Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gunbarrel, CO (2024 Update)
- Gunbarrel Solar Installation Cost: $14,732
- 25-Year Savings: $16,100
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gunbarrel
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gunbarrel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gunbarrel it’s 4 per watt.Since a 5.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gunbarrel, the average price of going solar will be about $14,732 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Gunbarrel depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gunbarrel can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Gunbarrel for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gunbarrel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,763 |
| 3 years | $-11,827 |
| 5 years | $-9,891 |
| 7 years | $-7,955 |
| 9 years | $-6,019 |
| 11 years | $-4,082 |
| 13 years | $-2,146 |
| 15 years | $-210 |
| 17 years | $1,726 |
| 19 years | $3,663 |
| 21 years | $5,599 |
| 23 years | $7,535 |
| 25 years | $9,471 |
Top Solar Installers in Gunbarrel
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gunbarrel:
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 Gunbarrel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gunbarrel
The cost of installing a solar system in Gunbarrel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gunbarrel average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gunbarrel to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gunbarrel is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $12,182 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,688 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,418 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,370 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,545 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,943 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,563 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,407 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Gunbarrel, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gunbarrel?
The average cost of solar panels in Gunbarrel 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $985.55 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Gunbarrel?
Even though 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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.