Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gunnison, UT (2024 Update)
- Gunnison Solar Installation Cost: $12,036
- 25-Year Savings: $16,372
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gunnison
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gunnison.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gunnison it’s 3 per watt.The average Gunnison homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,036 with the federal tax credit, or $17,211 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gunnison homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Gunnison homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gunnison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,040 |
| 3 years | $-9,047 |
| 5 years | $-7,055 |
| 7 years | $-5,063 |
| 9 years | $-3,071 |
| 11 years | $-1,078 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,906 |
| 17 years | $4,898 |
| 19 years | $6,890 |
| 21 years | $8,883 |
| 23 years | $10,875 |
| 25 years | $12,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Gunnison
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Gunnison, we've compiled 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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
See all of the solar companies in Gunnison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gunnison
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,290. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Gunnison homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Gunnison homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Gunnison have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.42 | $14,371 | $15,682 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $21,278 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $27,058 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $33,022 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $39,170 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $45,503 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $52,020 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $58,721 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Gunnison, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
EcoWatch's Gunnison, UT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gunnison?
The average cost of solar panels in Gunnison is about $16,450 for a 5-kW system and $32,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Gunnison?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Gunnison?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.