Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruita, CO (Mar 2023)
- Fruita Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
- 25-Year Savings: $19,193
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruita
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fruita.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fruita it's 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fruita, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,622, or $13,759 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fruita find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fruita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,470 |
| 3 years | $-6,164 |
| 5 years | $-3,859 |
| 7 years | $-1,554 |
| 9 years | $751 |
| 11 years | $3,056 |
| 13 years | $5,362 |
| 15 years | $7,667 |
| 17 years | $9,972 |
| 19 years | $12,277 |
| 21 years | $14,582 |
| 23 years | $16,888 |
| 25 years | $19,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruita
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Fruita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruita
While the average cost of a solar system in Fruita is $9,622, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fruita have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Fruita, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 | $22,074 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $29,733 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $37,543 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $45,504 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $53,615 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $61,877 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $70,289 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $78,852 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Fruita, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruita?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 Fruita?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fruita, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 Fruita?
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 higher 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.