Is Solar Power a Good Investment in Arizona?

By Ron Palmer

Ron’s expertise has earned him a spot among the top 50 realtors in the Valley. Happily married for 38 years, Ron is a proud parent and grandparent and holds CDPE, CIAS, and CNE designations, reflecting his dedication to client success.

Arizona is feeling the heat this summer. As I sat on my back patio enjoying a rare cool day, I couldn’t help but think about how much sun we get here. That led me to a question many homeowners in the state are asking: Should we consider solar?

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, there’s something you need to keep in mind that you might not find in a quick online search. This comes from personal experience and from working with clients who have gone through it. Before moving forward, take a close look at the condition and age of your roof.

Solar panels are installed directly on your roof, and that roof needs to be in the right shape to support them. A solar company will likely come out to inspect the roof, but they may only examine the portion where the panels will be installed. If you have a tile roof, the concern isn’t the tiles themselves.

The real issue is the underlayment, which is the protective barrier that prevents leaks. If your roof is about 15 years old, the underlayment is probably still in good shape. But if you plan to sell your home within the next five years, that same roof will be older by the time you list it. On average, the underlayment on a tile roof lasts between 20 to 25 years.

Here’s where problems can arise. When it comes time to sell, buyers may ask for the roof to be replaced if it’s approaching that 20 to 25-year mark. To do that, the solar panels must be removed, which can cost around $8,000 to $10,000. On top of that, replacing the underlayment can add another $15,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of your home.

If you’re seriously considering solar, think about your long-term plans. How soon might you sell? How old will your roof be at that time? This has become a real issue in the Arizona market. Buyers are paying attention to roof age, and sellers are often faced with unexpected costs tied to their solar setup.

Take the time to evaluate the benefits of solar and the current state of your roof before making any decisions. If you have questions or need help walking through the process, feel free to reach out. You can call me at 602-750-0755 or send an email to customercare@soldwithresults.com. I’m here if you need me.