Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Junta, CO (Mar 2023)
- La Junta Solar Installation Cost: $9,170
- 25-Year Savings: $27,893
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Junta
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in La Junta.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Junta typically cost about 2.69. The average solar panel system size in La Junta is around 4.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,170 for a solar installation, or $13,113 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of La Junta homeowners. 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. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average La Junta homeowner can save around $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in La Junta that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in La Junta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,688 |
| 3 years | $-4,723 |
| 5 years | $-1,758 |
| 7 years | $1,207 |
| 9 years | $4,172 |
| 11 years | $7,137 |
| 13 years | $10,102 |
| 15 years | $13,067 |
| 17 years | $16,032 |
| 19 years | $18,997 |
| 21 years | $21,962 |
| 23 years | $24,928 |
| 25 years | $27,893 |
Top Solar Installers in La Junta
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
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 in La Junta:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in La Junta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Junta
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in La Junta, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like La Junta, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many La Junta homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $33,906 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $45,509 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $57,262 | 6.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $69,167 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $81,222 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $93,428 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $105,784 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $118,291 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's La Junta, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Junta?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in La Junta?
A solar panel system isn't free in La Junta, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in La Junta, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.