Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mead, CO (2024 Update)

  • Mead Solar Installation Cost: $14,608
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,554
  • Payback Period: 13.8 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 Mead

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Mead.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mead it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Mead is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,608 for a solar installation, or $20,889 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Mead homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Mead homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Mead that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Mead

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,640
3 years $-11,704
5 years $-9,768
7 years $-7,831
9 years $-5,895
11 years $-3,959
13 years $-2,023
15 years $-87
17 years $1,850
19 years $3,786
21 years $5,722
23 years $7,658
25 years $9,595

Top Solar Installers in Mead

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Mead:

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 Mead

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mead

For many Mead homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mead, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,980 per kilowatt in Mead.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Mead provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add 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

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mead is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 $12,856 14.4 years
8 kW $4.06 $22,734 $17,587 14.1 years
10 kW $3.98 $27,860 $22,541 13.8 years
12 kW $3.90 $32,763 $27,718 13.5 years
14 kW $3.82 $37,444 $33,117 13.3 years
16 kW $3.74 $41,901 $38,740 13.0 years
18 kW $3.66 $46,136 $44,585 12.7 years
20 kW $3.58 $50,148 $50,654 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • 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 significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.

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 Mead, CO Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mead?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Mead?

Solar panels aren’t free in Mead, 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 help lower the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mead, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Mead?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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