Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands Ranch, CO (2025 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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Highlands Ranch typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Highlands Ranch, most homeowners require a 5.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,333, or $20,496 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Highlands Ranch homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Highlands Ranch find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Highlands Ranch for a personalized estimate.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Highlands Ranch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands Ranch
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Highlands Ranch: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Highlands Ranch average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highlands Ranch to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $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 solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Highlands Ranch, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highlands Ranch?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands Ranch?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to 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 energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Highlands Ranch?
Although 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 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.