Solar Panel Cost Guide in Commerce City, CO (2024 Update)
- Commerce City Solar Installation Cost: $14,371
- 25-Year Savings: $17,032
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Commerce City
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Commerce City.
In Commerce City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Commerce City, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,371, or $20,551 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Commerce City based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Commerce City can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Commerce City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,378 |
| 3 years | $-11,391 |
| 5 years | $-9,405 |
| 7 years | $-7,418 |
| 9 years | $-5,432 |
| 11 years | $-3,446 |
| 13 years | $-1,459 |
| 15 years | $527 |
| 17 years | $2,514 |
| 19 years | $4,500 |
| 21 years | $6,486 |
| 23 years | $8,473 |
| 25 years | $10,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Commerce City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Commerce City, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Commerce City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Commerce City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Commerce City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,980. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Commerce City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $13,725 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,745 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $23,989 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,455 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,145 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,057 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,192 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $53,550 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Commerce City, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Commerce City?
The average cost of solar panels in Commerce City 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Commerce City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Commerce City. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,036.98 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.