If you’ve been researching solar panels in Arizona, home battery storage, or Tesla Powerwall systems, you’ve probably noticed a frustrating trend: some companies list a flat price online, while others (like us) don’t.
We get it — when you’re making a major investment, you want a broad number so you know immediately whether it’s worth researching further. But solar energy systems aren’t “one-size-fits-all” - or at least they shouldn’t be. The best systems are the ones custom-engineered specifically for your home, your energy usage, your utility rate plan, and your long-term goals. Even in identical homes, two families can have very different electric bills. Energy habits, aesthetic preferences, and equipment placement choices all influence system design — and ultimately, pricing
This is why you won’t find a “Buy Now” button on the Sun Valley Solar Solutions website — and why that’s actually in your best interest.
In this post, we’ll explain why transparent, custom-specific pricing is more accurate than an online quote, and how our process ensures you get the right system with accurate pricing upfront — whether you’re installing:
A solar-only system
A battery-only system
A solar + battery package
System additions (extra panels or batteries for existing installs)
Unlike buying a new appliance or TV, installing a solar energy system is a complex process that depends on dozens of unique factors. Even two identical homes in the same neighborhood can require different system sizes, equipment, and installation approaches.
Some of the biggest variables that affect solar panel cost and home battery cost include:
Roof type, pitch, and shading
Electrical service panel capacity
Conduit runs and wiring distance
Utility provider, city, and HOA rules and rate plans
Energy usage patterns and offset goals
Long-term energy security requirements
Appliance mix and electrification plans
Structure integrity and space limitation
Some companies advertise flat-rate solar installation prices to make the buying process seem simple — and it’s easy to show a low price when no on-site inspection has been done. These “flat rate” or “basic” prices rarely account for the unique conditions of a home or homeowner preferences.
In most cases, that attractive initial number is just the starting point. After the contract is signed, the company performs an inspection and issues change orders to adjust the price — often adding thousands to the total.
This approach allows them to advertise a low entry price and speed homeowners through the sales process. It’s especially common with online sellers or large national installation companies that don’t have a local presence. Without boots on the ground, they prefer to secure a signed contract before committing resources to an in-person evaluation.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we take the opposite approach. We fully assess each installation up front so our pricing is as accurate as possible before you sign a contract. That means sending an engineer to inspect the proposed battery location and confirm every detail before presenting a final proposal. Do we get it perfect 100% of the time? Nobody does — but because of the time and care we put in up front, change orders are rare. This process is part of our commitment to transparency, accuracy, and honesty.
When you install a solar panel system without batteries, our pricing process includes reviewing your past energy usage, assessing your roof and shade conditions, and checking your electrical infrastructure. If any upgrades are needed to your existing electrical structure or roof, we’ll know and take that into consideration. We also analyze your energy-use patterns and optimize our design in relation to local utility rate plans to ensure your system is designed for maximum savings.
Adding a Tesla Powerwall or other battery storage to your home requires evaluating capacity, backup goals, installation location, and compatibility with your existing electrical system and structures. Since batteries hang on the wall in full view, many homeowners have specific locations in mind. Sometimes that requires longer or more complex conduit runs, which can impact pricing. We take all of this into account as well.
Installing solar panels and batteries together allows us to optimize the system’s design for efficient charging, reliable backup power, and the best utility rate plan savings. It can also be more cost-effective, as combining the installations is often simpler and less expensive than completing them as separate projects at different times.
When expanding a solar system or adding a battery, installers typically evaluate the existing system’s production capacity, inverter compatibility, and available roof or ground space. Electrical infrastructure is also important, including service panel size and wiring as well as utility interconnection rules and incentive eligibility. These factors ensure the addition integrates seamlessly, performs efficiently, and complies with all safety and permitting requirements.
Initial Phone Consultation – We discuss your goals, review your energy bills, structures, and provide a ballpark price range. We may also request that you send specific pictures or measurements for additional details.
On-Site or Virtual Engineering Visit – We confirm all installation details and site conditions. While simpler solar-only projects can sometimes be evaluated remotely, all battery installations require a full on-site inspection.
Final Proposal – We compile all collected data to create one or more proposal options tailored to your goals, site conditions, and jurisdictional requirements. By calculating everything upfront, we minimize the risk of costly change orders, ensuring your price is accurate and fully informed before you commit.
Less Pressure – We never rush you into a decision, taking the time to fully evaluate your unique variables.
Accuracy – No misleading “starting at” or “preliminary” prices—just accurate, data-driven numbers.
Performance – A system design tailored to your goals and specific energy consumption.
Trust – We deliver on what we promise and work hard to avoid surprises by being thorough from the start.
ROI Confidence – By incorporating all critical factors, we provide savings projections you can trust.
Your solar or battery system should be custom-built for your home — not based on a generic online price list that only covers the most basic installation costs. A poorly sized or configured system can be a costly disappointment if it isn’t designed and installed for your home’s unique energy profile.
While a detailed phone consultation can provide a close estimate, an in-person evaluation is essential for an accurate final quote. Companies offering flat pricing over the phone or online without a full site inspection often rely on costly change orders after the contract is signed.
At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we take the opposite approach. We fully assess each installation upfront so our pricing is as accurate as possible before you sign. That means sending an engineer to inspect your battery location, roof, and electrical systems before presenting a final proposal. We’re not perfect 100% of the time—no one is—but because of the care we take early on, change orders are rare.
Whether you’re considering solar panels, a home battery, or a system upgrade, the more time spent upfront capturing your home’s unique variables, the better the results. Skipping these steps often leads to disappointment.
Get your free, no-obligation solar consultation today and see what’s possible for your home.