverters
- Enphase solar monitoring app
Momentum not only maintains relatively affordable pricing, but it also accepts cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and PPAs. Cash and loans are going to be the best options, but having access to financing programs is great for accessibility.
Momentum matches some of the best warranty coverage in the industry, providing 25 years of protection for your panels, panel efficiency, and workmanship. I think the production warranty is the best of the bunch for Arizona homeowners because it lets you take full advantage of the abundant sunlight and provides energy savings for many years to come.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions
3.8
Our Rating
Sun Valley Solar Solutions is the company I recommend if you want the personal touch of a local installer. This company is exclusive to Arizona, has localized experience, and carries excellent panel brands. It doesn’t have the best workmanship warranty, but it should suffice in a low-risk area like Arizona.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions is located right in Arizona, serving the state since 2006. With almost two decades of localized experience, you can bet that the company will be able to size your system exactly as you need it for your utility bills and based on local weather conditions.
A small, local company like this is also intimately familiar with the state and local solar incentives, and its installers are always willing to help you apply for the benefit programs in the area. Ultimately, this means you could end up saving more than you would with a larger company that doesn’t offer the same localized experience.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions works with a great selection of high-quality solar panels, including Maxeon panels. You can also rest assured that the panels offered will help you take full advantage of the abundant sunlight in the area and maximize your energy savings over time.
As a smaller, local company, Sun Valley Solar Solutions may not be available in your area. It services major cities and surrounding areas, including Peoria, Chandler, Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa, but it might not cover your area if you live further from a major city.
Additionally, the workmanship warranty only lasts for ten years. This is the industry average, and in a place like Arizona, where roof leaks only present a minimal risk of damage, it’s not a huge deal. Still, I do prefer companies that offer above-average labor warranties. If nothing else, that provides greater peace of mind.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions mostly works with Maxeon panels, which are the best panels around, in my opinion. However, they have also worked with SolarEdge and QCells panels, both of which are more affordable but have less impressive specs. If you’re looking to maximize your energy production and savings, I recommend Maxeon panels. To keep costs down, go with QCells or SolarEdge.
In addition to these panel brands, you can get the following products and services from Sun Valley Solar Solutions:
- Tesla solar roof
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Generac PWRCell solar batteries
- EV chargers
- Tesla solar monitoring app
- MySunPower solar monitoring app
I was surprised to see a smaller local company like this offering such a wide range of financing options, including cash, loans, leases, and PPAs. Cash is still going to give you the biggest bang for your buck and the highest savings over time, followed by loans and then the low-cost options. Keep in mind that leases and PPAs don’t let you take the federal tax credit, and they save less on your monthly bill because you never see a panel payback period.
Sun Valley Solar Solutions offers warranty coverage that’s in line with the industry standard: 25 years for the equipment and efficiency and ten years for the workmanship. I’d love to see a longer labor warranty, but in a low-risk state like Arizona, I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker.
Verde Solar Power
3.8
Our Rating
Verde Solar Power is another local solar company with the specialized experience required to help navigate Arizona’s solar incentives and offer a long-lasting solar energy solution that suits your specific property and local weather conditions. The company has an even smaller service area than Sun Valley, so you might not be able to get panels from Verde, depending on your location.
I appreciate small, local solar companies like Verde because you can’t beat the customer service and attention the representatives give to every customer. This company has been around since 1996, so it has over 25 years of specialized experience. You can rest assured that your system will meet your specific needs for decades to come, and the company can help you apply for all of the local solar incentives that larger companies might miss.
I think one of the most appealing things about Verde Solar Power is the pricing. Its prices for solar energy systems are below the state average, so you stand to save thousands by choosing this installer over one of the larger companies in the area. In a place like Arizona, where clean energy systems are thousands more than they are in most other states, this is a huge silver lining.
Verde Solar Power also offers an ample selection of products and services, so you should be able to customize your renewable energy system and optimize for budget or long-term savings based on your needs.
Verde Solar Power is the smallest company I chose for this list, so your home may be outside of its service area. It operates mainly in Sedona, Cottonwood, the Village of Oak Creek, and Camp Verde. It has super localized experience in those areas and the surrounding cities, but customers outside of these areas might need to choose a different installer.
Additionally, Verde Solar Power only offers a ten-year workmanship warranty. Again, this isn’t a huge drawback in Arizona, but it’s nice to have lengthy coverage for total peace of mind. I prefer companies that go above and beyond and offer between 15 and 25 years of coverage.
Verde Solar Power installs panels manufactured by a few different companies, including QCells, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, and Silfab. These panel brands are all high quality and should last for decades in Arizona. I’d recommend QCells for a great balance between energy production, long-term savings, and upfront affordability. They also have outstanding durability and will stand up to the excessive sunlight and high temperatures in Arizona.
Verde Solar Power also offers the following products and services:
- Off-grid solar systems
- Solar batteries (no brands mentioned)
Verde Solar Power only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, so the company is less accessible than many competitors. I’d suggest a cash purchase if you can make it work, as that will lead to the lowest overall system cost and the greatest savings over time. The interest on a loan will cut into your savings in the long run, but it’s still an option.
Verde Solar Power provides the standard coverage of 25 years for the panels and panel efficiency via the manufacturer warranty, although it only offers a ten-year labor warranty. Once again, this is standard, but I do prefer companies that have longer coverage for their workmanship.
Palmetto Solar
4.1
Our Rating
Palmetto Solar is a large national company that provides a wide array of solar products and services, making it one of the best companies if you’re looking for solar equipment alongside other energy efficiency upgrades. Its size sometimes gets in the way of good customer service, but many customers are generally pleased with their experience.
I chose Palmetto Solar primarily because it appeals to customers who want a one-stop shop for solar and energy efficiency upgrades. Palmetto installs the usual solar equipment, like panels, batteries, and EV chargers, but it also handles efficiency improvements that are appealing in a state like Arizona, where energy usage is through the roof. These include roof repair, solar panel cleaning to boost production, and professional energy monitoring.
Palmetto also provides a solid 25-year warranty for the equipment, panel efficiency, and workmanship, so you know you’re getting high-quality panels and top-of-the-line service. This is crucial in an area like Arizona, where some unreliable pop-up companies give solar a bad reputation.
Palmetto works mainly with two panel brands: QCells and SolarEdge. However, the company can get you access to most brands if you have a preference. This versatility is ideal, as you can customize your system based on your specific needs.
The primary drawback to working with Palmetto is that the customer service sometimes suffers because of the company’s size. Some of the reviews mention long delays in getting responses to warranty claims, while others mention delays throughout the installation process. The company uses an in-house installation team, so that helps, but response times and professionalism seem to be lacking at times.
Palmetto is also a bit on the expensive side, so while it’s great for system customization, you can expect to pay a bit more for that luxury. This can be a downside in an area like Arizona, where the cost to go solar is already above-average.
Palmetto primarily works with QCells panels and SolarEdge panels. Both of these brands are perfect for a state like sunny Arizona because they have above-average efficiency ratings that can help maximize your savings. They’re also more affordable than most competitors. Additionally, Palmetto can get access to most tier-one monocrystalline panels, so you can customize your system however you’d like.
You can also get access to the following products and services via Palmetto:
- Panel cleaning services
- Energy monitoring
- Panel removal and replacement
- EV chargers
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Sonnen solar batteries
- Tesla solar monitoring app
Palmetto accepts cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and PPAs, so you can choose the financing option that works best for your solar project and budget. I suggest staying away from leases and PPAs, as these lead to the lowest savings over time and don’t lead to panel ownership, so they can complicate the sale of your home.
Palmetto provides great warranty coverage in line with the best in the area. That includes 25 years of protection for the photovoltaic (PV) equipment, the panel efficiency, and the labor. On average, you can expect a system from Palmetto to last for between 25 and 30 years.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Solar in Arizona?
The average cost of solar equipment in Arizona is around $2.61 per watt, which is just below the national average of $2.66.
However, total system costs tend to be significantly higher than the national average because residents use much more energy per month and need larger systems to offset that consumption. Most Arizonans need an 11.5 kW system, about 2.5 kW larger than most Americans need.
That comes out to an average of $30,015 for a full system in Arizona or $21,011 after the federal solar tax credit, according to my internal research. This is about $6,000 and $4,200 higher than the national averages, respectively.
Keep in mind that your system size can vary based on your energy needs, shading on your roof, your home size, and more. The best way to determine how many panels you need for your home is to have a reliable solar installer come assess your home and size your system appropriately.
How Can You Save Money With Arizona’s Best Solar Companies?
Going solar in Arizona is more expensive than it is in most other states, but there are some things you can do to keep costs down.
- Choose a lower-efficiency panel. Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country, which means most residents can get away with a panel with a lower efficiency rating and still eliminate or significantly reduce their energy bills. Choosing a lower-efficiency panel will still provide plenty of energy savings and boost sustainability but will cost less upfront.
- Take advantage of Arizona solar incentives. Arizona is home to quite a few state and local incentives, all of which can save you money upfront and in the long run. These include net billing, a property tax exemption, a sales tax exemption, and more. Choosing a reliable solar company that can help you file for bonus incentives from your local city or utility company is a great way to save money with minimal effort on your part.
- Choose your payment options carefully. Finally, you can pay in cash to reduce your long-term system costs or choose cash or a solar loan to maximize your savings-to-cost ratio.These options might not be realistic for everyone, especially given the high local cost of solar equipment, but they’re the best options if you can make them work.
- Consider solar batteries. Solar batteries will drive up your system costs, but in an area like Arizona, they’re often worth it. Batteries help you maximize your savings because they grant you effective one-to-one net metering. Without batteries, you’ll have access to the less beneficial net billing program, which will reduce your savings in this sunny state.
So, Which Arizona Solar Company Should You Hire?
Overall, I recommend going solar with SunPower or ADT Solar if you live in Arizona. Both of these solar energy companies provide high-quality equipment and brands that will help you take advantage of the state’s near-constant sunlight, offer good customer satisfaction and service, and have outstanding warranty coverage. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience from a smaller, local company, I suggest Sun Valley Solar Solutions.
In any case, it’s a good idea to get a few free quotes from multiple solar installation companies to compare and see which will benefit you the most. You can use the tool below to get connected to certified, reliable installers in your area to get the ball rolling.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
I often get questions about which solar companies are best in Arizona, so I’ll answer some of the more common questions I see below.
FAQs About Solar Installers in Arizona
Who is the number one solar company in Arizona?
SunPower is considered the best solar company in Arizona. It provides the highest-quality panels available in the solar industry, which maximize the value of the sunlight in Arizona and help offset and even eliminate your above-average energy bills in the area. SunPower also provides outstanding warranty coverage to protect your investment and has decades of experience behind it to ensure a professional and safe installation.
How much should solar cost in AZ?
The average cost of a solar power system in Arizona is around $21,011 after the federal credit is applied or just over $30,000 without any incentives or rebates. Most customers pay between $16,500 and $27,500 after the solar tax credit, depending on the system size they need, their monthly energy consumption, the shading on their roofs, and some other factors.
Do solar panels work in Arizona?
Yes, solar panels not only work in Arizona, but they thrive in the extremely sunny conditions. Arizona sees around 300 sunny days per year, which is about 50% higher than the national average. With so much sunlight, Arizonans who convert to solar are virtually guaranteed impressive savings on their energy bills, especially since they can also take advantage of net billing to help offset as much electricity consumption as possible.
Is solar energy in Arizona worth it?
Yes, absolutely. For most customers, installing solar panels will provide energy savings that pay for the system within around 12 years and will then save over $20,000 on energy costs going forward. Arizona’s abundant sunlight and favorable solar laws help make solar an outstanding investment for most residents.
Methodology: How I Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Arizona
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our solar ratings emphasize what matters most to you — a wide range of energy-efficient panels, reputable and reliable installation, and comprehensive warranties.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with solar industry experts.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories, converted to a 5-star scale. I researched and analyzed dozens of solar installers and developed the following formula:
- Services Offered (20 points): What does each solar provider offer as a basic service with any solar installation plan? In-house labor led to companies being ranked higher than those that contracted their labor out to third parties. Similarly, battery installation and panel monitoring were key factors that I looked for in each provider. I specifically prioritized companies that offer batteries and energy efficiency upgrades, as these help boost savings in Arizona and help account for the above-average energy consumption and electric bills that residents face.
- Warranty Period (20 points): Solar warranties can cover labor, components, or both. The length of these warranty plans is of chief importance. Companies that offer 25-year warranty coverage got our highest score in this category. In most states, I prioritize a lengthy workmanship warranty because roof leaks are the biggest threat to solar panel systems. Since Arizona sees about a third of the national average annual rainfall, I instead prioritized the efficiency warranty, which helps guarantee that you continue to take full advantage of the abundant sunlight in the state.
- Other Offerings (20 points): Solar companies that provide secondary services are rated highly. These include obtaining permits to operate (PTO), providing financing and price matching options, and mobile performance tracking options. Most of the companies I chose for this list will handle permits for you, help you solidify financing, and even apply for incentives for you. Since the larger solar systems needed in the state are so expensive, I specifically chose companies that can maximize savings through incentives and creative and affordable financing options.
- Company Reputation (15 points): Our main metrics for rating company reputation were Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and complaint response rate. These are reliable indicators of quality. Many of our best providers have a 100% complaint response rate. Company reputation is specifically important in a place like Arizona because solar is so popular in the area. That means a lot of companies pop up just to take advantage of the high demand, and they often provide poor installation services and customer experiences.
- Customer Service (15 points): Availability via phone and online is key for modern home service providers in any niche. Those that offer both, along with clearly posted business hours and in-person estimates, are rated highly. I’ve seen a lot of solar customers in Arizona complain about the poor customer service they receive, likely because the high demand in the area leads to less reputable companies entering the industry just to turn a profit. I always try to choose installers that go above and beyond for customers so that you’ll have a positive experience.
- Availability (10 points): Companies with availability in more than 40 states received our highest score in this category. I rated providers with a more limited presence progressively lower, depending on exact reach. In Arizona, specifically, I looked for companies that covered the entire state, including less populated areas. Some of the local companies in the state have limited service areas, but I prioritized installers that serve most, if not all, of the state.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
