Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shaw Heights, CO (2023 Update)

  • Shaw Heights Solar Installation Cost: $9,716
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,755
  • Payback Period: 9.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Shaw Heights

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Shaw Heights.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shaw Heights, the average cost of solar panels is 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Shaw Heights, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,716, or $13,894 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Shaw Heights homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Shaw Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,697
3 years $-6,660
5 years $-4,622
7 years $-2,584
9 years $-546
11 years $1,491
13 years $3,529
15 years $5,567
17 years $7,605
19 years $9,642
21 years $11,680
23 years $13,718
25 years $15,755

Top Solar Installers in Shaw Heights

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you're looking for a solar company in Shaw Heights, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Shaw Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shaw Heights

While the average cost of a solar system in Shaw Heights is $9,716, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Shaw Heights, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Shaw Heights 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 Shaw Heights homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Shaw Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Shaw Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $2.80 $11,750 $17,879 9.9 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $24,139 9.7 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $30,551 9.5 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $37,113 9.3 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $43,826 9.2 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $50,689 9.0 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $57,703 8.8 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $64,868 8.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 Shaw Heights, CO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shaw Heights?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

Follow us