Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lupton, CO (Mar 2023)
- Fort Lupton Solar Installation Cost: $9,867
- 25-Year Savings: $17,498
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lupton
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Lupton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Lupton it's 2.69 per watt. The average Fort Lupton homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,867 with the federal tax credit, or $14,110 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Fort Lupton based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lupton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,772 |
| 3 years | $-6,583 |
| 5 years | $-4,394 |
| 7 years | $-2,205 |
| 9 years | $-16 |
| 11 years | $2,174 |
| 13 years | $4,363 |
| 15 years | $6,552 |
| 17 years | $8,741 |
| 19 years | $10,930 |
| 21 years | $13,119 |
| 23 years | $15,309 |
| 25 years | $17,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lupton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fort Lupton, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Fort Lupton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lupton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fort Lupton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fort Lupton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 down 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 | $19,563 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,386 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $33,359 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $40,482 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $47,756 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $55,181 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $62,757 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $70,483 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Fort Lupton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Fort Lupton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Lupton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Lupton is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as 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 Lupton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fort Lupton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Lupton?
Even 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 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 keep using 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.