Solar Panel Cost Guide in Air Force Academy, CO (2024 Update)
- Air Force Academy Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
- 25-Year Savings: $24,678
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Air Force Academy
We go over average solar pricing in Air Force Academy.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Air Force Academy is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $13,979 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Air Force Academy based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Air Force Academy homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Air Force Academy, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Air Force Academy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,594 |
| 3 years | $-9,823 |
| 5 years | $-7,052 |
| 7 years | $-4,281 |
| 9 years | $-1,510 |
| 11 years | $1,261 |
| 13 years | $4,032 |
| 15 years | $6,803 |
| 17 years | $9,574 |
| 19 years | $12,345 |
| 21 years | $15,116 |
| 23 years | $17,887 |
| 25 years | $20,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Air Force Academy
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Air Force Academy, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Air Force Academy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Air Force Academy
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Air Force Academy average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.14 | $17,385 | $23,421 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $31,674 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $40,150 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $48,849 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $57,770 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $66,914 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $76,282 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $85,872 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Air Force Academy, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Air Force Academy?
The average cost of solar panels in Air Force Academy is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Air Force Academy, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.