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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Littleton typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Littleton is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,401 for a solar installation, or $20,593 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Littleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Littleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Littleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 $3,980.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Littleton, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Littleton, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Littleton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Littleton is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Littleton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Littleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Littleton 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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 long do solar panels last in Littleton?
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 larger amount 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.