Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Collins, CO (2024 Update)
- Fort Collins Solar Installation Cost: $15,046
- 25-Year Savings: $14,989
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Collins
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Collins.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Collins typically cost around 4.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fort Collins, the average price of going solar will be about $15,046 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Collins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,129 |
| 5 years | $-10,184 |
| 7 years | $-8,239 |
| 9 years | $-6,294 |
| 11 years | $-4,350 |
| 13 years | $-2,405 |
| 15 years | $-460 |
| 17 years | $1,485 |
| 19 years | $3,430 |
| 21 years | $5,374 |
| 23 years | $7,319 |
| 25 years | $9,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Collins
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fort Collins, 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
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Fort Collins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Collins
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fort Collins, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects 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 only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fort Collins homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Collins, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $10,566 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $14,533 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $18,724 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $23,137 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $27,773 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $32,632 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $37,715 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $43,019 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Fort Collins, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Collins?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Collins is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Collins?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Fort Collins have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.