Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, CO (2023 Update)

  • Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $10,018
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,003
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Windsor.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Windsor is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Windsor is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,018 for a solar installation, or $14,326 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Windsor find going solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Windsor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,977
3 years $-6,895
5 years $-4,814
7 years $-2,732
9 years $-650
11 years $1,431
13 years $3,513
15 years $5,595
17 years $7,676
19 years $9,758
21 years $11,839
23 years $13,921
25 years $16,003

Top Solar Installers in Windsor

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

For many Windsor homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Windsor, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Windsor offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Windsor's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $2.80 $11,750 $17,591 10.0 years
8 kW $2.74 $15,365 $23,756 9.8 years
10 kW $2.69 $18,830 $30,072 9.6 years
12 kW $2.64 $22,144 $36,539 9.4 years
14 kW $2.58 $25,308 $43,156 9.2 years
16 kW $2.53 $28,320 $49,923 9.0 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,182 $56,841 8.9 years
20 kW $2.42 $33,894 $63,910 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Windsor?

You can't get solar panels for free in Windsor. However, you may still be able to get 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Windsor?

Each state has some form 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 utility bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.

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.

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