Solar Panel Cost Guide in Basalt, CO (2024 Update)
- Basalt Solar Installation Cost: $14,717
- 25-Year Savings: $15,220
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Basalt
We break down average solar pricing in Basalt.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Basalt, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $14,717 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Basalt depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Basalt find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Basalt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,749 |
| 3 years | $-11,812 |
| 5 years | $-9,876 |
| 7 years | $-7,940 |
| 9 years | $-6,004 |
| 11 years | $-4,068 |
| 13 years | $-2,131 |
| 15 years | $-195 |
| 17 years | $1,741 |
| 19 years | $3,677 |
| 21 years | $5,614 |
| 23 years | $7,550 |
| 25 years | $9,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Basalt
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of 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 Basalt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Basalt
Though the average cost of a solar system in Basalt is $14,717, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Basalt offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $11,201 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $15,380 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $19,782 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $24,407 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $29,255 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $34,326 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $39,620 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $45,137 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Basalt, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Basalt?
The average cost of solar panels in Basalt is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Basalt?
Solar panels aren’t free in Basalt, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.