Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Junta, CO (2024 Update)
- La Junta Solar Installation Cost: $13,570
- 25-Year Savings: $27,891
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Junta
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in La Junta.
The average cost of a solar panel system in La Junta is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in La Junta, most homeowners require a 4.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,570, or $19,405 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
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 a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $29,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Junta find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Junta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,184 |
| 3 years | $-9,413 |
| 5 years | $-6,642 |
| 7 years | $-3,871 |
| 9 years | $-1,100 |
| 11 years | $1,671 |
| 13 years | $4,441 |
| 15 years | $7,212 |
| 17 years | $9,983 |
| 19 years | $12,754 |
| 21 years | $15,525 |
| 23 years | $18,296 |
| 25 years | $21,067 |
Top Solar Installers in La Junta
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 La Junta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Junta
Though the average cost of a solar system in La Junta is $13,570, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like La Junta, where sunlight is 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in La Junta, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in La Junta, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in La Junta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $28,271 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $38,140 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $48,232 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $58,548 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $69,086 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $79,846 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $90,830 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $102,037 | 8.2 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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 options before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 La Junta, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Junta?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in La Junta?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in La Junta?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.