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Best Solar Companies in Peoria, AZ

We compared 11 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,958)
    • Great monitoring app
      Elevation
      2.4(111)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

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      Best Solar Companies in Peoria, AZ

      Our top solar company picks for Peoria

      1. Best overall: Sunrun
      2. Great monitoring app: Elevation
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      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.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,536,144 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare our top 3 solar companies in Peoria

      Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      The best solar companies in Peoria

      Going solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most of Peoria residents’ energy needs, considering the hot desert climate.

      Our top pick overall

      Sunrun

      4.3
      2,958 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      10-25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others.

      • “It was a very easy process to get the contract. Also, the price and package they had was very attractive. The installation took a week and there was a little disruption with our daily activities. But we survived it and it worked fine. The production varies depending on whether it's cloudy or summer. I'm getting used to what the system can produce every month. The system is very good and we save money with it through summertime. Most of the months from January through May in Phoenix, our electric bill was negative and we made more electricity than we used. During the summer, we pay the summertime, we pay some additional over what we pay to Sunrun. But that is expected because without solar, we would pay a lot more. We recommend Sunrun. We've called them for inquiries and they answer right away. I couldn't ask for better service.” — Vahid in Peoria

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have mentioned they realized after installation that they did not fully understand the terms.

      Sunrun is a leading provider of residential solar, battery storage and energy services in the United States. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG. You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun offers a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Lease terms: There’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last for 25 years and include free maintenance and repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some customer service complaints
      • Occasional installation delays
      Great monitoring app

      Elevation

      2.4
      111 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25+ years (product and labor)
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2014

      Elevation has an in-house team that completes the installation and provides ongoing support if you run into any issues. We like that the Curb monitoring app connects to your home's electrical system to give you real-time data about your system. It also lets you remotely turn your smart devices on and off to stop waste and maximize efficiency.

      • “LOVE the Curb monitoring app, it’s super cool! It shows me all the power/usage/data/etc. I can even see how much energy my pool pump is using vs the AC unit so that’s fun to play around with. Biggest benefit is my power bill has been cut in half.” — Kevin in Peoria
      • “I’m saving a lot of money each month, and I really like not having to pay anything else to APS. Looking to get my system paid off in the next year, so I’m really excited about that. The CURB app is useful but can be confusing at times.” — Chad in Peoria
      • “Diana came out to help my aunt with her Curb app. She did a great job and explained how the newer version works. It’s great to see how much we consume in electricity and how much we produce in solar to offset the usage.” — Wendy in Peoria

      Customers occasionally experience installation delays due to equipment upgrades, local permitting and supply chain issues.

      Elevation specializes in both grid-tied and off-grid solar power systems. Installers use equipment from Panasonic, Qcells, LG, REC and other top names in the solar industry. Systems incorporate either Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell batteries.

      • Services: Consultations, system design, installation and ongoing maintenance, as well as services to reduce your home's overall energy consumption, like air sealing, insulation and duct sealing, are available.
      • Warranty information: Elevation has a lifetime workmanship warranty on solar systems and a 10-year workmanship warranty for roof penetrations. Solar equipment, including panels and batteries, comes with individual manufacturer's warranties.
      • Payment options: You can pay cash or finance. Elevation partners with various lenders to offer solar loans with competitive interest rates and flexible terms.

      Pros

      • Helpful reps
      • Quick and efficient installations
      • Free consultation
      • Several trusted brand partners
      • Good warranty coverage

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “People have asked me about ShopSolarKits and I told them that it's a good deal to do if you wanna do things on your own. Everything comes pre-connected and pre-cut. You don't have to make your own wires. I've bought multiple products through them and customer service helped me out a lot. I bought solar panels and wires and the batteries and the inverter all separately. The batteries were a little expensive.” — Bailey in Waddell

      It's important to keep in mind that it doesn’t offer professional installation services. So, it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your energy needs. While the company doesn't offer direct installation services, resources and support for do-it-yourself installation, including online courses, guides and videos, are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Huge selection of solar equipment
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Peoria

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Peoria based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Peoria solar panel buyers guide

      Here’s what Peoria residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with local and federal incentives.

      Key insights

      “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 Peoria, the average cost per watt is $2.18.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and local financial incentives can make solar more affordable for residents. You can also lease a system with little upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      One of the most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. The other one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Peoria

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Peoria are comparable, ranging from $7,634 to $21,810 on average.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Peoria, the average cost per watt is $2.18. The average Arizona household needs a system with a capacity of 9.2 kW to fully offset its electricity costs.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Peoria

      Is solar worth it in Peoria?

      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 cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Arizonans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. With electricity costs continuing to rise, many find it’s financially worth it in the long run.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      The average homeowner in Peoria uses quite a bit of power, which adds up to a lot of savings when you switch to solar. Going solar now means your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and often significantly lower). Solar panels also protect you from future energy cost increases.

      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.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Potential roof problems

      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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Peoria

      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.

      • Check certifications: Only state-qualified contractors are allowed to install, repair or alter residential solar devices. You can verify licenses through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags — 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? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance in the future? Then, carefully review the proposal. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      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.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Going solar in Maricopa County

      Arizona has generally solar-friendly policies and a personal tax exemption to help defray the costs of installing rooftop solar systems. Along with legalized power purchase agreements, those circumstances have all helped make it the state with the third-most rooftop solar capacity per capita in the country.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Arizona ranked fourth in 2024

      Solar incentives in Peoria

      Take advantage of available solar incentives in Arizona if you can.

      • State tax credit: Homeowners in Arizona may claim 25% of their total solar system costs, up to $1,000, on their 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 a limit of $5,000 per device.
      • Property tax exemption: Arizona state property tax exempts solar technology and devices. For property tax assessment, solar technology adds no taxable value. Property owners must provide their county assessor with documentation of purchase and installation, along with costs to qualify.

      Federal tax credit

      You can combine state incentives with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. 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.

      Additional solar incentives

      Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Arizona.

      Peoria solar FAQ

      How does net metering work in Peoria?

      Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough, and in return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

      Arizona technically has net billing. This system is similar to net metering but with one key difference: with net metering, you get paid the same price for your extra electricity as you pay when you buy electricity. But with net billing, you get paid less. This means solar panel owners in Arizona don't save quite as much money as they might under a net metering system.

      » EXPLORE: Where solar savings go the furthest

      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.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Peoria?

      Yes, the Peoria Development and Engineering Department has solar permit submittal requirements for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No. homeowners associations in Arizona are not permitted to unreasonably restrict solar energy systems.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Peoria?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Peoria. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually a low ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Solar scams are common in Arizona due to a lack of industry regulation.

      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 save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Peoria

      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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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:

      1. Sunrun
      2. Elevation
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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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:

        1. DSIRE, "Arizona Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Arizona." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Phoenix, AZ." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Arizona Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Arizona, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency "Solar for All." Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC),, "Solar Licensing Database." Accessed Aug. 29, 2024.
        8. Arizona State Legislature, "33-1816: Solar energy devices; reasonable restrictions; fees and costs”." Accessed Aug 6. 2024.

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