Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, CO (Mar 2023)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $9,679
- 25-Year Savings: $17,119
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Aurora.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Aurora generally cost around 2.69. Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Aurora, the average price of going solar will be about $9,679 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Aurora based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Aurora can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Aurora, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,607 |
| 3 years | $-6,463 |
| 5 years | $-4,319 |
| 7 years | $-2,175 |
| 9 years | $-31 |
| 11 years | $2,112 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $6,400 |
| 17 years | $8,544 |
| 19 years | $10,688 |
| 21 years | $12,831 |
| 23 years | $14,975 |
| 25 years | $17,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
For many Aurora homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Aurora, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Aurora, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Aurora, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $19,535 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,348 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $33,311 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $40,426 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $47,691 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $55,106 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $62,672 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $70,389 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Aurora, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aurora?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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.
Is it worth going solar in Aurora?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.