Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands Ranch, CO (2024 Update)
- Highlands Ranch Solar Installation Cost: $14,333
- 25-Year Savings: $16,439
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highlands Ranch
We break down average solar pricing in Highlands Ranch.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highlands Ranch, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Highlands Ranch is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,333 for a solar installation, or $20,496 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Highlands Ranch can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Highlands Ranch for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Highlands Ranch
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,365 |
| 3 years | $-11,428 |
| 5 years | $-9,492 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-5,620 |
| 11 years | $-3,684 |
| 13 years | $-1,747 |
| 15 years | $189 |
| 17 years | $2,125 |
| 19 years | $4,061 |
| 21 years | $5,998 |
| 23 years | $7,934 |
| 25 years | $9,870 |
Top Solar Installers in Highlands Ranch
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Highlands Ranch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands Ranch
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Highlands Ranch: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,980. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Highlands Ranch, 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 loans, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Highlands Ranch, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $13,085 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $17,893 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $22,923 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $28,177 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $33,653 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $39,352 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $45,274 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $51,419 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Highlands Ranch, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highlands Ranch?
The average cost of solar panels in Highlands Ranch is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands Ranch?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.