Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salida, CO (Mar 2023)
- Salida Solar Installation Cost: $9,584
- 25-Year Savings: $24,007
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salida
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Salida.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Salida, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $9,584 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Salida depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Salida homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salida
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,241 |
| 3 years | $-5,554 |
| 5 years | $-2,866 |
| 7 years | $-179 |
| 9 years | $2,508 |
| 11 years | $5,196 |
| 13 years | $7,883 |
| 15 years | $10,570 |
| 17 years | $13,258 |
| 19 years | $15,945 |
| 21 years | $18,632 |
| 23 years | $21,319 |
| 25 years | $24,007 |
Top Solar Installers in Salida
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Salida, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Salida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salida
For many Salida homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Salida, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Salida average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Salida homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Salida, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $27,826 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $37,403 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $47,130 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $57,008 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $67,037 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $77,216 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $87,546 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $98,027 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Salida, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salida?
The average cost of solar panels in Salida 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Salida?
Solar panels aren't free in Salida, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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 solar panels."
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.