Solar Panel Cost Guide in Black Forest, CO (2024 Update)
- Black Forest Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
- 25-Year Savings: $20,855
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Black Forest
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Black Forest.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Black Forest it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Black Forest is around 5.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,979 for a solar installation, or $19,990 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Black Forest homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Black Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,922 |
| 3 years | $-10,808 |
| 5 years | $-8,693 |
| 7 years | $-6,579 |
| 9 years | $-4,464 |
| 11 years | $-2,350 |
| 13 years | $-235 |
| 15 years | $1,880 |
| 17 years | $3,994 |
| 19 years | $6,109 |
| 21 years | $8,223 |
| 23 years | $10,338 |
| 25 years | $12,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Black Forest
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Black Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Black Forest
Though the average cost of a solar system in Black Forest is $13,979, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Black Forest, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $18,851 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $25,580 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $32,532 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $39,707 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $47,105 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $54,726 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $62,570 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $70,637 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Black Forest, 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Black Forest, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Black Forest?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Black Forest?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Black Forest. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Black Forest?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Black Forest?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.