Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, CO (2024 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $14,318
- 25-Year Savings: $17,120
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Aurora.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Aurora it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $14,318 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,350 |
| 3 years | $-11,414 |
| 5 years | $-9,478 |
| 7 years | $-7,542 |
| 9 years | $-5,605 |
| 11 years | $-3,669 |
| 13 years | $-1,733 |
| 15 years | $203 |
| 17 years | $2,139 |
| 19 years | $4,076 |
| 21 years | $6,012 |
| 23 years | $7,948 |
| 25 years | $9,884 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
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 Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Aurora is $14,318, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Aurora, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Aurora, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Aurora provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Aurora is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $13,900 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,979 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,281 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,806 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,554 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,525 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,718 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $54,135 | 12.0 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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
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 Aurora, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Aurora?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Aurora?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.