Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berthoud, CO (2024 Update)
- Berthoud Solar Installation Cost: $14,824
- 25-Year Savings: $15,998
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berthoud
We break down average solar pricing in Berthoud.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berthoud generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Berthoud is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,824 for a solar installation, or $21,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Berthoud homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berthoud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,856 |
| 3 years | $-11,920 |
| 5 years | $-9,983 |
| 7 years | $-8,047 |
| 9 years | $-6,111 |
| 11 years | $-4,175 |
| 13 years | $-2,238 |
| 15 years | $-302 |
| 17 years | $1,634 |
| 19 years | $3,570 |
| 21 years | $5,506 |
| 23 years | $7,443 |
| 25 years | $9,379 |
Top Solar Installers in Berthoud
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Berthoud, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Berthoud:
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 Berthoud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berthoud
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Berthoud offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to add 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Berthoud’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,953 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,384 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,037 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,913 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,012 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,333 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $41,878 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $47,646 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Berthoud, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berthoud?
The average cost of solar panels in Berthoud 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Berthoud?
Solar panels aren’t free in Berthoud, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Berthoud?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.