Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky Ford, CO (2024 Update)

  • Rocky Ford Solar Installation Cost: $13,570
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,936
  • Payback Period: 9.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Rocky Ford

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rocky Ford.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rocky Ford generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $13,570 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rocky Ford depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Rocky Ford for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rocky Ford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,184
3 years $-9,413
5 years $-6,642
7 years $-3,871
9 years $-1,100
11 years $1,671
13 years $4,441
15 years $7,212
17 years $9,983
19 years $12,754
21 years $15,525
23 years $18,296
25 years $21,067

Top Solar Installers in Rocky Ford

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.

Working with a professional 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 Rocky Ford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky Ford

Though the average cost of a solar system in Rocky Ford is $13,570, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rocky Ford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rocky Ford, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 $4.14 $17,385 $28,326 9.5 years
8 kW $4.06 $22,734 $38,214 9.3 years
10 kW $3.98 $27,860 $48,325 9.1 years
12 kW $3.90 $32,763 $58,659 9.0 years
14 kW $3.82 $37,444 $69,215 8.8 years
16 kW $3.74 $41,901 $79,995 8.6 years
18 kW $3.66 $46,136 $90,997 8.4 years
20 kW $3.58 $50,148 $102,222 8.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Rocky Ford, CO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocky Ford?

The average cost of solar panels in Rocky Ford is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,523.70 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Rocky Ford?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

Follow us