Best 10 Solar Companies in Tucson, AZ

Tucson residents are purposeful about conserving resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,300 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll show you Tucson's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Tucson solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the best:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Tucson solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Tucson community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Tucson Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Tucson

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these criteria in your business search.

Licensing and Training

In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors issues distinctive licenses for solar thermal and PV installers. To install solar thermal systems, a contractor must be a licensed plumber, and for solar PV systems, they must be a licensed electrician. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Tucson

The style of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Tucson and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $15,350 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Tucson

Choosing the best financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Tucson.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy