Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rifle, CO (2023 Update)
- Rifle Solar Installation Cost: $9,716
- 25-Year Savings: $15,038
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rifle
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rifle.
The average cost of a solar system in Rifle is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Rifle, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,716, or $13,894 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Rifle based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rifle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,726 |
| 3 years | $-6,746 |
| 5 years | $-4,765 |
| 7 years | $-2,785 |
| 9 years | $-805 |
| 11 years | $1,176 |
| 13 years | $3,156 |
| 15 years | $5,136 |
| 17 years | $7,117 |
| 19 years | $9,097 |
| 21 years | $11,078 |
| 23 years | $13,058 |
| 25 years | $15,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Rifle
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rifle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rifle
There are many 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rifle average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rifle to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rifle is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,014 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,987 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,110 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,384 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,808 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,383 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,109 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $61,986 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rifle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Rifle, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rifle?
The average cost of solar panels in Rifle is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably 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% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.