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
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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 typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gunnison
| Year | Return 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gunnison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gunnison
The cost of installing a solar system in Gunnison can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gunnison homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
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 installation companies operating in Gunnison, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $15,319 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $20,871 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $26,646 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $32,643 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $38,864 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $45,308 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $51,974 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $58,863 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part 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 Gunnison, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gunnison?
The average cost of solar panels in Gunnison 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 use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gunnison?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Gunnison?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.