Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steamboat Springs, CO (2024 Update)
- Steamboat Springs Solar Installation Cost: $14,139
- 25-Year Savings: $17,497
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steamboat Springs
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Steamboat Springs.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Steamboat Springs it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Steamboat Springs, the average price of going solar will be about $14,139 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Steamboat Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,034 |
| 3 years | $-10,823 |
| 5 years | $-8,612 |
| 7 years | $-6,401 |
| 9 years | $-4,190 |
| 11 years | $-1,979 |
| 13 years | $232 |
| 15 years | $2,443 |
| 17 years | $4,654 |
| 19 years | $6,865 |
| 21 years | $9,076 |
| 23 years | $11,287 |
| 25 years | $13,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Steamboat Springs
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Steamboat Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steamboat Springs
For many Steamboat Springs homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Steamboat Springs, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,980. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Steamboat Springs provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Steamboat Springs, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,598 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $19,910 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $25,445 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $31,203 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $37,183 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $43,387 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $49,813 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $56,462 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Steamboat Springs, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Steamboat Springs?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Steamboat Springs?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Steamboat Springs. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Steamboat Springs?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.