Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pueblo, CO (2024 Update)
- Pueblo Solar Installation Cost: $13,668
- 25-Year Savings: $26,421
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pueblo
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pueblo.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pueblo is 4 per watt.The average Pueblo homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,668 with the federal tax credit, or $19,545 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Pueblo depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $28,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pueblo find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Pueblo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pueblo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,283 |
| 3 years | $-9,512 |
| 5 years | $-6,741 |
| 7 years | $-3,970 |
| 9 years | $-1,199 |
| 11 years | $1,572 |
| 13 years | $4,343 |
| 15 years | $7,114 |
| 17 years | $9,885 |
| 19 years | $12,656 |
| 21 years | $15,427 |
| 23 years | $18,198 |
| 25 years | $20,969 |
Top Solar Installers in Pueblo
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Pueblo, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pueblo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pueblo
For many Pueblo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pueblo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,980.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Pueblo, which can bring down, or in some cases totally 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 pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Pueblo’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pueblo have more knowledge 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 | $26,225 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $35,412 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $44,822 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $54,455 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $64,311 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $74,390 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $84,691 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $95,216 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pueblo, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pueblo?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pueblo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,453.64 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.