Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estes Park, CO (2024 Update)
- Estes Park Solar Installation Cost: $15,046
- 25-Year Savings: $18,032
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estes Park
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Estes Park.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Estes Park generally cost around 4.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Estes Park, the average price of going solar will be about $15,046 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Estes Park can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Estes Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,078 |
| 3 years | $-12,142 |
| 5 years | $-10,205 |
| 7 years | $-8,269 |
| 9 years | $-6,333 |
| 11 years | $-4,397 |
| 13 years | $-2,461 |
| 15 years | $-524 |
| 17 years | $1,412 |
| 19 years | $3,348 |
| 21 years | $5,284 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $9,157 |
Top Solar Installers in Estes Park
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Estes Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estes Park
For many Estes Park homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Estes Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,980 per kilowatt in Estes Park.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Estes Park, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Estes Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,946 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,041 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $24,358 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $29,898 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $35,661 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $41,647 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $47,856 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $54,288 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Estes Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 Estes Park, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Estes Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Estes Park 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Estes Park?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Estes Park, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.