Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, CO (2024 Update)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $14,735
- 25-Year Savings: $17,300
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vail
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Vail.
The average cost of a solar system in Vail is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Vail is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,735 for a solar installation, or $21,071 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Vail for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Vail
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,767 |
| 3 years | $-11,830 |
| 5 years | $-9,894 |
| 7 years | $-7,958 |
| 9 years | $-6,022 |
| 11 years | $-4,086 |
| 13 years | $-2,149 |
| 15 years | $-213 |
| 17 years | $1,723 |
| 19 years | $3,659 |
| 21 years | $5,596 |
| 23 years | $7,532 |
| 25 years | $9,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Vail
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
The cost of installing a solar system in Vail can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Vail average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Vail, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Vail homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,539 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,498 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $23,680 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,084 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $34,712 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $40,562 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $46,635 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $52,931 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Vail, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vail?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Vail?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Vail?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Vail?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.