Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Carson, CO (2023 Update)
- Fort Carson Solar Installation Cost: $9,448
- 25-Year Savings: $22,512
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Carson
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Carson.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Carson generally cost around 2.69. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Carson, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,453, or $13,518 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear 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 look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Fort Carson homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Carson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,063 |
| 3 years | $-5,292 |
| 5 years | $-2,521 |
| 7 years | $250 |
| 9 years | $3,021 |
| 11 years | $5,792 |
| 13 years | $8,563 |
| 15 years | $11,334 |
| 17 years | $14,105 |
| 19 years | $16,876 |
| 21 years | $19,647 |
| 23 years | $22,418 |
| 25 years | $25,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Carson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fort Carson, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Fort Carson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Carson
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Carson is $9,453, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. 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. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Carson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Carson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Fort Carson know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $26,467 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $35,590 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $44,864 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $54,289 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $63,865 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $73,591 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $83,468 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $93,495 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fort Carson, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Carson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Carson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fort Carson. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fort Carson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.