Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, CO (Mar 2023)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
- 25-Year Savings: $19,193
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clifton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clifton it's 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clifton, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,622, or $13,759 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clifton see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Clifton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,470 |
| 3 years | $-6,164 |
| 5 years | $-3,859 |
| 7 years | $-1,554 |
| 9 years | $751 |
| 11 years | $3,056 |
| 13 years | $5,362 |
| 15 years | $7,667 |
| 17 years | $9,972 |
| 19 years | $12,277 |
| 21 years | $14,582 |
| 23 years | $16,888 |
| 25 years | $19,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
For many Clifton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clifton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 Clifton. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Clifton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $22,074 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $29,733 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $37,543 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $45,504 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $53,615 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $61,877 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $70,289 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $78,852 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Clifton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clifton is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clifton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clifton is currently $169,370, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,944 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clifton is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.