Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gunnison, CO (2024 Update)

  • Gunnison Solar Installation Cost: $14,247
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,244
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gunnison

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gunnison.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gunnison, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gunnison, the average price of going solar will be about $14,247 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gunnison

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-13,279
3 years$-11,343
5 years$-9,406
7 years$-7,470
9 years$-5,534
11 years$-3,598
13 years$-1,661
15 years$275
17 years$2,211
19 years$4,147
21 years$6,083
23 years$8,020
25 years$9,956

Top Solar Installers in Gunnison

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Gunnison, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Gunnison

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gunnison

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Gunnison is $14,247, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Gunnison, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gunnison average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gunnison, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Gunnison, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.14$17,385$15,31913.3 years
8 kW$4.06$22,734$20,87113.0 years
10 kW$3.98$27,860$26,64612.8 years
12 kW$3.90$32,763$32,64312.5 years
14 kW$3.82$37,444$38,86412.3 years
16 kW$3.74$41,901$45,30812.0 years
18 kW$3.66$46,136$51,97411.8 years
20 kW$3.58$50,148$58,86311.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Gunnison, CO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gunnison?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Gunnison have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.