Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meridian, CO (2024 Update)
- Meridian Solar Installation Cost: $14,333
- 25-Year Savings: $17,747
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meridian
We go over average solar pricing in Meridian.
In Meridian, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Meridian, the average price of going solar will be about $14,333 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Meridian homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meridian
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,365 |
| 3 years | $-11,428 |
| 5 years | $-9,492 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-5,620 |
| 11 years | $-3,684 |
| 13 years | $-1,747 |
| 15 years | $189 |
| 17 years | $2,125 |
| 19 years | $4,061 |
| 21 years | $5,998 |
| 23 years | $7,934 |
| 25 years | $9,870 |
Top Solar Installers in Meridian
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Meridian
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meridian
For many Meridian homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meridian, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Meridian, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meridian is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $14,611 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,927 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $25,466 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $31,228 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $37,213 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $43,421 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $49,851 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $56,505 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Meridian, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meridian?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Meridian is currently $789,910, so you could be looking at a value of about $32,386 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Meridian is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.