Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenwood Springs, CO (2024 Update)
- Glenwood Springs Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $15,468
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenwood Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Glenwood Springs.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glenwood Springs it’s 4 per watt.The average Glenwood Springs homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,386 with the federal tax credit, or $20,572 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Glenwood Springs homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Glenwood Springs homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Glenwood Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glenwood Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,418 |
| 3 years | $-11,481 |
| 5 years | $-9,545 |
| 7 years | $-7,609 |
| 9 years | $-5,673 |
| 11 years | $-3,737 |
| 13 years | $-1,800 |
| 15 years | $136 |
| 17 years | $2,072 |
| 19 years | $4,008 |
| 21 years | $5,944 |
| 23 years | $7,881 |
| 25 years | $9,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenwood Springs
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Glenwood Springs, we've organized 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 Glenwood Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenwood Springs
Cost is usually 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 Glenwood Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Glenwood Springs, one of the most crucial 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 determine 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 Glenwood Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Glenwood Springs, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $11,887 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,295 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,925 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,779 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $30,856 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,155 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $41,677 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $47,423 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Glenwood Springs, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glenwood Springs?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Glenwood Springs?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Glenwood Springs. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Glenwood Springs have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Glenwood Springs?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.