Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steamboat Springs, CO (2025 Update)
- Steamboat Springs Solar Installation Cost: $14,139
- 25-Year Savings: $17,497
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steamboat Springs
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Steamboat Springs.
In Steamboat Springs, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Steamboat Springs is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,139 for a solar installation, or $20,219 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Steamboat Springs see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Steamboat Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,034 |
| 3 years | $-10,823 |
| 5 years | $-8,612 |
| 7 years | $-6,401 |
| 9 years | $-4,190 |
| 11 years | $-1,979 |
| 13 years | $232 |
| 15 years | $2,443 |
| 17 years | $4,654 |
| 19 years | $6,865 |
| 21 years | $9,076 |
| 23 years | $11,287 |
| 25 years | $13,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Steamboat Springs
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Steamboat Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steamboat Springs
For many Steamboat Springs homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Steamboat Springs, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 around $3,980. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Steamboat Springs average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Steamboat Springs’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,598 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,910 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $25,445 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $31,203 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $37,183 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $43,387 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $49,813 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $56,462 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact 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 several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Steamboat Springs, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Steamboat Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Steamboat Springs 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Steamboat Springs?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Steamboat Springs. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Steamboat Springs?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.