Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castle Pines, CO (Mar 2023)
- Castle Pines Solar Installation Cost: $9,679
- 25-Year Savings: $17,756
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castle Pines
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Castle Pines.
In Castle Pines, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Castle Pines, the average price of going solar will be about $9,679 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Castle Pines can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Castle Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,581 |
| 3 years | $-6,387 |
| 5 years | $-4,192 |
| 7 years | $-1,997 |
| 9 years | $198 |
| 11 years | $2,392 |
| 13 years | $4,587 |
| 15 years | $6,782 |
| 17 years | $8,977 |
| 19 years | $11,171 |
| 21 years | $13,366 |
| 23 years | $15,561 |
| 25 years | $17,756 |
Top Solar Installers in Castle Pines
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Castle Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castle Pines
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Castle Pines: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Castle Pines. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Castle Pines to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Castle Pines' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Castle Pines know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $20,246 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $27,296 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,496 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $41,848 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $49,350 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $57,002 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $64,805 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $72,759 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Castle Pines, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Castle Pines, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castle Pines?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Castle Pines?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.