Solar Panel Cost Guide in Breckenridge, CO (2025 Update)
- Breckenridge Solar Installation Cost: $14,684
- 25-Year Savings: $17,510
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Breckenridge
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Breckenridge.
In Breckenridge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $14,684 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Breckenridge homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Breckenridge for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Breckenridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,716 |
| 3 years | $-11,780 |
| 5 years | $-9,844 |
| 7 years | $-7,907 |
| 9 years | $-5,971 |
| 11 years | $-4,035 |
| 13 years | $-2,099 |
| 15 years | $-163 |
| 17 years | $1,774 |
| 19 years | $3,710 |
| 21 years | $5,646 |
| 23 years | $7,582 |
| 25 years | $9,518 |
Top Solar Installers in Breckenridge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Breckenridge:
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 Breckenridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Breckenridge
For many Breckenridge homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Breckenridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Breckenridge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Breckenridge homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Breckenridge homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,845 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,906 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,190 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,697 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,426 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,379 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,554 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $53,952 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Breckenridge, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Breckenridge?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Breckenridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Breckenridge?
Solar panels can be a good 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Breckenridge?
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.