Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berthoud, CO (2023 Update)
- Berthoud Solar Installation Cost: $10,019
- 25-Year Savings: $15,998
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berthoud
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Berthoud.
In Berthoud, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Berthoud, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,018, or $14,326 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Berthoud homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Berthoud for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berthoud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,051 |
| 3 years | $-7,115 |
| 5 years | $-5,179 |
| 7 years | $-3,242 |
| 9 years | $-1,306 |
| 11 years | $630 |
| 13 years | $2,566 |
| 15 years | $4,503 |
| 17 years | $6,439 |
| 19 years | $8,375 |
| 21 years | $10,311 |
| 23 years | $12,247 |
| 25 years | $14,184 |
Top Solar Installers in Berthoud
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Berthoud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berthoud
The cost of installing a solar system in Berthoud can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Berthoud average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Berthoud to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Berthoud know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $17,588 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,752 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,067 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,532 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,148 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,914 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,832 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,900 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer 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.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Berthoud, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berthoud?
The average cost of solar panels in Berthoud 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berthoud?
You can't get solar panels for free in Berthoud. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Berthoud?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.