Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wellington, CO (2023 Update)
- Wellington Solar Installation Cost: $10,169
- 25-Year Savings: $15,970
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wellington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are 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 solar panel system size in Wellington is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,168 for a solar installation, or $14,540 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wellington homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wellington find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wellington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wellington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,201 |
| 3 years | $-7,265 |
| 5 years | $-5,329 |
| 7 years | $-3,393 |
| 9 years | $-1,456 |
| 11 years | $480 |
| 13 years | $2,416 |
| 15 years | $4,352 |
| 17 years | $6,289 |
| 19 years | $8,225 |
| 21 years | $10,161 |
| 23 years | $12,097 |
| 25 years | $14,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Wellington
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
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 near you:
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 Wellington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wellington
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wellington to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Wellington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Wellington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Wellington, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wellington?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wellington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Does Wellington have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.