The 7 Best Solar Companies in Arizona of 2022 - MarketWatch
Arizona is known for its vibrant desert landscapes, sizzling summer temperatures and, of course, the Grand Canyon. However, you may not know that Arizona is also ranked as the sunniest state in the United States, receiving over 300 sunny days throughout the year. This makes it the ideal place for harnessing solar energy power.
With nearly 300 solar companies in Arizona, finding the best provider may feel like an overwhelming task. To make the process easier, we at the Home Media reviews team have researched dozens of companies and created a list of the top solar installers in the state. All quoted prices in this review are for a 5kW (5,000 watts) professional solar installation, the average size for a residential system in the United States.
Arizona's Top 7 Solar Companies of 2022
Below are our picks for the best solar companies in the state.
Palmetto Solar
- Warranty: 25 years
- Average Cost: $13,500
Pros and Cons of Palmetto Solar
– Limited options for free system monitoring
– No information about financing options online
Palmetto Solar Details
Palmetto Solar tops our list of solar companies because of its 25-year panel warranty and comprehensive protection plan. The company also provides extensive customer service options. You can communicate with customer service via chat, email, phone or the dedicated app.
Palmetto has a detailed installation process that focuses on finding the best solar solution for each customer. From the initial consultation to the completed installation, the company keeps you well-informed throughout every step. Your new solar system will include monocrystalline solar panels, an inverter and an optional sonnen battery.
The optional Palmetto Protect plan offers customers and non-customers additional monitoring and service options on a tiered scale. The tiers run from $8 to $49 per month, with options for yearly subscriptions for extra savings. The highest Premier tier includes 24/7 system monitoring, free annual panel cleaning or service visits and exclusive discounts for local service providers.
Services:
- 2 sonnen solar battery options
- 25-year panel warranty
- Energy consumption tracking
- Energy efficiency auditing
- Palmetto Protect tiered coverage plan
- Palmetto Solar app
- Panel cleaning
- Panel maintenance and repair services
- Panel removal and reinstallation
- Pest abatement
- Roof-leak repair under solar panels
- Solar inverter and optimizer replacement
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- Virtual or in-person consultation
Payment options: Palmetto has four payment options. Those who want total ownership of the system can pay in full or opt for a solar loan with fixed monthly payments. After completing the loan, you will officially own your Palmetto Solar system.
Alternatively, you can lease your solar panels. This means Palmetto will remain the system owner and be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep. You'll pay a fixed monthly rate with little to no initial costs. You can purchase your panels or have them removed when your lease ends.
The fourth payment option, Palmetto's power purchase agreement (PPA), allows you to pay only for the solar energy you use each month. Your monthly fee is based on the energy you use and can vary. After the agreement ends, you can purchase the system from Palmetto or have the company remove it. Both the lease and PPA options disqualify you from solar incentives and tax breaks.
Tesla Energy
- Warranty: 10 and 25 years
- Average Cost: $10,000
Pros and Cons of Tesla Energy
– Tesla Powerwall cannot be purchased separately
– Third-party installation
Tesla Energy Details
Though known for its automotive innovations, Tesla has developed advanced solar panel solutions for homeowners over the last several years. The company's solar options include solar panels, solar roof installments and its popular solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall, allowing homeowners to build an all-inclusive solar system.
Whereas most solar companies don't provide quotes online, Tesla offers online ordering with detailed pricing. The company will perform a virtual home assessment after you select a system and provide photos of your property. Representatives will then build a custom system based on your home's specs, energy needs and roof design. Tesla doesn't install its systems directly and instead uses certified installers.
Tesla uses sleek, all-black solar panels and solar shingles that feature no grid lines and blend seamlessly with your home. Each system includes a Tesla Solar inverter and the acclaimed Tesla Powerwall, one of the most recognized solar batteries on the market.
Tesla systems also have a comprehensive 10-year warranty that covers maintenance or labor requests and roof leaks. Additionally, you'll receive a 25-year panel performance warranty that guarantees at least 80% output within the warranty period.
Services:
- 10-year comprehensive warranty
- 24/7 customer support
- 25-year panel performance warranty
- Online ordering
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- System monitoring
- Tesla Powerwall battery option
- Tesla Wall Connector electric vehicle charging system
- Virtual home assessment
Payment options: Tesla Energy limits its financing options to up-front payments or solar loans. While this excludes more affordable options such as solar leases or PPAs, it ensures you'll own your system and have access to cost-saving incentives.
Sunrun
- Warranty: 10 years and 25 years
- Average Cost: $13,500
Pros and Cons of Sunrun
– Advanced protection options require additional costs for non-leasing customers
– No pricing information online
Sunrun Details
Sunrun has an online tool that helps you customize your ideal system. After you request a free quote, a Sunrun representative will create a detailed proposal mapping your new system and potential energy savings. The company designs each system to meet the needs of the customer's home. It will also review any cost-cutting programs you may be eligible for, including state incentives and net metering.
You can pick any accessories you'd like to add to your system during the planning stage. These options include the Brightbox Home Battery system, which uses either the Tesla Powerwall or LG ChemSystem for energy storage. The company also offers the Ford Connected Charge Station for electric vehicles (EVs).
Under the Sunrun Guarantee, all customers receive a 10-year comprehensive warranty, including system repairs, free equipment replacement, free parts and labor and guaranteed watertight roof penetrations.
Services:
- 10-year comprehensive warranty for all customers
- 10-year manufacturer warranty for both solar batteries and their apps
- 24/7 monitoring and maintenance
- 25 years of protection for leasing customers
- Comprehensive insurance against theft or damage
- Free online estimate
- Online tool for system customization
- Optional Ford Connected Charge Station EV charger
- Optional Protection Plus service package (included with lease options)
- Solar battery options with Brightbox Home Battery system
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- Tesla Powerwall or LG ChemSystem battery options
- Virtual consultation
Payment options: Those who want to own their Sunrun solar system can either pay in full or choose a monthly loan.
The company also offers two leasing options, monthly or full, that include its Protection Plus service coverage. This service package includes monitoring and maintenance for the entire length of your agreement.
Arizona residents who pick the monthly lease will owe little to no money down at the beginning of their agreement. Those who select the full lease option will prepay for the solar lease with a one-time payment that covers service for up to 25 years. Leasing customers receive free maintenance, repairs and insurance coverage.
Vivint Solar
- Warranty: 25 years
- Average Cost: $12,500
Pros and Cons of Vivint Solar
– Basic coverage for customers that purchase or use a loan for their system
– Limited solar panel brand selection
Vivint Solar Details
Vivint focuses on providing flexible options, offering customized solar system designs and transferrable panel agreements if you move.
Vivint follows a five-step process for solar panel installation. A representative will conduct a free in-home consultation to review your energy usage and discuss your options for a solar system. During a second visit, the representative does a home assessment to confirm your home is suitable for a solar system. All data will be given to the design team so they can create your custom system.
Along with black-on-black, monocrystalline LG solar panel systems, Vivint Solar offers the BrightBox Home battery system with the Tesla Powerwall or LG ChemSystem for solar storage. You can also add a ChargePoint Home EV charging system.
Vivint backs its panels with a 10-year workmanship warranty covering issues from poor installation. Its 25-year linear performance warranty guarantees your panels will operate optimally for the length of the warranty. Each battery has a 10-year manufacturer warranty covering the battery and accompanying app.
Services:
- 10-year workmanship warranty
- 25-year linear performance warranty
- ChargePoint Home EV charging system
- In-home consultation
- In-house roofing services for panel installation
- Solar battery options with Brightbox Home Battery system
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- System monitoring
- Tesla Powerwall or LG ChemSystem battery options
Payment options: Vivint has four options: full payment, solar loan, solar lease or PPA.
ADT Solar
- Warranty: 25 years
- Average Cost: $13,000
Pros and Cons of ADT Solar
– No leasing or PPA payment options
– No pricing information on the website
ADT Solar Details
ADT Solar, previously known as Sunpro, provides a huge library of educational material and resources to ensure its customers are well-informed about solar energy. The website has detailed information about how solar panels work, the components involved and the benefits of converting to renewable energy. You can also request a free quote online.
ADT Solar offers a variety of panels and batteries for its systems, including products from Panasonic and LG. The company also sells two solar storage brands: the Enphase Encharge and Tesla Powerwall 2. Customers can track their solar usage through the Enphase MyEnlighten app, which provides 24/7 monitoring.
ADT Solar backs all of its products with 25-year warranties covering product defects, labor issues, output failures or problems with the Enphase microinverter.
Services:
- 25-year Enphase microinverter warranty
- 25-year output guarantee
- 25-year product warranty
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Free home energy auditing
- In-house roofing services for panel installation
- In-person consultation
- Lifetime 24/7 monitoring with Enphase MyEnlighten app
- Referral app
- Solar battery option with the Enphase Encharge and Tesla Powerwall 2 batteries
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
Payment options: ADT Solar limits its payment options to full system payment and solar loans.
Zenernet
- Warranty: 10, 20 and 25 years
- Average Cost: $13,000
Pros and Cons of Zenernet
– No lease or PPA payment options
– No pricing details online
Zenernet Details
Zenernet is the first solar installation company to offer flat, modular pricing for solar systems, meaning that you can choose each component of your system separately. This a la carte method allows homeowners to select preferred brands and build a unique solar system.
The company offers a wide selection of well-known brands for each component:
- Solar panel brands include Q Cells, LG, Trina, Panasonic, Solaria, Hyundai and REC
- Inverters available from Enphase, SMA and SolarEdge
- Solar battery options include Enphase, LG and Generac
Zenernet has operated as a fully remote business since day one, so all consultations are virtual. Once requested, a Zenernet representative will meet with you to discuss your energy needs and potential savings.
During the design process, you can pick each component of your system, which will be priced separately. Homeowners can add optional accessories, including a solar battery, EV charger or generator. The company offers additional monitoring through Sense, a smart home app that shows energy consumption broken down to individual appliances and devices.
Customers can choose a 10-, 20- or 25-year workmanship warranty covering the entire system. This warranty is an extended warranty for the individual manufacturer's warranty for each component of the system.
Services:
- 10-, 20- or 25-year workmanship warranty options
- 25-year equipment warranty
- Advanced energy consumption monitoring through Sense Solar
- Enphase, LG and Generac solar battery options
- Home generator options
- Optional Juicebox electric vehicle (EV) charger
- Smart-home technology options, including thermostats
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- Virtual consultation
- Virtual site assessment
- Zenernet Advocator app
Payment options: Zenernet offers only two options for financing: full payment or solar loan.
SunPower
- Warranty: 25 years
- Average Cost: $13,800
Pros and Cons of SunPower
– More expensive panels than other companies
– Only sells SunPower-produced equipment
SunPower Details
Sunpower is a leader in the solar industry with more than four decades of experience. It offers in-house solar panels with one of the highest efficiencies available. By eliminating third-party components, the company has developed a solar system to work at peak performance.
Homeowners can create their solar system using the SunPower Design Studio online. You can also get a free quote detailing your potential savings on the website. After your virtual consultation, the planning and design process begins. The company handles all permits and paperwork while a member of their Master Dealers network does the installation. These dealers have passed a selective, invite-only process to ensure their qualifications.
SunPower systems come with a 25-year comprehensive warranty covering workmanship, product defects and performance. SunPower guarantees a power output of at least 92% throughout the warranty, or the company will replace or upgrade your system for free.
You can add SunPower's SunVault Storage System for energy storage and the Wallbox electric vehicle (EV) charger.
Services:
- 10-year warranty for the SunVault Storage system and software
- 25-year comprehensive warranty
- Energy consumption tracking
- mySunPower app
- Online system design with the SunPower Design Studio
- Optional Wallbox electric vehicle (EV) charger
- Solar battery option with the SunVault Storage System
- Solar battery power level updates
- Solar panel installation
- Survey and design
- Virtual consultation
Payment options: SunPower offers three payment options for its systems. You can pay in full, agree to a solar loan or sign up for a solar lease.
Solar Incentives in Arizona
Arizona residents can lower the cost of their solar systems thanks to several tax credits and incentives available in the state:
-
- Arizona Residential Solar Energy Credit: The Residential Solar Energy Credit allows residents to claim a tax credit of 25% of the cost of their solar system for a maximum of $1,000. If the tax credit is more than the amount you owe in taxes, the remaining credit will roll over to the following year for up to five years. Each household is limited to only one credit regardless of the number of qualifying solar energy devices onsite.
- Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax Exemption: The Solar and Wind Equipment Sales Tax Exemption prevents homeowners from having to pay sales tax on qualifying solar energy systems. This is limited to the system and does not include accessories like solar batteries.
- Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption: This tax incentive exempts homeowners from paying additional property tax for the increased property value a solar panel system provides.
You can also apply for the federal solar tax credit and receive a 26% credit for the cost of your solar system. Your system must be installed by the end of 2022 to qualify. The credit reduces to 22% for all systems installed during 2023. If the taxes you owe are less than the credit, it will roll over to the next year for up to five years.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company
When searching for the best solar companies in the Grand Canyon State, consider the following factors.
Availability
Homeowners should verify that any potential solar company serves their area. Some companies advertise availability in a state, but their coverage area is limited to particular ZIP codes. For example, a company promoting its coverage in Arizona may serve residents in Tempe and Mesa but not in Peoria.
Warranty
We recommend looking for solar companies that offer extensive warranties. The industry standard is about 10 to 12 years for an equipment (or manufacturer's) warranty and 25 years for a performance warranty. Some companies go beyond the norm and offer 25 years for both types of warranties. Additional warranty benefits could include extended warranties for your add-ons, such as solar batteries and EV chargers, and coverage for roof damage or leaks due to solar installations.
Panel and Add-on Selection
The availability of name-brand panels, inverters and other system add-ons varies from company to company. If you're set on a specific brand for your solar project, look for companies that carry that option.
Some companies choose to manufacture their products in-house. Though this limits their variety, it adds a design advantage. Since they control the functionality of each component in the system, these individual parts can be designed to work better together. The result is a streamlined system engineered to work at peak efficiency.
Also, keep in mind that premium panels come with a premium price tag. The higher the panel efficiency, the more you'll have to pay up-front. However, investing in the highest quality panels you can afford will pay off in the long run.
Company History and Brand Reputation
Some solar companies have been in business for decades, while others are simply established electronics and technology companies that have branched into clean energy. Companies with 15 or more years of business experience have a bigger advantage than newly established companies with less than five years of experience. As the popularity of solar energy continues to grow, so will the number of new solar providers hoping to cash in on the surge.
The Bottom Line: Which Arizona Solar Company Is Best for You?
Arizonans looking for the most comprehensive protection plan should consider our top choice, Palmetto Solar. If you want more flexible options for your solar project, including the ability to transfer your service to new homeowners, Vivint Solar may be a better fit. SunPower is the best choice for your home if you want to invest in some of the most efficient solar panels available.
The best way to find the ideal solar installer is to do your research. Request quotes from at least three solar companies and compare their services, product options and customer reviews. Also, verify that any companies you're considering are available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Arizona
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies
We collected data on dozens of solar companies and created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings, grade each company and provide objective findings to our readers. The result of weighing a wide range of factors is a cumulative score for each provider.
We called companies and spoke with representatives to understand their products, services and solar installation processes. We also reviewed each company's product, production and workmanship guarantees in detail and closely examined customer reviews to understand the customer service experience with each provider.
All company data is monitored on an ongoing basis so that all rankings and information remain up to date.
Once we gathered all relevant data, we used the following scoring system to grade each solar company on a 100-point scale:
- Solar services (25 points): Does the company provide in-house solar panel installation and battery backups? Can the company also monitor energy production and perform energy-efficiency audits to ensure system performance? The more options available, the higher the score.
- Warranty options (15 points): Warranties for products, system output and workmanship and the length of these guarantees are significant factors in residential solar system performance. Warranties vary by company, so we score companies based on the number of options available. The more warranties a company offers, the higher the score it receives.
- Availability (10 points): Most solar companies are not available nationwide. We award the most points to companies with the most extensive service area and state availability.
- Experience (10 points): We rate solar companies based on the number of years they have worked within the industry. The more years a company has been in business, the higher the score.
- Payment options (15 points): For each payment option the company provides, it receives more points. Options include purchase, loan, lease and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Reputation (10 points): We factor in each company's score on the Business Better Bureau (BBB) and deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
- Additional benefits (15 points): We evaluate solar companies based on added features and services such as a mobile app, virtual consultations, electric vehicle chargers and 24/7 live customer support. The more of these options a company provides, the more points it receives.
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