Solar Panel Cost Guide in Littleton, CO (2023 Update)
- Littleton Solar Installation Cost: $9,735
- 25-Year Savings: $16,391
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Littleton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Littleton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Littleton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Littleton, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,735, or $13,921 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Littleton based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Littleton for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Littleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,690 |
| 3 years | $-6,600 |
| 5 years | $-4,510 |
| 7 years | $-2,420 |
| 9 years | $-330 |
| 11 years | $1,760 |
| 13 years | $3,850 |
| 15 years | $5,940 |
| 17 years | $8,031 |
| 19 years | $10,121 |
| 21 years | $12,211 |
| 23 years | $14,301 |
| 25 years | $16,391 |
Top Solar Installers in Littleton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Littleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Littleton
For many Littleton homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Littleton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Littleton average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Littleton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,577 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,070 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,714 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,509 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,455 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,551 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,797 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $67,195 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Littleton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can check 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
EcoWatch's Littleton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Littleton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.