Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Junta, CO (2024 Update)
- La Junta Solar Installation Cost: $13,570
- 25-Year Savings: $27,891
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Junta
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in La Junta.
In La Junta, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average La Junta homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,570 with the federal tax credit, or $19,405 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $29,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Junta find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in La Junta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Junta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,184 |
| 3 years | $-9,413 |
| 5 years | $-6,642 |
| 7 years | $-3,871 |
| 9 years | $-1,100 |
| 11 years | $1,671 |
| 13 years | $4,441 |
| 15 years | $7,212 |
| 17 years | $9,983 |
| 19 years | $12,754 |
| 21 years | $15,525 |
| 23 years | $18,296 |
| 25 years | $21,067 |
Top Solar Installers in La Junta
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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
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 La Junta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Junta
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in La Junta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,980 per kilowatt in La Junta.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in La Junta, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in La Junta have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $28,271 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $38,140 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $48,232 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $58,548 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $69,086 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $79,846 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $90,830 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $102,037 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 La Junta, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Junta?
The average cost of solar panels in La Junta 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in La Junta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.