Solar Panel Cost Guide in Niwot, CO (2024 Update)
- Niwot Solar Installation Cost: $14,732
- 25-Year Savings: $15,558
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Niwot
See how much it might cost to go solar in Niwot.
In Niwot, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $14,732 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Niwot homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Niwot
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,763 |
| 3 years | $-11,827 |
| 5 years | $-9,891 |
| 7 years | $-7,955 |
| 9 years | $-6,019 |
| 11 years | $-4,082 |
| 13 years | $-2,146 |
| 15 years | $-210 |
| 17 years | $1,726 |
| 19 years | $3,663 |
| 21 years | $5,599 |
| 23 years | $7,535 |
| 25 years | $9,471 |
Top Solar Installers in Niwot
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Niwot
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Niwot
Although the average cost of a solar system in Niwot is $14,732, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Niwot, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Niwot to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Niwot is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Niwot are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $11,567 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $15,868 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,392 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,139 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $30,109 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $35,302 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $40,718 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $46,357 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good 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 Niwot, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Niwot?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Niwot?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Niwot, 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 check with 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 how much 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.