Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, CO (2024 Update)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $14,252
- 25-Year Savings: $15,839
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
We break down average solar pricing in Glendale.
The average cost of solar panels in Glendale is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $14,252 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,284 |
| 3 years | $-11,348 |
| 5 years | $-9,412 |
| 7 years | $-7,475 |
| 9 years | $-5,539 |
| 11 years | $-3,603 |
| 13 years | $-1,667 |
| 15 years | $270 |
| 17 years | $2,206 |
| 19 years | $4,142 |
| 21 years | $6,078 |
| 23 years | $8,014 |
| 25 years | $9,951 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
There are many factors that can influence your solar system 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Glendale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Glendale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Glendale offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Glendale, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,491 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $17,100 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,932 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,987 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $32,265 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,766 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $43,489 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $49,436 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Glendale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glendale?
The average cost of solar panels in Glendale is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glendale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $995.84 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Glendale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.