Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salida, CO (2025 Update)
- Salida Solar Installation Cost: $14,188
- 25-Year Savings: $24,002
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salida
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Salida.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Salida generally cost around 4.The average Salida homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,188 with the federal tax credit, or $20,289 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Salida homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salida
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,220 |
| 3 years | $-11,284 |
| 5 years | $-9,347 |
| 7 years | $-7,411 |
| 9 years | $-5,475 |
| 11 years | $-3,539 |
| 13 years | $-1,603 |
| 15 years | $334 |
| 17 years | $2,270 |
| 19 years | $4,206 |
| 21 years | $6,142 |
| 23 years | $8,079 |
| 25 years | $10,015 |
Top Solar Installers in Salida
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Salida, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Salida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salida
The cost of installing a solar system in Salida can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,980. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Salida, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Salida provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Salida is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $22,192 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $30,035 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $38,100 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $46,389 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $54,901 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $63,635 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $72,593 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $81,773 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Salida, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salida?
The average cost of solar panels in Salida 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
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 $1,319.21 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Salida?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.