Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, CO (2023 Update)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $9,641
- 25-Year Savings: $15,831
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Glendale.
The average cost of solar panels in Glendale is 2.69 per watt. Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Glendale, the average price of going solar will be about $9,641 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Glendale homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Glendale homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Glendale for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,622 |
| 3 years | $-6,584 |
| 5 years | $-4,547 |
| 7 years | $-2,509 |
| 9 years | $-471 |
| 11 years | $1,567 |
| 13 years | $3,604 |
| 15 years | $5,642 |
| 17 years | $7,680 |
| 19 years | $9,718 |
| 21 years | $11,755 |
| 23 years | $13,793 |
| 25 years | $15,831 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Glendale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Glendale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Glendale 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,125 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,468 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,962 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $37,606 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $44,401 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $51,347 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $58,443 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $65,690 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Glendale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glendale?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glendale?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Glendale is currently $435,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $17,872 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Glendale is a rewarding investment.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.