Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruitvale, CO (2024 Update)
- Fruitvale Solar Installation Cost: $14,241
- 25-Year Savings: $19,190
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruitvale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fruitvale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fruitvale, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fruitvale is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,241 for a solar installation, or $20,365 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Fruitvale for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fruitvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,272 |
| 3 years | $-11,336 |
| 5 years | $-9,400 |
| 7 years | $-7,464 |
| 9 years | $-5,528 |
| 11 years | $-3,591 |
| 13 years | $-1,655 |
| 15 years | $281 |
| 17 years | $2,217 |
| 19 years | $4,154 |
| 21 years | $6,090 |
| 23 years | $8,026 |
| 25 years | $9,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruitvale
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fruitvale, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fruitvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruitvale
The cost of installing a solar system in Fruitvale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,980 per kilowatt in Fruitvale.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fruitvale provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Fruitvale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fruitvale have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.14 | $17,385 | $16,439 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $22,365 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $28,513 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $34,884 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $41,479 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $48,296 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $55,335 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $62,598 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fruitvale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- 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 you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fruitvale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruitvale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,127.46 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.