Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eaton, CO (Mar 2023)
- Eaton Solar Installation Cost: $9,867
- 25-Year Savings: $16,898
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eaton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Eaton.
In Eaton, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $9,867 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Eaton based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Eaton find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,796 |
| 3 years | $-6,655 |
| 5 years | $-4,514 |
| 7 years | $-2,373 |
| 9 years | $-231 |
| 11 years | $1,910 |
| 13 years | $4,051 |
| 15 years | $6,192 |
| 17 years | $8,333 |
| 19 years | $10,475 |
| 21 years | $12,616 |
| 23 years | $14,757 |
| 25 years | $16,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Eaton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Eaton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Eaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eaton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Eaton is $9,867, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Eaton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Eaton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Eaton, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,877 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,471 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,215 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,110 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,156 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $53,352 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $60,699 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $68,196 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Eaton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Eaton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eaton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Eaton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Eaton. 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 switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,020.90 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 home 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.