Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Junction, CO (2023 Update)
- Grand Junction Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
- 25-Year Savings: $19,193
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Junction
We break down average solar pricing in Grand Junction.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grand Junction it's 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,622 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Grand Junction based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Grand Junction homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Grand Junction
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,470 |
| 3 years | $-6,164 |
| 5 years | $-3,859 |
| 7 years | $-1,554 |
| 9 years | $751 |
| 11 years | $3,056 |
| 13 years | $5,362 |
| 15 years | $7,667 |
| 17 years | $9,972 |
| 19 years | $12,277 |
| 21 years | $14,582 |
| 23 years | $16,888 |
| 25 years | $19,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Junction
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Grand Junction
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Junction
There are many factors that can play into your 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 Grand Junction, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Grand Junction average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Grand Junction offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Grand Junction, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $22,074 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $29,733 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $37,543 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $45,504 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $53,615 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $61,877 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $70,289 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $78,852 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Grand Junction, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Junction?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Grand Junction?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.