Solar Panel Cost Guide in Welby, CO (2024 Update)

  • Welby Solar Installation Cost: $14,371
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,032
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Welby

We break down average solar pricing in Welby.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Welby it’s 4 per watt.The average Welby homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,371 with the federal tax credit, or $20,551 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Welby can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Welby, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Welby

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-13,403
3 years$-11,466
5 years$-9,530
7 years$-7,594
9 years$-5,658
11 years$-3,722
13 years$-1,785
15 years$151
17 years$2,087
19 years$4,023
21 years$5,960
23 years$7,896
25 years$9,832

Top Solar Installers in Welby

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Welby, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Outstanding Local Installer

Smart Wave Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Installations include backup power guarantee
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers rewards for customer referrals
  • Expensive
  • No assistance with solar financing
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

See all of the solar companies in Welby

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Welby

For many Welby homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Welby, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Welby average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Welby, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.14$17,385$13,72514.0 years
8 kW$4.06$22,734$18,74513.7 years
10 kW$3.98$27,860$23,98913.4 years
12 kW$3.90$32,763$29,45513.2 years
14 kW$3.82$37,444$35,14512.9 years
16 kW$3.74$41,901$41,05712.6 years
18 kW$3.66$46,136$47,19212.4 years
20 kW$3.58$50,148$53,55012.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Outstanding Local Installer

Smart Wave Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Installations include backup power guarantee
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers rewards for customer referrals
  • Expensive
  • No assistance with solar financing
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

EcoWatch's Welby, CO Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Welby?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Welby?

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 option if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Welby is currently $414,404, which means you could be looking at a value of about $16,991 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Welby is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.