Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, CO (2024 Update)
- Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $14,824
- 25-Year Savings: $16,001
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Windsor.
The average cost of a solar system in Windsor is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Windsor is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,824 for a solar installation, or $21,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Windsor can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Windsor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,845 |
| 3 years | $-11,887 |
| 5 years | $-9,929 |
| 7 years | $-7,971 |
| 9 years | $-6,012 |
| 11 years | $-4,054 |
| 13 years | $-2,096 |
| 15 years | $-138 |
| 17 years | $1,820 |
| 19 years | $3,778 |
| 21 years | $5,736 |
| 23 years | $7,694 |
| 25 years | $9,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Windsor
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Windsor, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Windsor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Windsor is $14,824, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Windsor, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
Most solar companies in Windsor have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Windsor, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $11,957 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,388 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,042 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,919 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,019 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,342 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $41,888 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $47,656 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Windsor, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windsor?
The average cost of solar panels in Windsor 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Windsor?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Windsor. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.