Solar Panel Cost Guide in Genesee, CO (2024 Update)
- Genesee Solar Installation Cost: $14,622
- 25-Year Savings: $17,552
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Genesee
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Genesee.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Genesee typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Genesee, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,622, or $20,909 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Genesee homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Genesee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,654 |
| 3 years | $-11,718 |
| 5 years | $-9,781 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,909 |
| 11 years | $-3,973 |
| 13 years | $-2,037 |
| 15 years | $-100 |
| 17 years | $1,836 |
| 19 years | $3,772 |
| 21 years | $5,708 |
| 23 years | $7,645 |
| 25 years | $9,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Genesee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
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 nearby:
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 Genesee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Genesee
The cost of installing a solar system in Genesee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Genesee to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Genesee homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Genesee, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $13,978 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,084 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,412 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,963 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,737 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,733 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,953 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $54,395 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and 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 understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Genesee, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Genesee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Genesee?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.