Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruitvale, CO (2024 Update)
- Fruitvale Solar Installation Cost: $14,241
- 25-Year Savings: $19,190
- Payback Period: 12.4 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 Fruitvale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fruitvale.
The average cost of solar panels in Fruitvale is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.1-kW system would cost about $14,241 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Fruitvale homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fruitvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,272 |
| 3 years | $-11,336 |
| 5 years | $-9,400 |
| 7 years | $-7,464 |
| 9 years | $-5,528 |
| 11 years | $-3,591 |
| 13 years | $-1,655 |
| 15 years | $281 |
| 17 years | $2,217 |
| 19 years | $4,154 |
| 21 years | $6,090 |
| 23 years | $8,026 |
| 25 years | $9,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruitvale
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Fruitvale:
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 Fruitvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruitvale
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fruitvale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Fruitvale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,439 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $22,365 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $28,513 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $34,884 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $41,479 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $48,296 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $55,335 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $62,598 | 11.1 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Fruitvale, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruitvale?
The average cost of solar panels in Fruitvale 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.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,127.46 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.