Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estes Park, CO (2023 Update)
- Estes Park Solar Installation Cost: $10,169
- 25-Year Savings: $18,032
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estes Park
We break down average solar pricing in Estes Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Estes Park, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Estes Park, the average price of going solar will be about $10,168 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Estes Park homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Estes Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Estes Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,201 |
| 3 years | $-7,265 |
| 5 years | $-5,329 |
| 7 years | $-3,393 |
| 9 years | $-1,456 |
| 11 years | $480 |
| 13 years | $2,416 |
| 15 years | $4,352 |
| 17 years | $6,289 |
| 19 years | $8,225 |
| 21 years | $10,161 |
| 23 years | $12,097 |
| 25 years | $14,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Estes Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Estes Park:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Estes Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estes Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Estes Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Estes Park average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Estes Park have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $19,581 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,409 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $33,388 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $40,518 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $47,798 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $55,229 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $62,810 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $70,542 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Estes Park, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Estes Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Estes Park is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Estes Park?
Solar panels aren't free in Estes Park, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Estes Park is currently $428,782, so you could be looking at a value of about $17,580 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Estes Park is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Estes Park?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.