Solar Panel Cost Guide in Denver, PA (2024 Update)
- Denver Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,223
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Denver
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Denver.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Denver, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Denver, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Denver
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,089 |
3 years | $-12,603 |
5 years | $-10,117 |
7 years | $-7,631 |
9 years | $-5,145 |
11 years | $-2,659 |
13 years | $-173 |
15 years | $2,313 |
17 years | $4,799 |
19 years | $7,285 |
21 years | $9,771 |
23 years | $12,257 |
25 years | $14,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Denver
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Denver
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Denver
While the average cost of a solar system in Denver is $16,331, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Denver average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Denver offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to include 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 installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,275 | 17.0 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,098 | 16.7 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,120 | 16.4 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,340 | 16.0 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,759 | 15.7 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,377 | 15.4 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,194 | 15.1 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,210 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Denver, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Denver?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Denver?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Denver. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Denver?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.