Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, CO (Mar 2023)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $9,961
- 25-Year Savings: $17,298
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vail
We go over average solar pricing in Vail.
The average cost of solar panels in Vail is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $9,961 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Vail depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vail find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,871 |
| 3 years | $-6,690 |
| 5 years | $-4,509 |
| 7 years | $-2,329 |
| 9 years | $-148 |
| 11 years | $2,033 |
| 13 years | $4,213 |
| 15 years | $6,394 |
| 17 years | $8,575 |
| 19 years | $10,756 |
| 21 years | $12,936 |
| 23 years | $15,117 |
| 25 years | $17,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Vail
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vail:
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 Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Vail, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Vail provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Vail's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,174 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,866 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,710 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,704 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,848 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $54,143 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,589 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $69,185 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Vail, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vail?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. 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 thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Vail?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Vail?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.