Why do you want solar?
Adding a solar system to your property isn’t just about doing your part to help with global warming by reducing your carbon footprint. These systems also save homeowners thousands of dollars over time whilst adding value to their property. In areas where the sun is shining most of the year, like Arizona, solar panels can deliver even more value.
But the catch is, these systems don’t come cheap. In Arizona, the cost of solar panels is about on par with the national average, being approximately $2.46 per watt. Okay, this may not seem like much, but considering a typical solar system is at least 5,000kW, homeowners are looking at least $12,300 to purchase their system, plus installation. When you add the installation cost, the total monetary investment gets much more significant.
Several Arizona utility companies have rebate programs for solar purchases to save buyers thousands. This, combined with the state sales tax exemption, removal of property tax for solar added homes, and the Federal Solar Tax Incentive, all help reduce the financial burden of a solar system, however, they are still costly to purchase and install.
What are some alternatives?
Solar technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Self-installation is an option for the motivated property owner, which can help you reduce your solar system costs by as much as 50%. Doing a DIY home installation will immediately save property owners thousands of dollars, and the energy cost-benefit will last for decades. This reduction of costs ultimately increases the solar system’s rate of return and payoff time.
DIY installation makes getting a solar system more accessible for the average home buyer. However, it will take careful planning and consideration of a property’s unique features. Owners need to research what systems best suit their needs and budget, installation location on their property, and the electrical requirements. However, if you’re already an individual who is confident with DIY projects, this is an excellent option.