Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manitou Springs, CO (2024 Update)

  • Manitou Springs Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,890
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manitou Springs

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Manitou Springs.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Manitou Springs it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $13,979 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Manitou Springs can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manitou Springs

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,594
3 years $-9,823
5 years $-7,052
7 years $-4,281
9 years $-1,510
11 years $1,261
13 years $4,032
15 years $6,803
17 years $9,574
19 years $12,345
21 years $15,116
23 years $17,887
25 years $20,658

Top Solar Installers in Manitou Springs

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Manitou Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manitou Springs

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Manitou Springs: 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 affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, 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 of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Manitou Springs, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make 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 more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Manitou Springs is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 $21,284 11.2 years
8 kW $4.06 $22,734 $28,824 11.0 years
10 kW $3.98 $27,860 $36,587 10.8 years
12 kW $3.90 $32,763 $44,573 10.6 years
14 kW $3.82 $37,444 $52,782 10.4 years
16 kW $3.74 $41,901 $61,214 10.2 years
18 kW $3.66 $46,136 $69,868 9.9 years
20 kW $3.58 $50,148 $78,746 9.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Manitou Springs, CO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manitou Springs?

The average cost of solar panels in Manitou Springs is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Manitou Springs?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Manitou Springs. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Manitou Springs, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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