Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruita, CO (2023 Update)
- Fruita Solar Installation Cost: $9,625
- 25-Year Savings: $19,190
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruita
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fruita.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fruita, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average Fruita homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,622 with the federal tax credit, or $13,759 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Fruita depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Fruita homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fruita for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fruita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,657 |
| 3 years | $-6,721 |
| 5 years | $-4,784 |
| 7 years | $-2,848 |
| 9 years | $-912 |
| 11 years | $1,024 |
| 13 years | $2,961 |
| 15 years | $4,897 |
| 17 years | $6,833 |
| 19 years | $8,769 |
| 21 years | $10,705 |
| 23 years | $12,642 |
| 25 years | $14,578 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruita
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fruita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruita
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fruita: 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 a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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 type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fruita homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fruita homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Fruita's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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 companies available in Fruita, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fruita, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fruita?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fruita, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.