Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boulder, CO (2024 Update)
- Boulder Solar Installation Cost: $14,732
- 25-Year Savings: $16,212
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boulder
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Boulder.
The average cost of a solar system in Boulder is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Boulder is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,732 for a solar installation, or $21,067 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Boulder depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boulder find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Boulder for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Boulder
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,760 |
| 3 years | $-11,816 |
| 5 years | $-9,873 |
| 7 years | $-7,929 |
| 9 years | $-5,986 |
| 11 years | $-4,042 |
| 13 years | $-2,099 |
| 15 years | $-155 |
| 17 years | $1,788 |
| 19 years | $3,732 |
| 21 years | $5,675 |
| 23 years | $7,619 |
| 25 years | $9,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Boulder
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Boulder:
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 Boulder
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boulder
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Boulder: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Boulder average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Boulder homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Boulder, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,310 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,858 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,630 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,625 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,843 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $37,283 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,946 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,833 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Boulder, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Boulder, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boulder?
The average cost of solar panels in Boulder 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 certain factors such as the kind 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 Boulder?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Boulder?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.