Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mead, CO (2023 Update)

  • Mead Solar Installation Cost: $9,867
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,561
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Mead

We break down average solar pricing in Mead.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mead, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mead is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,867 for a solar installation, or $14,110 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Mead depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Mead can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mead

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,810
3 years $-6,696
5 years $-4,581
7 years $-2,467
9 years $-353
11 years $1,761
13 years $3,875
15 years $5,990
17 years $8,104
19 years $10,218
21 years $12,332
23 years $14,446
25 years $16,561

Top Solar Installers in Mead

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Mead

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mead

There are several factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Mead, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mead average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Mead provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Mead, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $18,491 9.7 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $24,955 9.5 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $31,571 9.3 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $38,337 9.2 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $45,254 9.0 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $52,321 8.8 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $59,539 8.6 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $66,908 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 previous customers.

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 Mead, CO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mead?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Mead?

You can't get solar panels for free in Mead. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mead, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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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