Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dove Valley, CO (2024 Update)
- Dove Valley Solar Installation Cost: $14,252
- 25-Year Savings: $17,802
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dove Valley
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dove Valley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dove Valley generally cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Dove Valley, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,252, or $20,380 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Dove Valley can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Dove Valley for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dove Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,284 |
| 3 years | $-11,348 |
| 5 years | $-9,412 |
| 7 years | $-7,475 |
| 9 years | $-5,539 |
| 11 years | $-3,603 |
| 13 years | $-1,667 |
| 15 years | $270 |
| 17 years | $2,206 |
| 19 years | $4,142 |
| 21 years | $6,078 |
| 23 years | $8,014 |
| 25 years | $9,951 |
Top Solar Installers in Dove Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Dove Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dove Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Dove Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dove Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dove Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Dove Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,792 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $20,169 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $25,768 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $31,590 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $37,636 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $43,904 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $50,395 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $57,108 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Dove Valley, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dove Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Dove Valley 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dove Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dove Valley?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.