Solar Panel Cost Guide in Golden, CO (2025 Update)
- Golden Solar Installation Cost: $14,622
- 25-Year Savings: $9,581
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Golden
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Golden.
In Golden, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Golden is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,622 for a solar installation, or $20,909 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Golden homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Golden homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Golden for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Golden
| 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 Golden
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Golden, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Golden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Golden
While the average cost of a solar system in Golden is $14,622, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Golden, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Golden, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Golden, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,214 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,065 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $23,138 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $28,435 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $33,954 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $39,696 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $45,661 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $51,849 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
EcoWatch's Golden, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Golden?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. 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 consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Golden?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.