Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, CO (2023 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $9,677
- 25-Year Savings: $17,120
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
We go over average solar pricing in Aurora.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Aurora typically cost around 2.69. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Aurora homeowners. The price 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 typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aurora find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Aurora, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,588 |
| 3 years | $-9,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,231 |
| 7 years | $-9,052 |
| 9 years | $-8,874 |
| 11 years | $-8,695 |
| 13 years | $-8,516 |
| 15 years | $-8,338 |
| 17 years | $-8,159 |
| 19 years | $-7,980 |
| 21 years | $-7,802 |
| 23 years | $-7,623 |
| 25 years | $-7,444 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Aurora:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
For many Aurora homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost 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 mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Aurora, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR 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. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Aurora, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?
The average cost of solar panels in Aurora is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Aurora?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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.