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Energy independence in Rio Rico, AZ

With 6.45 peak sun hours daily, Rio Rico is in the top tier for solar production. But not every roof qualifies for maximum savings. Your area receives an average of 6.45 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
76 Good

Nearby Areas

Tumacacori 85640 Nogales 85621 Tubac 85646 Amado 85645 Patagonia 85624 Arivaca 85601
📍

Solar Coverage Map: Rio Rico, AZ

6 nearby locations
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Estimated Annual Savings

$1,308 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
8,838 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

9.5 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$20,327

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$5,303
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of Rio Rico may qualify for 5 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

AZ State Incentives

5.6% Savings
Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption

100% exemption on sales tax for the solar device.

$1,000 Credit
Residential Solar Energy Credit

25% of the cost of the solar system, capped at $1,000.

100% Exemption
Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption

100% of the added value of the solar system is exempt from property tax.

Efficiency

Code: 85648
EXCELLENT Score

6.45 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for Rio Rico...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Excellent
Bar chart comparing Rio Rico's 6.45 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours Rio Rico National Avg State Avg 6.45 hrs 4.50 hrs 6.49 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

Rio Rico receives 43% more peak sunlight than the U.S. average, indicating excellent solar production potential.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for Rio Rico

-4.5° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in Rio Rico East South West Summer (June) -4.5° Altitude Winter (Dec) -28.9° Altitude

In Rio Rico, the sun is 24.4° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 28.4° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in Rio Rico?

Our analysis of Rio Rico, AZ reveals strong solar fundamentals: 6.45 peak sun hours daily and estimated savings of $1,308/year. Air conditioning runs 8+ months of the year The solution? Arizona receives 300+ days of sunshine annually

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $17,676
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $5,303
🏛️ AZ Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$11,373
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in Rio Rico.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $33,647 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $35,147 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by -45%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

Rio Rico has a healthy solar market with ~8 active installers. Balance reputation and pricing in your decision.