Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centennial, CO (Mar 2023)
- Centennial Solar Installation Cost: $9,641
- 25-Year Savings: $17,401
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centennial
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Centennial.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Centennial it's 2.69 per watt. Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Centennial, the average price of going solar will be about $9,641 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centennial find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Centennial for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centennial
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,559 |
| 3 years | $-6,396 |
| 5 years | $-4,233 |
| 7 years | $-2,069 |
| 9 years | $94 |
| 11 years | $2,257 |
| 13 years | $4,421 |
| 15 years | $6,584 |
| 17 years | $8,747 |
| 19 years | $10,911 |
| 21 years | $13,074 |
| 23 years | $15,237 |
| 25 years | $17,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Centennial
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Centennial
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centennial
The cost of installing a solar system in Centennial can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Centennial. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Centennial, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $19,967 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,923 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,031 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $41,289 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $48,698 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $56,257 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $63,967 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $71,828 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Centennial, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Centennial, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centennial?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Centennial?
You can't get solar panels for free in Centennial. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Centennial 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 get 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.