Solar Panel Cost Guide in Black Forest, CO (2023 Update)
- Black Forest Solar Installation Cost: $9,448
- 25-Year Savings: $20,855
- Payback Period: 7.8 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 Black Forest
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Black Forest.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Black Forest, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. Because a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Black Forest, the average price of going solar will be about $9,453 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Black Forest can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Black Forest that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Black Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,391 |
| 3 years | $-6,277 |
| 5 years | $-4,162 |
| 7 years | $-2,048 |
| 9 years | $67 |
| 11 years | $2,181 |
| 13 years | $4,296 |
| 15 years | $6,411 |
| 17 years | $8,525 |
| 19 years | $10,640 |
| 21 years | $12,754 |
| 23 years | $14,869 |
| 25 years | $16,983 |
Top Solar Installers in Black Forest
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Black Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Black Forest
The cost of installing a solar system in Black Forest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Black Forest, which can bring down, 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 total 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $24,485 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $32,949 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $41,562 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $50,327 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $59,242 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $68,307 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $77,524 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $86,891 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Black Forest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Black Forest, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Black Forest?
The average cost of solar panels in Black Forest 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.