Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arvada, CO (2024 Update)
- Arvada Solar Installation Cost: $14,495
- 25-Year Savings: $15,958
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arvada
We go over average solar pricing in Arvada.
The average cost of solar panels in Arvada is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $14,495 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Arvada homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arvada find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Arvada for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Arvada
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,527 |
| 3 years | $-11,591 |
| 5 years | $-9,655 |
| 7 years | $-7,719 |
| 9 years | $-5,782 |
| 11 years | $-3,846 |
| 13 years | $-1,910 |
| 15 years | $26 |
| 17 years | $1,963 |
| 19 years | $3,899 |
| 21 years | $5,835 |
| 23 years | $7,771 |
| 25 years | $9,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Arvada
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Arvada
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arvada
The cost of installing a solar system in Arvada can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arvada homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arvada, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $12,316 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,867 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,640 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,637 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,857 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,299 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,965 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,853 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Arvada, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arvada?
The average cost of solar panels in Arvada 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Arvada?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Arvada?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.