Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, CO (2024 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $14,488
- 25-Year Savings: $17,489
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Brighton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brighton, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Brighton, the average price of going solar will be about $14,488 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Brighton based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brighton can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brighton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,445 |
| 3 years | $-11,358 |
| 5 years | $-9,272 |
| 7 years | $-7,185 |
| 9 years | $-5,098 |
| 11 years | $-3,011 |
| 13 years | $-925 |
| 15 years | $1,162 |
| 17 years | $3,249 |
| 19 years | $5,335 |
| 21 years | $7,422 |
| 23 years | $9,509 |
| 25 years | $11,596 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Brighton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,980. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brighton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brighton is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 add-on 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 | $14,090 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,233 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,599 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $30,187 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,998 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $42,032 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $48,289 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $54,769 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Brighton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Brighton have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.