Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berthoud, CO (Mar 2023)
- Berthoud Solar Installation Cost: $10,018
- 25-Year Savings: $16,000
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berthoud
See how much it might cost to go solar in Berthoud.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berthoud typically cost about 2.69. Because a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Berthoud, the average price of going solar will be about $10,018 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Berthoud based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Berthoud can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Berthoud that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berthoud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,977 |
| 3 years | $-6,895 |
| 5 years | $-4,814 |
| 7 years | $-2,733 |
| 9 years | $-651 |
| 11 years | $1,430 |
| 13 years | $3,511 |
| 15 years | $5,593 |
| 17 years | $7,674 |
| 19 years | $9,756 |
| 21 years | $11,837 |
| 23 years | $13,918 |
| 25 years | $16,000 |
Top Solar Installers in Berthoud
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Berthoud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berthoud
For many Berthoud homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berthoud, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Berthoud, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Berthoud homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Berthoud, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 large number of companies available in Berthoud, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Berthoud, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berthoud?
A solar panel system isn't free in Berthoud, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $977.94 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.