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

  • Redlands Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,193
  • Payback Period: 8.4 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 Redlands

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Redlands.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Redlands typically cost around 2.69. The average solar panel system size in Redlands is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,622 for a solar installation, or $13,759 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Redlands

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,470
3 years $-6,164
5 years $-3,859
7 years $-1,554
9 years $751
11 years $3,056
13 years $5,362
15 years $7,667
17 years $9,972
19 years $12,277
21 years $14,582
23 years $16,888
25 years $19,193

Top Solar Installers in Redlands

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Redlands

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redlands

For many Redlands homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Redlands, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,690. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Redlands have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Redlands, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $22,074 8.7 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $29,733 8.5 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $37,543 8.4 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $45,504 8.2 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $53,615 8.0 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $61,877 7.8 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $70,289 7.7 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $78,852 7.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.

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 Redlands, CO Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Redlands?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits 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 go for 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."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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