The topic I will be discussing in this blog post is whether or not solar panels increase home value in Arizona.
With the state’s abundant sunshine and the increasing awareness of environmental concerns, homeowners may wonder if installing solar panels on their property is a wise investment.
In this post, I will provide insightful information on the subject to help homeowners decide whether solar panels are worth the investment for their homes.
Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value In Arizona?
Solar panels have long been a smart investment for homeowners in Arizona.
With the rising energy costs, the installation of solar panels can reduce monthly electric bills significantly.
Not only does this save money, but it also adds value to your home.
Research conducted by the Carey School of Business at Arizona State University found that assuming solar increases total property value increase by approximately $20 per one dollar reduction in annual electric bills.
Additionally, a 2008 study estimated that an average sized solar array (with net metering) on an Arizona home with solar panels would increase its market price by 3-4%.
Fannie Mae even updated its guidelines to recognize that “the presence of a solar energy system increases the appraisal value of a home” and recent studies show that homes with leased solar power systems sell faster and for more money than similar homes without them.
Therefore, installing or leasing solar panels can add financial and environmental benefits to a home in Arizona.
Pros And Cons Of Solar Panels In Arizona
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular for many homeowners in Arizona due to the financial and environmental benefits that come with installing them.
On the one hand, solar panels can help reduce electricity bills and provide a clean energy source to power homes.
On the other hand, they require an initial investment and may not be suitable for all types of roofs.
Additionally, the amount of sunlight available in Arizona varies throughout the seasons.
For those looking into installing solar panels in Arizona, it is essential to consider both the pros and cons.
The primary benefit is that solar panels can generate free electricity from the sun’s rays, drastically reducing monthly utility bills while also helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Furthermore, many states offer incentives such as tax credits or rebates for those who install solar panels in their home, making this renewable energy even more accessible.
However, there are some downsides to investing in solar panels in Arizona as well.
Firstly, they require a significant upfront investment which may not be feasible for some people due to existing financial constraints.
Secondly, depending on the type of roof you have or the amount of sunlight available at any given time, your system may not be able to generate enough energy during peak periods such as summer.
Additionally, leased solar systems can decrease a home’s value if you wish to sell it since you no longer own it if you lease rather than buy it outright.
Overall, while there are drawbacks associated with investing in solar panels in Arizona, such as cost and rooftop compatibility issues, many homeowners still find them worthwhile investments thanks to their ability to reduce electricity bills and produce clean energy over time.
With recent evidence showing that homes with newly installed solar systems have sold quicker and increased value by up to five percent or more than similar homes without them; now could be an excellent time for interested home buyers and sellers alike who want to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on long term electricity costs!
Is Solar Worth It In Arizona?
With an abundance of sunshine, numerous incentives, lower monthly electricity bills and a long-term return on investment, investing in solar is a wise decision for Arizona homeowners.
Solar energy systems such as rooftop solar panels and leased solar power systems provide clean energy that cuts electricity costs, increases home value, and helps reduce the average household’s carbon footprint.
Recent solar home sales have shown that leasing or purchasing solar panels can add between $4 to 6 dollars per watt to property values.
In addition, it has been proven by analysts Mike Orr that homes with rooftop solar panels sell faster and at higher prices than similar non-solar homes.
The bottom line is that investing in a quality solar company and system can pay off significantly – not only will it help reduce your monthly electricity bills but could also increase the value of your home exponentially.
Solar Panel Lease Or Purchase: Which Is Better For Home Value?
Leasing solar panels or a leased solar power system will not add value to your home, but purchasing solar panels installed on your roof will.
Studies have shown that homes with purchased solar panels add up to 17% more value in Arizona alone and increase the property value of your home significantly.
Purchasing solar panels instead of leasing a system can save you money in the long run, as leasing decreases lifetime savings and makes it difficult to sell your home for the total value.
Additionally, although purchasing a new solar system does come with upfront costs such as installation fees, many states offer rebates and incentives from utility companies.
Reducing your monthly electric bill by investing in purchased solar panels will help you save money over time, especially if you pay cash or take out a 30-year home loan; this makes it an excellent long-term investment.
Most homeowners who qualify should seriously consider purchasing solar, as it has been proven to increase the resale value of their homes and can also decrease interest rates on large loans when appraising their houses.
Can You Get Solar For Free In Arizona?
The answer is no; you cannot get solar for free in Arizona. However, the state of Arizona offers many incentives and subsidies to help make solar energy more affordable.
The cost of a 5 kilowatt (kW) solar installation in Arizona averages between $12,495 and $16,905 in cost, with an average gross price of around $14,400.
Additionally, the federal government offers a 26% tax credit for residential solar installations.
Combined with these incentives and subsidies, it is possible to significantly reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation.
Furthermore, by installing solar panels on your home or business you can save money on your electricity bills over time.
Does Arizona Have A Solar Tax Credit?
Yes, Arizona does have a solar tax credit. The Residential Clean Energy Credit allows homeowners to deduct up to 30% of the cost of installing solar energy equipment in their homes.
This credit is available through the end of 2032 and applies to new and existing installations.
Additionally, individuals may be eligible for an additional 10% tax credit for qualified energy efficiency improvements made in 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021.
To learn more about the specifics of the solar tax credit in Arizona, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified tax professional.
Is There A Sales Tax On Solar Panels In Arizona?
Yes, there is a sales tax on solar panels in Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, the state imposes a 5.6% sales tax on solar energy systems and components.
However, this rate may vary depending on the county or city you live in.
Additionally, some counties offer exemptions for renewable energy systems such as solar panels.
It’s essential to check with your local county or city government to determine if any exemptions apply to you.
Why Is Solar Not Popular In Arizona?
Solar energy is not as popular in Arizona as it could be due to a few factors.
One of the main reasons is that many residential electric customers don’t get to benefit from the solar power generated in the state since a quarter of it is sold elsewhere.
Additionally, there are high costs associated with installing solar panels, which can be a deterrent for some people.
Finally, there has been resistance from some politicians who argue that solar energy does not provide baseload electricity and should not be relied upon as an energy source.
Despite these challenges, solar energy adoption is becoming increasingly popular in Arizona due to its potential for cost savings and environmental benefits.
What Is The Average Solar System Size In Arizona?
The average solar system size in Arizona is typically between 5-7 kW, depending on the size of the home.
A 2,500-square-foot home in Arizona would require a 7.31 kW solar system to cover its energy needs.
Solar panel systems in Arizona cost an average of $3-$5 per watt, meaning that a 5 kW system would cost around $15,000 before any incentives or tax credits are applied.
Homeowners should consider factors such as their energy usage and roof space when determining the right size for their solar system.
What Percentage Of Homes In Arizona Have Solar Panels?
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Arizona has 6,330 megawatts (MW) of solar installed, enough to power 974,221 homes.
This ranks Arizona 5th in the nation for solar installations. In addition, Arizona law states that an HOA may not prohibit the installation of solar panels.
By 2024, it is estimated that 2.5% of all homes in the U.S will have a solar installation and solar panels can increase home values by up to 3% in Arizona.
With such strong support for solar energy, it’s no wonder why renewable energy sources like solar power so many homes in Arizona.
How Solar Panels Can Decrease Your Interest On A Home Loan
Leasing solar panels or purchasing solar panel systems can decrease your interest rates on home loans while also reducing your monthly electricity bills.
In addition to saving money in the long run, leasing or purchasing solar panels adds value to your home and can increase its marketability if you decide to sell.
The cost of solar panel installation varies depending on several factors such as state rebates and incentives. Still, it is an excellent investment for Arizona homes that produce excess energy due to the abundance of sun in the Arizona area.
Although recent studies from the Arizona Republic suggest that adding a power system can detract from the value of a metro Phoenix home compared to similar homes without solar panels.
Recently Fannie Mae updated their rules for appraising homes with installed solar panel systems that are likely to be more beneficial for potential home buyers.
Investing in solar is an advantage both economically and environmentally; it allows homeowners to save money, live greener and convince prospective buyers who may not be convinced otherwise.
How Utility Companies Benefit from Leasing Solar Power Systems
Utility companies in Arizona are increasingly taking advantage of the benefits of leasing solar power systems.
By leasing, they can avoid the upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing a system while still enjoying the long-term cost savings that come with solar energy.
Additionally, leasing allows them to take advantage of grid integration and collaboration opportunities that help them better manage their energy needs.
Leased solar panels have become an attractive option for utility companies due to the decrease in cost and increase in efficiency they offer over traditional grid sources such as coal or natural gas.
Furthermore, utility companies can benefit from tax credits and incentives available in Arizona for 2023.
Homeowners may also find it beneficial to lease solar panels due to the potential monthly savings on their electricity bill.
As an added benefit, homes with leased solar panels may also increase their value whereas purchasing a solar panel system may hurt its marketability when selling a home.
In addition, recent years have seen California homes sell at a premium for having green energy produced showing the added value people are willing to put into purchasing or leasing solar systems.
Investing in a leased solar system is not only a sensible financial move but also helps reduce carbon emissions and take part in the stewardship of our planet’s resources.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last In Arizona?
Solar panels in Arizona have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. This is according to SunRun, one of the leading companies in the solar industry.
Solar panels slowly degrade over time, meaning they may produce less and less energy as they age.
However, with proper maintenance and care, solar panels can last longer than their expected life expectancy.
Additionally, due to decreasing prices for solar energy in Arizona over the past ten years, homeowners can expect to pay off their solar panel system with energy savings within 12 years.
How Much is the Average Electric Bill in AZ?
According to an estimate by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Arizona residents pay higher-than-average electricity bills, with an average monthly cost of $131.40 in 2021.
This was about $10 higher than the national average, placing Arizona second highest in the nation for electricity costs.
Phoenix residents pay an average of 11.96 cents per kWh of electricity, which can add up quickly during the summer months when air conditioning usage is at its peak.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower your monthly bills such as through approved power plans from utilities like Arizona Public Service Company and Tucson Electric Power.
