Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monte Vista, CO (2024 Update)
- Monte Vista Solar Installation Cost: $13,464
- 25-Year Savings: $23,299
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monte Vista
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Monte Vista.
In Monte Vista, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Monte Vista, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,464, or $19,254 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Monte Vista depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Monte Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,496 |
| 3 years | $-10,560 |
| 5 years | $-8,624 |
| 7 years | $-6,687 |
| 9 years | $-4,751 |
| 11 years | $-2,815 |
| 13 years | $-879 |
| 15 years | $1,057 |
| 17 years | $2,994 |
| 19 years | $4,930 |
| 21 years | $6,866 |
| 23 years | $8,802 |
| 25 years | $10,739 |
Top Solar Installers in Monte Vista
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Monte Vista, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Monte Vista:
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 Monte Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monte Vista
For many Monte Vista homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Monte Vista, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Monte Vista have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Monte Vista 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Monte Vista is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,839 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $30,898 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $39,180 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $47,684 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $56,412 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $65,362 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $74,535 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $83,931 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Monte Vista, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Monte Vista?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Monte Vista?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Monte Vista, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Monte Vista is currently $238,652, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,785 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Monte Vista is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Monte Vista?
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 amount 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.