Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, CO (2024 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $20,327
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carbondale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carbondale it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $14,386 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Carbondale homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,418 |
| 3 years | $-11,481 |
| 5 years | $-9,545 |
| 7 years | $-7,609 |
| 9 years | $-5,673 |
| 11 years | $-3,737 |
| 13 years | $-1,800 |
| 15 years | $136 |
| 17 years | $2,072 |
| 19 years | $4,008 |
| 21 years | $5,944 |
| 23 years | $7,881 |
| 25 years | $9,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Carbondale, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Carbondale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carbondale to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carbondale is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 vehicle 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 | $17,533 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $23,823 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $30,336 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $37,072 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $44,030 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $51,212 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $58,616 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $66,244 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Carbondale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Carbondale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carbondale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carbondale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Carbondale have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.