Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, CO (Mar 2023)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $9,923
- 25-Year Savings: $15,548
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
We break down average solar pricing in Superior.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Superior generally cost around 2.69. The average Superior homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,923 with the federal tax credit, or $14,190 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Superior can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
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 Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,905 |
| 3 years | $-6,867 |
| 5 years | $-4,829 |
| 7 years | $-2,791 |
| 9 years | $-754 |
| 11 years | $1,284 |
| 13 years | $3,322 |
| 15 years | $5,360 |
| 17 years | $7,397 |
| 19 years | $9,435 |
| 21 years | $11,473 |
| 23 years | $13,511 |
| 25 years | $15,548 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Superior, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Superior to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Superior is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,261 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,316 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,522 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,878 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,385 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,043 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,851 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,810 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Superior, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Superior?
The average cost of solar panels in Superior is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Superior?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.