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Best Solar Companies in Scottsdale, Arizona

We compared 16 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Elevation
      2.4(111)
    • Sunrun
      4.3(2,958)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Scottsdale, Arizona

      Our top solar company picks for Scottsdale

      1. Best overall: Elevation
      2. Our pick for solar leases: Sunrun
      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. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      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.

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      The best solar companies in Scottsdale

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

      Our top pick overall

      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 provides ongoing support. We also like that the Curb monitoring app connects to your home's electrical system to give you real-time data. You can remotely turn your smart devices on and off to stop waste and maximize efficiency.

      • “I’m very happy choosing Elevation Solar as my sole installer. My sales rep Eric was extremely polite, knowledgeable, and was NEVER pushy which I respected. My equipment has been very effective and efficient offsetting my electric costs and I’m happy with the quality of the work.” — Hada in Scottsdale

      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 provides 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
      • Free consultation
      • Several trusted brand partners
      • Good warranty coverage

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      • Occasional installation delays
      Our pick for solar leases

      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. We also like that the leasing plan lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

      • “Sunrun did a good job for me and I'm pleased with the system. With the exception of fairly small utility bills in July and August, the rest of the year with solar is taking care of it and everything has been trouble-free. Currently, I'm thinking of adding on some panels to it.” — Michael in Cave Creek

      Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms, so make sure you read the fine print carefully.

      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.

      • 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.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan. With leases, 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

      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.

      • “Finding what I needed was easy. I use my Titan Solar Generator every day. I have it in an RV and I run the air conditioner for six to eight hours. Also, customer support was great. We had trouble with the chargers and we've had two that went bad. They covered them all. Also, one of the charges that were in the cigarette lighter went bad. They covered that as well. They were very attentive to that.” — James in Phoenix

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » 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 specific needs and energy requirements. 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 Scottsdale

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Scottsdale 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

      Scottsdale solar panel buyers guide

      Here’s what Scottsdale 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

      A typical residential solar installation costs $7,615 to $21,756 in Scottsdale.

      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 companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. Another is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Scottsdale

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Scottsdale are comparable, ranging from $7,615 to $21,756 on average.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Scottsdale, the average cost per watt is $2.18. A typical Arizona household requires a system with a capacity of 9.2 kW to fully offset its electrical needs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Scottsdale

      Is solar worth it in Scottsdale?

      Arizona is actually one of the best states for solar. 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.

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

      However, lots of shading around your house could make your solar system less efficient. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year at your home. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator powered by Google.

      As long as your house is a good candidate to support a solar panel installation, it’s 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. Still, with electricity costs continuing to rise, many residents find it’s financially worth it in the long run.

      » 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 — an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Scottsdale

      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.

      • Avoid scammers: 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 Arizona government agencies.
      • Check certifications: Only qualified solar contractors are allowed to install, repair or alter residential solar devices. You can verify these 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 the system needs maintenance? 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

      The environmental impact of a single homeowner installing solar panels may be relatively small, but when enough people in a city like Scottsdale go solar, cumulative reduction in air pollution can be significant.

      » GREENEST STATES: Arizona ranked 42nd in 2024

      Solar incentives in Scottsdale

      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.

      You can combine the following solar incentives in Arizona with the federal solar tax credit.

      • 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 solar energy equipment (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.

      Scottsdale solar FAQ

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

      All solar installations, including those with battery storage, require an electrical permit from the City of Scottsdale Development Services Department. Your system also must meet the Scottsdale Solar-Ready requirements for new construction or existing homes.

      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 Scottsdale?

      We’re not aware of a completely free solar option in Scottsdale. 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.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy power that the panels generate 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.

      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.

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. If you have a lot of shading around your house, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

      • What is the size and angle of my roof? Scottsdale (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
      • What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.

      Methodology: how we chose the best solar companies in Scottsdale

      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 Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale 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. Elevation
      2. Sunrun
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        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 Scottsdale, 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 Legislature, "33-1816: Solar energy devices; reasonable restrictions; fees and costs”." Accessed Aug 6. 2024.

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