Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wellington, CO (2023 Update)
- Wellington Solar Installation Cost: $10,168
- 25-Year Savings: $15,971
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wellington
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wellington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wellington it's 2.69 per watt. The average Wellington homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,168 with the federal tax credit, or $14,540 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wellington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wellington find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wellington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,123 |
| 3 years | $-7,032 |
| 5 years | $-4,940 |
| 7 years | $-2,849 |
| 9 years | $-758 |
| 11 years | $1,333 |
| 13 years | $3,424 |
| 15 years | $5,515 |
| 17 years | $7,606 |
| 19 years | $9,697 |
| 21 years | $11,789 |
| 23 years | $13,880 |
| 25 years | $15,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Wellington
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wellington, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wellington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wellington
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Wellington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Wellington homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Wellington, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,290 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,355 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,570 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,936 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,452 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,120 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,937 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,906 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Wellington, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wellington?
The average cost of solar panels in Wellington is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Wellington?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wellington. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wellington is currently $339,700, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,928 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wellington is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.