Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, CO (2024 Update)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $14,677
- 25-Year Savings: $15,552
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Superior.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Superior it’s 4 per watt.The average Superior homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,677 with the federal tax credit, or $20,988 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,708 |
| 3 years | $-11,772 |
| 5 years | $-9,836 |
| 7 years | $-7,900 |
| 9 years | $-5,964 |
| 11 years | $-4,027 |
| 13 years | $-2,091 |
| 15 years | $-155 |
| 17 years | $1,781 |
| 19 years | $3,718 |
| 21 years | $5,654 |
| 23 years | $7,590 |
| 25 years | $9,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Superior: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Superior have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $11,627 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $15,948 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,492 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,259 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $30,249 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $35,462 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $40,898 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $46,556 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Superior, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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.
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
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 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 $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Superior?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Superior is currently $842,285, which means you can expect a value of about $34,534 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Superior is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Superior?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.
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.