Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vail, CO (2023 Update)
- Vail Solar Installation Cost: $14,735
- 25-Year Savings: $17,300
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vail
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vail.
In Vail, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $9,961 before the 30% 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 actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vail see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Vail
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vail
For many Vail homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vail, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Vail.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 | $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
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
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.