Solar Panel Cost Guide in Littleton, CO (2024 Update)
- Littleton Solar Installation Cost: $14,401
- 25-Year Savings: $16,393
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Littleton
Let’s take 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 typical cost of solar panels is 4 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 around $14,401, or $20,593 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Littleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,432 |
| 3 years | $-11,496 |
| 5 years | $-9,560 |
| 7 years | $-7,624 |
| 9 years | $-5,688 |
| 11 years | $-3,751 |
| 13 years | $-1,815 |
| 15 years | $121 |
| 17 years | $2,057 |
| 19 years | $3,994 |
| 21 years | $5,930 |
| 23 years | $7,866 |
| 25 years | $9,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Littleton
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Littleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Littleton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Littleton: 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. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Littleton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,942 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $17,702 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $22,684 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $27,890 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $33,318 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $38,969 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $44,844 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $50,941 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total 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 keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Littleton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Littleton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Littleton?
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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,010.89 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.
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.