Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, CO (2024 Update)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $14,241
- 25-Year Savings: $9,962
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clifton.
In Clifton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $14,241 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Clifton based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Clifton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,272 |
| 3 years | $-11,336 |
| 5 years | $-9,400 |
| 7 years | $-7,464 |
| 9 years | $-5,528 |
| 11 years | $-3,591 |
| 13 years | $-1,655 |
| 15 years | $281 |
| 17 years | $2,217 |
| 19 years | $4,154 |
| 21 years | $6,090 |
| 23 years | $8,026 |
| 25 years | $9,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
The cost of installing a solar system in Clifton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,980. 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 have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clifton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $16,439 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $22,365 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $28,513 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $34,884 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $41,479 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $48,296 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $55,335 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $62,598 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Clifton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clifton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clifton is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clifton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clifton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Clifton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 how much 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 get 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.