To choose the top picks for this guide, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.
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Going solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Mesa resident’s energy needs, considering the hot desert climate.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Mesa based on the following key features and respective weightings:
We’ve talked to hundreds of Arizonans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Mesa residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.
Key insights
A typical residential solar installation costs $7,264 to $20,755 in Mesa.
One of the most common solar scams involves fake companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. Another is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.
A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Mesa are comparable, ranging from $7,264 to $20,755 on average.
The size of your system greatly affects the overall cost. The average Arizona household needs a system with a capacity of 9.2 kW to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. “Cost per watt” is like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Mesa, the average cost per watt is $2.08.
Average total solar installation costs by system size in Mesa
5 kW
6 kW
7 kW
8 kW
9 kW
10 kW
Before federal tax credit
$10,378
$12,453
$14,529
$16,604
$18,680
$20,755
After federal tax credit
$7,264
$8,717
$10,170
$11,623
$13,076
$14,529
Is solar worth it in Mesa?
Solar panels are generally worth it in Arizona if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront price of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. However, you can lease or finance minimal upfront costs.
Another potential financial downside has to do with the Salt River Project utility, according to Greg in Mesa. “We decided to go solar because it’s the right thing to do for our environment,” Greg told us. “In spite of SRP’s very poor stance on solar we felt like it would be worth the investment.”
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 7 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Arizona homeowners with solar panels can avoid $59,661 in total utility costs over 25 years.
As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.
In our experience, the best solar companies in Arizona have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.
Read reviews: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services — ask for clarification.
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.
Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance.
Going solar in Mesa isn’t just a green move; it's often a smart money move. With electricity costs continuing to rise, more homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run.
The federal solar investment tax credit reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.
The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.
State tax credit: You can claim 25% of your total solar system costs, up to $1,000, on your state taxes. Leased systems and PPAs are not eligible.
Sales tax exemption: Arizona has a 100% state sales tax exemption on the purchase and installation of solar energy devices (up to $5,000 per device).
Property tax exemption: Solar equipment adds no taxable value for property tax assessment. In other words, your property taxes won’t increase just because solar panels increase your home value.
Additional solar incentives
Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Arizona.
Incentive type
Amount
Eligible solar equipment
Applicable sectors
Administrator
Sustainable Building Design Revolving Loan Fund
Loan program
100% project financing based on available funds
Solar water heat
State government
Department of Transformation & Shared Services, Division of Building Authority
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion
Personal tax exemption
100% of subsidy
Solar panels, solar water heat, solar space heat
Residential, multifamily residential
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion
Corporate tax exemption
100% of subsidy
Solar panels, solar water heat, solar space heat
Residential, multifamily residential
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Loan program
Varies
Solar panels, passive solar, solar space heat
Residential
Federal government-sponsored enterprises, lending institutions, state government agencies and local governments
Mesa solar FAQ
Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Mesa?
You have to submit a Residential Solar Program Application to the Mesa Energy Resources Department. If approved, you then sign an Interconnection Agreement and Net Metering Addendum with the City. Before interconnection, you must provide a roof photo to verify the installation matches the approved plans. Depending on your system's complexity, you may also need an electrical permit.
How does a power purchase agreement work?
A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.
How does net metering work in Mesa?
Mesa and the rest of Arizona technically has a system called “net billing.” This is different from net metering, where customers would get paid the full retail price for their extra electricity. Net billing pays a lower rate, which means customers earn less for the excess power they produce.
Net billing is a way for solar panel owners to get paid for extra electricity they produce. When your solar panels make more power than you need, you can send this extra power to the electric grid. The power company then gives you credit on your bill for this electricity, but it's at a lower rate than what you pay for electricity you use.
No, homeowners associations in Arizona are not permitted to unreasonably restrict solar energy systems.
Can I get solar panels for free in Mesa?
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Mesa. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs. There is usually a low ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.
What are the different types of solar panels?
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you can save by buying fewer panels.
Methodology: how we chose the best solar companies in Mesa
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Mesa, Arizona. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:
Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Mesa customers were given preference.
Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.
Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.
Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
Elevation
Project Solar
ShopSolar
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Guide sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available.
Solar panel dealer with partner installers. Full-service and DIY installs. Available across the continental U.S. 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty. Transparent and flat pricing online. Financing options available.
Solar panel installation. Residential and commercial solar panel projects. Includes 25-year workmanship and product warranty. Batteries available for backup storage. Free quotes by phone or online. Available nationwide.
Liaison between homeowners and solar energy installers. Concierge-style service. Estimates based on customized solar layouts. Helps customers explore finance options. Offers solar loans.
Provides solar power systems, energy storage, energy efficiency and smart management technology. Offers free consultations and quotes. Warranties range 10 to 20 years. Available in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and Texas.
Solar installations for homes, businesses, government buildings and schools. Serves the Dallas and Irving areas in Texas and The Valley in Arizona. Warranties include 20 to 25 years on panels and 12 to 25 years on inverters.
Residential installation of solar energy systems, solar inspections for realtors, solar HVAC and roofing services in Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding areas. Pay upfront or finance through a loan.
Residential and commercial solar panel design, installation and maintenance. Products offered by sonnen. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty through Sonnen. Serves most of Arizona.
Installs and repairs residential solar energy systems across the entire Phoenix Metro area. Free consultations available upon request. Offers zero-down financing and grant options on all installations.
Residential and commercial solar energy installations, generators and battery storage across Arizona. Offers brands like Briggs & Stratton, Duracell, Enphase Energy and Kohler Power. Free quotes available.
Offers solar financing and solar system installations. Provides products from brands like Freedom Forever, LG, Panasonic and Silfab Solar. Works with homes across Arizona, Nevada and Texas.
Residential and commercial installation of solar energy systems and energy storage in parts of Southern California. Offers a 30-year monitoring and warranty protection plan. Finance through a loan. Free quotes available.
Residential solar installation, roofing and energy storage across California, Nevada and Utah. Offers 1-year money back production guarantee on solar production. Buying options include cash and zero down financing.
Specializes in solar hot water sales and installations. Lifetime replacement warranty on all parts and services. Partners with Westinghouse to design its own proprietary systems. Installing in Arizona since 1986.
Grid-tied residential solar panel system design, installation, removal and maintenance plus energy monitoring. Serves Arizona’s Greater Phoenix area. 25-year manufacturers’ warranties available.
Solar installations, repairs and electrical work in Tempe’s surrounding area, including Phoenix and Mesa. Products come with manufacturer’s warranty. Extended warranties available for purchase. Financing available through loans.
Residential installation of solar energy systems in parts of Arizona and Florida. Offers 25 to 30-year manufacturer’s warranties on solar panels from Aptos Solar Technology, Qcells and Silfab. Finance with a loan.
Solar energy system solutions for homeowners in nine Arizona cities, including Mesa and Phoneix. Solar repairs and upgrades also available. Offers two-year workmanship and 25-year manufacturer warranties on installations.
Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage and electrical services in Arizona. Offers a 25-year parts and labor warranty on systems installed. Zero-down financing and leasing available.
Offers residential and commercial solar systems. Uses products from Canadian Solar, Tesla, LG Chem, LONGi, Qcell, the REC Group and Silfab Solar. Services Arizona, Nevada and Texas.