Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longmont, CO (Mar 2023)
- Longmont Solar Installation Cost: $9,923
- 25-Year Savings: $15,788
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longmont
We go over average solar pricing in Longmont.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Longmont, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Longmont, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,923, or $14,190 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Longmont can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Longmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,895 |
| 3 years | $-6,838 |
| 5 years | $-4,781 |
| 7 years | $-2,724 |
| 9 years | $-667 |
| 11 years | $1,390 |
| 13 years | $3,447 |
| 15 years | $5,504 |
| 17 years | $7,561 |
| 19 years | $9,618 |
| 21 years | $11,674 |
| 23 years | $13,731 |
| 25 years | $15,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Longmont
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Longmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longmont
For many Longmont homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Longmont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Longmont homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Longmont, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,549 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,699 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,001 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,453 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,056 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,809 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,713 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,768 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Longmont, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Longmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Longmont is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Longmont have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 decreases 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.