Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenwood Springs, CO (2024 Update)
- Glenwood Springs Solar Installation Cost: $14,386
- 25-Year Savings: $15,468
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenwood Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Glenwood Springs.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glenwood Springs typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Glenwood Springs is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,386 for a solar installation, or $20,572 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Glenwood Springs homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Glenwood Springs can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Glenwood Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glenwood Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,418 |
| 3 years | $-11,481 |
| 5 years | $-9,545 |
| 7 years | $-7,609 |
| 9 years | $-5,673 |
| 11 years | $-3,737 |
| 13 years | $-1,800 |
| 15 years | $136 |
| 17 years | $2,072 |
| 19 years | $4,008 |
| 21 years | $5,944 |
| 23 years | $7,881 |
| 25 years | $9,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenwood Springs
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Glenwood Springs:
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 Glenwood Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenwood Springs
For many Glenwood Springs homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glenwood Springs, 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,980 per kilowatt in Glenwood Springs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Glenwood Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar installers in Glenwood Springs provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Glenwood Springs homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Glenwood Springs, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Glenwood Springs have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $11,887 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,295 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,925 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,779 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $30,856 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $36,155 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $41,677 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $47,423 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Glenwood Springs, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Glenwood Springs, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenwood Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Glenwood Springs 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Glenwood Springs?
Solar panels aren’t free in Glenwood Springs, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Does Glenwood Springs have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Glenwood Springs?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.