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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Catalina Foothills. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, you'll need to find a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Catalina Foothills to help you choose the right one.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Catalina Foothills or pick an established national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that changing to solar energy enables Catalina Foothills homeowners to save an average of $1,400 every year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Before booking your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
When evaluating Catalina Foothills solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Catalina Foothills, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the typical cost of putting in solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in Catalina Foothills averages around $10,974.
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Homeowners in Catalina Foothills who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in Catalina Foothills. Various programs cover all Arizona residents, while others are dependent on your utility company, city and municipality.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to Arizona residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax Exemption | 100% of sales tax on eligible equipment |
Personal Tax Credit Residential Solar and Wind Energy Systems Tax Credit | 25% |
Personal Tax Deduction Qualifying Wood Stove Deduction | Total cost, exclusive of taxes, interest and other finance charges |
Property Tax Incentive Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption | 100% of increased value |
Rebate Program Trico Electric Cooperative - SunWatts Incentive Program | $0.40 per expected first year kWh savings |
Rebate Program Sulphur Springs Valley EC - SunWatts Rebate Program | $0.250 per estimated first year kWh savings |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each differing in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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