Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manitou Springs, CO (2025 Update)
- Manitou Springs Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
- 25-Year Savings: $22,890
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manitou Springs
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Manitou Springs.
In Manitou Springs, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Manitou Springs, the average price of going solar will be about $13,979 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Manitou Springs find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Manitou Springs, you can 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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. 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:
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 accessible.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Manitou Springs, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 real 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 use.
Are solar panels free in Manitou Springs?
Solar panels aren’t free in Manitou Springs, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.