Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pueblo, CO (2023 Update)
- Pueblo Solar Installation Cost: $9,238
- 25-Year Savings: $26,421
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pueblo
We go over average solar pricing in Pueblo.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pueblo typically cost about 2.69. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pueblo, most homeowners require a 4.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,246, or $13,222 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pueblo homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Pueblo for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pueblo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,119 |
| 3 years | $-8,882 |
| 5 years | $-8,644 |
| 7 years | $-8,406 |
| 9 years | $-8,169 |
| 11 years | $-7,931 |
| 13 years | $-7,693 |
| 15 years | $-7,455 |
| 17 years | $-7,218 |
| 19 years | $-6,980 |
| 21 years | $-6,742 |
| 23 years | $-6,504 |
| 25 years | $-6,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Pueblo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Pueblo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pueblo
The cost of installing a solar system in Pueblo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pueblo offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Pueblo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $31,859 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $42,780 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $53,852 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $65,074 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $76,447 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $87,971 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $99,645 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $111,470 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Pueblo, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Pueblo, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pueblo?
The average cost of solar panels in Pueblo is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pueblo?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.
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.