Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castle Pines, CO (2024 Update)
- Castle Pines Solar Installation Cost: $14,333
- 25-Year Savings: $17,747
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castle Pines
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Castle Pines.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Castle Pines, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $14,333 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Castle Pines homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Castle Pines homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Castle Pines for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Castle Pines
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,365 |
| 3 years | $-11,428 |
| 5 years | $-9,492 |
| 7 years | $-7,556 |
| 9 years | $-5,620 |
| 11 years | $-3,684 |
| 13 years | $-1,747 |
| 15 years | $189 |
| 17 years | $2,125 |
| 19 years | $4,061 |
| 21 years | $5,998 |
| 23 years | $7,934 |
| 25 years | $9,870 |
Top Solar Installers in Castle Pines
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Castle Pines
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castle Pines
While the average cost of a solar system in Castle Pines is $14,333, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.The 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Castle Pines average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Castle Pines homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Castle Pines, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 lower 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 | $14,611 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,927 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $25,466 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $31,228 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $37,213 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $43,421 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $49,851 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $56,505 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Castle Pines, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castle Pines?
The average cost of solar panels in Castle Pines is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Castle Pines?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Castle Pines. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Castle Pines, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 long do solar panels last in Castle Pines?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.