Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, CO (2023 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $9,716
- 25-Year Savings: $20,334
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
We go over average solar pricing in Carbondale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carbondale, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $9,716 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Carbondale depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Carbondale homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,514 |
| 3 years | $-6,110 |
| 5 years | $-3,706 |
| 7 years | $-1,302 |
| 9 years | $1,102 |
| 11 years | $3,506 |
| 13 years | $5,910 |
| 15 years | $8,314 |
| 17 years | $10,718 |
| 19 years | $13,122 |
| 21 years | $15,526 |
| 23 years | $17,930 |
| 25 years | $20,334 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Carbondale, we've organized 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
Though the average cost of a solar system in Carbondale is $9,716, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carbondale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carbondale to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Carbondale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 | $23,168 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $31,191 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $39,366 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $47,691 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $56,167 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $64,793 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $73,570 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $82,498 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Carbondale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carbondale?
The average cost of solar panels in Carbondale 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carbondale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Carbondale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.