Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lupton, CO (2023 Update)
- Fort Lupton Solar Installation Cost: $9,873
- 25-Year Savings: $17,491
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Lupton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Lupton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Lupton, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Lupton, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,867, or $14,110 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fort Lupton can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Fort Lupton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Lupton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,782 |
| 3 years | $-9,600 |
| 5 years | $-9,417 |
| 7 years | $-9,235 |
| 9 years | $-9,052 |
| 11 years | $-8,870 |
| 13 years | $-8,687 |
| 15 years | $-8,505 |
| 17 years | $-8,323 |
| 19 years | $-8,140 |
| 21 years | $-7,958 |
| 23 years | $-7,775 |
| 25 years | $-7,593 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Lupton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fort Lupton, 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
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 wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fort Lupton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The kind 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fort Lupton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Lupton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fort Lupton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Fort Lupton, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should 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 Lupton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Lupton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Lupton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Lupton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Lupton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.