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

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 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 typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Estes Park, most homeowners require a 5.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,046, or $21,516 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Estes Park find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Estes Park, you can 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 you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Estes Park, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Estes Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estes Park

The cost of installing a solar system in Estes Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 higher efficiency or power generation 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 type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Estes Park average.

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 opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Estes Park homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Estes Park’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Estes Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Estes Park, CO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 things such as the model 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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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 a solar system."

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 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 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.

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