Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbine, CO (2024 Update)
- Columbine Solar Installation Cost: $14,435
- 25-Year Savings: $15,716
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbine
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Columbine.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbine typically cost around 4.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Columbine, the average price of going solar will be about $14,435 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbine homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,467 |
| 3 years | $-11,530 |
| 5 years | $-9,594 |
| 7 years | $-7,658 |
| 9 years | $-5,722 |
| 11 years | $-3,785 |
| 13 years | $-1,849 |
| 15 years | $87 |
| 17 years | $2,023 |
| 19 years | $3,959 |
| 21 years | $5,896 |
| 23 years | $7,832 |
| 25 years | $9,768 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbine
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Columbine:
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 Columbine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbine
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Columbine: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Columbine, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Columbine homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbine is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Columbine have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $12,113 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,596 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,302 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,231 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,383 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,758 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,356 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,176 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Columbine, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbine?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbine is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things 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 Columbine?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
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 Columbine is currently $613,157, which means you can expect a value of about $25,139 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Columbine is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.