Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbine, CO (2024 Update)
- Columbine Solar Installation Cost: $14,435
- 25-Year Savings: $15,716
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbine
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Columbine.
In Columbine, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Columbine is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,435 for a solar installation, or $20,642 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbine find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,467 |
| 3 years | $-11,530 |
| 5 years | $-9,594 |
| 7 years | $-7,658 |
| 9 years | $-5,722 |
| 11 years | $-3,785 |
| 13 years | $-1,849 |
| 15 years | $87 |
| 17 years | $2,023 |
| 19 years | $3,959 |
| 21 years | $5,896 |
| 23 years | $7,832 |
| 25 years | $9,768 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbine
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Columbine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbine
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbine can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Columbine, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Columbine homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Columbine, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $12,113 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,596 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $21,302 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $26,231 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $31,383 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,758 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $42,356 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $48,176 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Columbine, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbine?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbine 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 certain factors such as the model 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 Columbine?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Columbine is currently $613,157, which means you can expect a value of about $25,139 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Columbine is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.