Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westminster, CO (2024 Update)
- Westminster Solar Installation Cost: $14,495
- 25-Year Savings: $15,906
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westminster
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Westminster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westminster it’s 4 per watt.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Westminster, the average price of going solar will be about $14,495 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westminster find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Westminster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westminster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,527 |
| 3 years | $-11,591 |
| 5 years | $-9,655 |
| 7 years | $-7,719 |
| 9 years | $-5,782 |
| 11 years | $-3,846 |
| 13 years | $-1,910 |
| 15 years | $26 |
| 17 years | $1,963 |
| 19 years | $3,899 |
| 21 years | $5,835 |
| 23 years | $7,771 |
| 25 years | $9,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Westminster
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Westminster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westminster
The cost of installing a solar system in Westminster can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Westminster, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westminster, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Westminster offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering 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 solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,256 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,788 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,542 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,519 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,718 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,141 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,787 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,655 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Westminster, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westminster?
The average cost of solar panels in Westminster is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Westminster?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Westminster. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $988.03 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.