Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbine, CO (2023 Update)
- Columbine Solar Installation Cost: $9,754
- 25-Year Savings: $15,718
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbine
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Columbine.
In Columbine, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Columbine, the average price of going solar will be about $9,754 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Columbine, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,735 |
| 3 years | $-6,697 |
| 5 years | $-4,660 |
| 7 years | $-2,622 |
| 9 years | $-584 |
| 11 years | $1,454 |
| 13 years | $3,491 |
| 15 years | $5,529 |
| 17 years | $7,567 |
| 19 years | $9,605 |
| 21 years | $11,642 |
| 23 years | $13,680 |
| 25 years | $15,718 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbine
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
See all of the solar companies in Columbine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbine
While the average cost of a solar system in Columbine is $9,754, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Columbine, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Columbine have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Columbine, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,747 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,965 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,332 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,851 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,520 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $50,339 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $57,310 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $64,430 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Columbine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Columbine, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbine?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Columbine?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Does Columbine have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.