Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornton, CO (2024 Update)
- Thornton Solar Installation Cost: $14,488
- 25-Year Savings: $17,267
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thornton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Thornton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Thornton is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $14,488 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Thornton homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thornton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,520 |
| 3 years | $-11,584 |
| 5 years | $-9,648 |
| 7 years | $-7,712 |
| 9 years | $-5,775 |
| 11 years | $-3,839 |
| 13 years | $-1,903 |
| 15 years | $33 |
| 17 years | $1,969 |
| 19 years | $3,906 |
| 21 years | $5,842 |
| 23 years | $7,778 |
| 25 years | $9,714 |
Top Solar Installers in Thornton
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Thornton, 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 Thornton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Thornton is $14,488, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $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 opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thornton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Thornton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Thornton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,835 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,892 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,172 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,675 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,401 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,350 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,522 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $53,916 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Thornton, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thornton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Thornton have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Thornton?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.