Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rifle, CO (2024 Update)
- Rifle Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $15,031
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rifle
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rifle.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rifle is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rifle is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,386 for a solar installation, or $20,572 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Rifle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rifle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,418 |
| 3 years | $-11,481 |
| 5 years | $-9,545 |
| 7 years | $-7,609 |
| 9 years | $-5,673 |
| 11 years | $-3,737 |
| 13 years | $-1,800 |
| 15 years | $136 |
| 17 years | $2,072 |
| 19 years | $4,008 |
| 21 years | $5,944 |
| 23 years | $7,881 |
| 25 years | $9,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Rifle
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Rifle:
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 Rifle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rifle
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rifle is $14,386, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,980 per kilowatt in Rifle.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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rifle average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rifle homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Rifle, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Rifle 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $11,379 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $15,618 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,080 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $24,765 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $29,672 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $34,802 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $40,156 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $45,732 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 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 $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rifle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rifle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 keep using 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.