Solar Panel Cost Guide in Air Force Academy, CO (2024 Update)
- Air Force Academy Solar Installation Cost: $13,979
- 25-Year Savings: $24,678
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Air Force Academy
We go over average solar pricing in Air Force Academy.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Air Force Academy is 4 per watt.Because a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Air Force Academy, the average price of going solar will be about $13,979 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Air Force Academy based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Air Force Academy homeowner can save around $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Air Force Academy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,594 |
| 3 years | $-9,823 |
| 5 years | $-7,052 |
| 7 years | $-4,281 |
| 9 years | $-1,510 |
| 11 years | $1,261 |
| 13 years | $4,032 |
| 15 years | $6,803 |
| 17 years | $9,574 |
| 19 years | $12,345 |
| 21 years | $15,116 |
| 23 years | $17,887 |
| 25 years | $20,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Air Force Academy
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Air Force Academy:
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 Air Force Academy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Air Force Academy
The cost of installing a solar system in Air Force Academy can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Air Force Academy provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Air Force Academy homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Air Force Academy is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice 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 promotions 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $23,421 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $31,674 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $40,150 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $48,849 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $57,770 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $66,914 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $76,282 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $85,872 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Air Force Academy, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Air Force Academy?
The average cost of solar panels in Air Force Academy is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Air Force Academy, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.