Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain, CO (2023 Update)
- Fountain Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
- 25-Year Savings: $22,887
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountain
We break down average solar pricing in Fountain.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fountain it's 2.69 per watt. The average Fountain homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,453 with the federal tax credit, or $13,518 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Fountain based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fountain find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,159 |
| 3 years | $-5,572 |
| 5 years | $-2,985 |
| 7 years | $-398 |
| 9 years | $2,190 |
| 11 years | $4,777 |
| 13 years | $7,364 |
| 15 years | $9,951 |
| 17 years | $12,538 |
| 19 years | $15,126 |
| 21 years | $17,713 |
| 23 years | $20,300 |
| 25 years | $22,887 |
Top Solar Installers in Fountain
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fountain, the EcoWatch team has 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 Fountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fountain is $9,453, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Fountain. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fountain, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fountain, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $26,920 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $36,195 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $45,620 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $55,196 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $64,922 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $74,800 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $84,828 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $95,006 | 6.6 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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fountain, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fountain?
The average cost of solar panels in Fountain 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fountain?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fountain, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fountain?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.