Solar Panel Cost Guide in Durango, CO (2024 Update)
- Durango Solar Installation Cost: $13,556
- 25-Year Savings: $17,375
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Durango
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Durango.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Durango, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $13,556 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Durango homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Durango can save about $29,000 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 Durango
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,319 |
| 3 years | $-9,844 |
| 5 years | $-7,370 |
| 7 years | $-4,896 |
| 9 years | $-2,421 |
| 11 years | $53 |
| 13 years | $2,528 |
| 15 years | $5,002 |
| 17 years | $7,477 |
| 19 years | $9,951 |
| 21 years | $12,426 |
| 23 years | $14,900 |
| 25 years | $17,375 |
Top Solar Installers in Durango
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Durango
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Durango
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Durango, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Durango to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Durango is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $25,473 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $34,409 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $43,569 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $52,951 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $62,556 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $72,384 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $82,435 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $92,709 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with 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.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Durango, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Durango?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Durango?
Solar panels aren’t free in Durango, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Durango have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 electricity bills.
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 average daily 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 buy 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.