Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheat Ridge, CO (2025 Update)
- Wheat Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $14,622
- 25-Year Savings: $16,308
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheat Ridge
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wheat Ridge.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wheat Ridge is 4 per watt.Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Wheat Ridge, the average price of going solar will be about $14,622 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Wheat Ridge depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wheat Ridge find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Wheat Ridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,654 |
| 3 years | $-11,718 |
| 5 years | $-9,781 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,909 |
| 11 years | $-3,973 |
| 13 years | $-2,037 |
| 15 years | $-100 |
| 17 years | $1,836 |
| 19 years | $3,772 |
| 21 years | $5,708 |
| 23 years | $7,645 |
| 25 years | $9,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheat Ridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wheat Ridge, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Wheat Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheat Ridge
The cost of installing a solar system in Wheat Ridge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 $3,980. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Wheat Ridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $12,557 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $17,188 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $22,042 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $27,120 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $32,420 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,943 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $43,688 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $49,657 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs 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.
EcoWatch's Wheat Ridge, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheat Ridge?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wheat Ridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $998.05 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.