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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Commerce City it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Commerce City, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,371, or $20,551 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Commerce City depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Commerce City homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Commerce City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 $3,980 per kilowatt in Commerce City.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Commerce City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Commerce City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Commerce City. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
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 the efficiency of your system. 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 account for 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.