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Best Solar Companies in Tucson, AZ

We compared 23 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Elevation
      2.4(111)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,958)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

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      Best Solar Companies in Tucson, AZ

      Our top solar company picks for Tucson

      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. 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 Tucson

      Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      The best solar companies in Tucson

      Going solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Tucsonans’ 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 completes the installation and provides ongoing support if you run into any issues. We also like that the Curb monitoring app connects to your home's electrical system to give you real-time data about your system. The app lets you remotely turn your smart devices on and off to stop waste and maximize efficiency.

      • “We had several companies come in and present their program but Elevation gave a more thorough presentation. The installation was a lot quicker than we anticipated. We've only had half a month's bill but there was a significant difference.” — Carol in Tucson
      • “I purchased a 14.5 kw system over a year ago from Elevation. My experience with Elevation has been mostly positive. I found in the last year, my system produced close to what Elevation estimated. I am pleased with the Curb and Enlighten apps. They keep me informed as to the health of my system. I have worked with Elevation’s engineers and installers and found them both to be courteous and professional. Vincent **, my Energy Consultant, is hard working and a pleasure to work with. Installation went smoothly except for the rails on my staircase to the roof got scratched up and I had to touch them up. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.” — Doug in Tucson

      Solar installations are complicated projects, and there is always a chance of miscommunication. For instance, Nils in Tucson told us, “There was a slight miscommunication because they were pre-wired for solar and they ran it through the roof. But it was just because there were multiple layers of people involved. The messages didn't get passed up. But all in all, it was not a big deal.”

      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 names
      • Good warranty program

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      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.

      “The Sunrun representative who came to my house was honest and didn't mess around. We got through the process quickly and the information I got was understandable. I got 20 panels and I liked the install because they never had to drill holes into my roof. They used a weighted system on the bracket. I monitored the system's performance very carefully during the first year and my net power bill in that period was $15. So, it was almost zeroed out. Keeping track of my production is as easy as clicking on the app and it works almost 100% of the time. … All in all, Sunrun was not the cheapest, but working with them was very trouble-free.” — Tibor in Tucson

      Read the fine print carefully. Some customers have mentioned they realized after installation that they did not fully understand the terms.

      Sunrun provides residential solar, battery storage and energy services in several states. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG. You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun's 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.
      • Payment options: Most customers pay upfront, finance or lease. 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 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.

      “The customer service was outstanding. Going with them can save you some time and it's one of the best shopping experiences I've ever had. They have a very complete and thorough website. I was a total neophyte on solar equipment and they were the most professional company I encountered. The installation went well. I had a couple of issues because of my lack of knowledge on how to connect solar panels and every time I called, the phone was answered promptly and my questions were answered. I'm happy with the products I got from them. I've recommended them to several of my friends.” — Michael in Tucson

      Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment, but reps generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements. The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar 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 specific 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 Tucson

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

      Tucson solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Arizonans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Tucson 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 $7,571 to $21,632 in Tucson.

      Jump to insight

      With electricity costs continuing to rise, many find it’s financially worth it in the long run.

      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

      Look out for solar scams. Dishonest reps sometimes use high-pressure sales tactics and make false claims about their reputation or average savings.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Tucson

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $7,560 to $21,600 in Arizona. Prices in Tucson are comparable, ranging from $7,571 to $21,632 on average.

      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 Tucson, the average cost per watt is $2.16.

       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.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Tucson

      Is solar worth it in Tucson?

      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.

      Like a lot of residents, Lorene in Tucson went solar for “sustainability, to save money, to get out from under the thumb of TEP (et al). Leasing, in particular, I found appealing due to my age and the cost per month I can rely on in retirement.” Similarly, Don in Tucson went solar to hedge against the rising prices of all goods and services.

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

      But it doesn’t work out for everyone in the Grand Canyon State. Arizona averages 7 to 8 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — 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 on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. 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 Tucson

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Arizona have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts.

      • 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.
      • Verify claims: One of the most common solar scams involves fake companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. The other one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.
      • Check certifications: Verify that your contractor is qualified to install, repair or alter residential solar devices through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • 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? 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 solar benefits without 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 Pima County

      Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Tucson and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Arizona ranked fourth in 2024

      Solar incentives in Tucson

      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 the purchase and installation of solar energy devices (up to $5,000 per device).
      • Property tax exemption: For property tax assessment, solar technology adds no taxable value. In other words, your property taxes won’t go up just because solar panels increase your home value.

      Federal tax credit 

      You should also take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. So, it’s only valuable if you owe federal income taxes in the first place.

      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. It rolls over into the next tax year if you don’t use it all in the year your system becomes operational.

      Additional solar incentives

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

      Tucson solar FAQ

      How does net metering work in Tucson?

      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’s “net billing” system is similar to net metering in that residents are compensated for supplying excess power to the grid. However, they are credited at a reduced rate.

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

      Tucson makes residential solar permits easy with SolarAPP+. Unless you’re in a historical district, you can use the SolarAPP+ online platform for expedited approvals on roof-mounted projects. If your project isn’t eligible (e.g., ground-mounted or in historic zones), you have to apply through Tucson Development Center Online (TDCO), which takes about 30 days. If your project isn't eligible for SolarAPP+, you can apply through Pima County.

      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 Tucson?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Tucson. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an 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 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.

      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 Tucson

      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 Tucson, 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 Tucson 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

        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 Tucson, 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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