Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frederick, CO (Mar 2023)
- Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $9,867
- 25-Year Savings: $17,086
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frederick
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Frederick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Frederick, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $9,867 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Frederick homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,789 |
| 3 years | $-6,633 |
| 5 years | $-4,476 |
| 7 years | $-2,320 |
| 9 years | $-164 |
| 11 years | $1,992 |
| 13 years | $4,149 |
| 15 years | $6,305 |
| 17 years | $8,461 |
| 19 years | $10,617 |
| 21 years | $12,773 |
| 23 years | $14,930 |
| 25 years | $17,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Frederick
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 (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 Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frederick
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Frederick, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Frederick homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Frederick is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Frederick, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frederick?
The average cost of solar panels in Frederick 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 certain factors such as the type 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 Frederick?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will 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 expect 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 worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.