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 a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Brighton, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,488, or $20,718 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Brighton based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over 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.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Brighton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Brighton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brighton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Brighton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Brighton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brighton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Brighton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.