Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortez, CO (2024 Update)
- Cortez Solar Installation Cost: $13,589
- 25-Year Savings: $25,633
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortez
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Cortez.
The average cost of solar panels in Cortez is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cortez is around 4.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,589 for a solar installation, or $19,432 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 vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Cortez homeowner can save around $29,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Cortez that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cortez
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,279 |
| 3 years | $-9,658 |
| 5 years | $-7,038 |
| 7 years | $-4,417 |
| 9 years | $-1,797 |
| 11 years | $824 |
| 13 years | $3,444 |
| 15 years | $6,064 |
| 17 years | $8,685 |
| 19 years | $11,305 |
| 21 years | $13,926 |
| 23 years | $16,546 |
| 25 years | $19,167 |
Top Solar Installers in Cortez
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Cortez, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Cortez
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortez
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cortez: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,980. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Cortez provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $25,445 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $34,372 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $43,522 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $52,895 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $62,491 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $72,310 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $82,351 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $92,616 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Cortez, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Cortez, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cortez?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cortez?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cortez. 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.
Is it worth going solar in Cortez?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.