Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montrose, CO (2024 Update)
- Montrose Solar Installation Cost: $14,248
- 25-Year Savings: $17,300
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montrose
We break down average solar pricing in Montrose.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Montrose typically cost around 4.Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Montrose, the average price of going solar will be about $14,248 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Montrose depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Montrose homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on 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 Montrose
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,986 |
| 3 years | $-10,462 |
| 5 years | $-7,938 |
| 7 years | $-5,414 |
| 9 years | $-2,891 |
| 11 years | $-367 |
| 13 years | $2,157 |
| 15 years | $4,681 |
| 17 years | $7,205 |
| 19 years | $9,728 |
| 21 years | $12,252 |
| 23 years | $14,776 |
| 25 years | $17,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Montrose
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Montrose, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Montrose
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montrose
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,980. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montrose provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Montrose are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $21,767 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $29,468 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $37,393 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $45,540 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $53,910 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $62,503 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $71,319 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $80,357 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Montrose, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Montrose, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montrose?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Montrose have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Montrose?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.