Solar savings & payback in Tucson
Slightly edges Phoenix on output; summer monsoon clouds barely dent the annual total.
This calculator uses Tucson's own sun (~5.7 kWh/kW/day, 14% above the AZ average) with Arizona's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 13.3 years.
- Tucson sun
- ~5.7 kWh/kW/day
- AZ average sun
- ~5 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 15¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Net billing (reduced export rate)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Arizona page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Tucson solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Tucson?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Tucson system pays for itself in about 13.3 years, using local sun (~5.7 kWh per kW per day), Arizona's average 15¢/kWh rate, and net billing (reduced export rate). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). Slightly edges Phoenix on output; summer monsoon clouds barely dent the annual total.
How much do solar panels generate in Tucson?
Roughly 5.7 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 2,081 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 12500 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Tucson?
$1,000 state tax credit; exceptional sun makes self-consumption very productive. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.