Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Carson, CO (2024 Update)
- Fort Carson Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
- 25-Year Savings: $22,512
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Carson
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Carson.
In Fort Carson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Fort Carson homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,979 with the federal tax credit, or $19,990 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fort Carson 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Carson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,594 |
| 3 years | $-9,823 |
| 5 years | $-7,052 |
| 7 years | $-4,281 |
| 9 years | $-1,510 |
| 11 years | $1,261 |
| 13 years | $4,032 |
| 15 years | $6,803 |
| 17 years | $9,574 |
| 19 years | $12,345 |
| 21 years | $15,116 |
| 23 years | $17,887 |
| 25 years | $20,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Carson
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fort Carson, we've 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
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 Fort Carson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Carson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fort Carson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Fort Carson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Carson offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fort Carson, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 car 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 | $20,832 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $28,222 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $35,834 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $43,670 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $51,728 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $60,010 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $68,514 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $77,241 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fort Carson, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Carson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Carson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Fort Carson have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Carson?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.