Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, CO (2024 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $14,666
- 25-Year Savings: $21,033
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
We go over average solar pricing in Sterling.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sterling, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Sterling homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,666 with the federal tax credit, or $20,972 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sterling find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sterling for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,604 |
| 3 years | $-11,480 |
| 5 years | $-9,356 |
| 7 years | $-7,232 |
| 9 years | $-5,109 |
| 11 years | $-2,985 |
| 13 years | $-861 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,387 |
| 19 years | $5,511 |
| 21 years | $7,635 |
| 23 years | $9,759 |
| 25 years | $11,883 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Sterling, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
For many Sterling homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sterling, 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 need 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Sterling homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Sterling’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $17,886 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $24,293 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $30,924 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $37,777 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $44,853 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $52,153 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $59,675 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $67,419 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sterling, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sterling?
Solar panels aren’t free in Sterling, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,175.67 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.