Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ken Caryl, CO (2023 Update)
- Ken Caryl Solar Installation Cost: $9,883
- 25-Year Savings: $16,570
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ken Caryl
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ken Caryl.
The average cost of a solar system in Ken Caryl is 2.69 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ken Caryl, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,886, or $14,137 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Ken Caryl based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ken Caryl
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,795 |
| 3 years | $-9,618 |
| 5 years | $-9,442 |
| 7 years | $-9,265 |
| 9 years | $-9,089 |
| 11 years | $-8,913 |
| 13 years | $-8,736 |
| 15 years | $-8,560 |
| 17 years | $-8,384 |
| 19 years | $-8,207 |
| 21 years | $-8,031 |
| 23 years | $-7,855 |
| 25 years | $-7,678 |
Top Solar Installers in Ken Caryl
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Ken Caryl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ken Caryl
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ken Caryl to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ken Caryl homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ken Caryl, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,491 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,956 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,572 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,338 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,255 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,323 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,541 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,910 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ken Caryl, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ken Caryl?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Ken Caryl have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ken Caryl?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.