Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gunnison, UT (2023 Update)
- Gunnison Solar Installation Cost: $9,811
- 25-Year Savings: $16,365
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gunnison
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gunnison.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gunnison it's 2.68 per watt. Since a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gunnison, the average price of going solar will be about $9,811 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gunnison can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gunnison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,764 |
| 3 years | $-6,670 |
| 5 years | $-4,576 |
| 7 years | $-2,482 |
| 9 years | $-388 |
| 11 years | $1,706 |
| 13 years | $3,800 |
| 15 years | $5,894 |
| 17 years | $7,989 |
| 19 years | $10,083 |
| 21 years | $12,177 |
| 23 years | $14,271 |
| 25 years | $16,365 |
Top Solar Installers in Gunnison
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Gunnison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gunnison
For many Gunnison homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gunnison, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Gunnison, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,680 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Gunnison's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $18,346 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $24,762 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $31,328 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $38,043 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $44,909 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $51,925 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $59,091 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $66,407 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gunnison?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gunnison?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.