Solar Panel Cost Guide in Breckenridge, CO (2024 Update)
- Breckenridge Solar Installation Cost: $14,684
- 25-Year Savings: $17,510
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Breckenridge
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Breckenridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Breckenridge it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Breckenridge is around 5.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,684 for a solar installation, or $20,998 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Breckenridge find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Breckenridge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Breckenridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,716 |
| 3 years | $-11,780 |
| 5 years | $-9,844 |
| 7 years | $-7,907 |
| 9 years | $-5,971 |
| 11 years | $-4,035 |
| 13 years | $-2,099 |
| 15 years | $-163 |
| 17 years | $1,774 |
| 19 years | $3,710 |
| 21 years | $5,646 |
| 23 years | $7,582 |
| 25 years | $9,518 |
Top Solar Installers in Breckenridge
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Breckenridge:
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 Breckenridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Breckenridge
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Breckenridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,980. 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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Breckenridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,845 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $18,906 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,190 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,697 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,426 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,379 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,554 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $53,952 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Breckenridge, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Breckenridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Breckenridge 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 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 Breckenridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Breckenridge?
Solar panels can be a great 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 power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Breckenridge?
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 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.