Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dakota Ridge, CO (2024 Update)

  • Dakota Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $14,622
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,159
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dakota Ridge

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dakota Ridge.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dakota Ridge, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $14,622 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Dakota Ridge can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Dakota Ridge, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dakota Ridge

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,654
3 years $-11,718
5 years $-9,781
7 years $-7,845
9 years $-5,909
11 years $-3,973
13 years $-2,037
15 years $-100
17 years $1,836
19 years $3,772
21 years $5,708
23 years $7,645
25 years $9,581

Top Solar Installers in Dakota Ridge

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Dakota Ridge:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Dakota Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dakota Ridge

Though the average cost of a solar system in Dakota Ridge is $14,622, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,980 per kilowatt in Dakota Ridge.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dakota Ridge, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dakota Ridge, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dakota Ridge, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 $13,530 14.1 years
8 kW $4.06 $22,734 $18,485 13.8 years
10 kW $3.98 $27,860 $23,664 13.5 years
12 kW $3.90 $32,763 $29,065 13.2 years
14 kW $3.82 $37,444 $34,690 13.0 years
16 kW $3.74 $41,901 $40,537 12.7 years
18 kW $3.66 $46,136 $46,607 12.4 years
20 kW $3.58 $50,148 $52,900 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dakota Ridge, CO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dakota Ridge?

The average cost of solar panels in Dakota Ridge 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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