Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frederick, CO (2023 Update)
- Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $9,873
- 25-Year Savings: $17,079
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frederick
We break down average solar pricing in Frederick.
In Frederick, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Frederick 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Frederick can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,815 |
| 3 years | $-6,698 |
| 5 years | $-4,581 |
| 7 years | $-2,464 |
| 9 years | $-348 |
| 11 years | $1,769 |
| 13 years | $3,886 |
| 15 years | $6,003 |
| 17 years | $8,120 |
| 19 years | $10,237 |
| 21 years | $12,353 |
| 23 years | $14,470 |
| 25 years | $16,587 |
Top Solar Installers in Frederick
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Frederick:
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 Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frederick
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 Frederick: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Frederick homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Frederick, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,092 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,757 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,573 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,539 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,656 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $53,924 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,342 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $68,911 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Frederick, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Frederick?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Frederick is currently $388,829, so you can look forward to a value of about $15,942 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Frederick is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Frederick?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.