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Arizona Solar Panel Calculator

Local rates, sun hours & savings — specific to Arizona

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6.57

Peak Sun Hrs/Day

$0.134

Avg Rate ($/kWh)

$175

Avg Monthly Bill

10 yrs

Est. Payback

Arizona gets more sunshine than any other state in the lower 48 — 6.57 peak sun hours per day — which means solar panels here produce roughly 75% more energy per panel than in northern states. While APS and SRP have adjusted their rate structures in recent years, the sheer volume of solar production still delivers strong returns, with typical 25-year savings exceeding $30,000. Use this calculator to see the exact numbers for your roof and usage.

6.57 hrs

Sun Hours/Day

$0.134

Rate ($/kWh)

$2.60

Avg Cost/Watt

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Solar Data for Arizona

Peak Sun Hours
6.57 hrs/day (NREL annual avg)
Avg Electricity Rate
$0.1341/kWh (EIA 2024)
Avg Monthly Bill
$175/month
Avg Install Cost
$2.60/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun)
Est. Payback (avg bill)
10 years (before 30% ITC)
Federal ITC
30% through 2032

Solar Panels in Arizona — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good payback period for solar panels?▾
The typical solar payback period in the US ranges from 6 to 12 years. States with high electricity rates (California, Massachusetts, Hawaii) tend to have shorter payback periods. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can shave 2–3 years off the estimates shown here.
How much CO₂ does a solar system offset?▾
The EPA estimates that the average US grid emits 0.855 lbs of CO₂ per kWh. A 10 kW solar system producing 14,000 kWh/year offsets about 11,970 lbs (5.4 metric tons) of CO₂ annually — equivalent to planting 88 trees or driving 12,000 fewer miles. Over 25 years, that's 300+ metric tons.
How many solar panels does the average home need?▾
Most US homes need between 15 and 30 panels (6–12 kW system). The exact number depends on your electricity usage, your state's sun hours, roof orientation, and the wattage of the panels you choose. Enter your bill or usage above to get a personalized estimate.
Is a small solar system (under 5 kW) worth installing?▾
A 3–5 kW system can still deliver meaningful savings — typically $500–$1,200/year — with a proportionally lower upfront cost. Small systems make sense for low-consumption households, condos with limited roof space, or as a starter system. Some states offer tiered incentives that favor smaller systems. The economics per kW are usually slightly less favorable than larger systems due to fixed permitting costs.
Does roof orientation affect how much power solar panels produce?▾
Yes, significantly. South-facing roofs receive the most direct sunlight and are ideal (factor: 1.00). East and west-facing roofs produce about 15% less. North-facing roofs produce roughly 30% less. Flat roofs can be angled for optimal output.

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Solar Savings on a $250/Month Bill

How much solar saves on a $250 monthly electricity bill in Arizona

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Solar Savings on a $100/Month Bill

How much solar saves on a $100 monthly electricity bill in Arizona

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Solar for 3,000 Sq Ft Homes

How many panels does a 3,000 sq ft home need?

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Solar for 1,500 Sq Ft Homes

How many panels does a 1,500 sq ft home need?

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5 kW Solar System

Full cost and savings breakdown for a 5 kW installation

Disclaimer: Data sources: NREL PVWatts (sun hours), EIA 2024 Residential Rate Survey (electricity rates), Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Tracking the Sun (install costs). Estimates are for planning only. Actual savings depend on your specific roof, shading, utility policies, and available incentives. Not financial or tax advice.