Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, CO (2024 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $14,666
- 25-Year Savings: $21,033
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
We go over average solar pricing in Sterling.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sterling it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.3-kW system would cost about $14,666 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sterling homeowner. 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.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sterling can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,604 |
| 3 years | $-11,480 |
| 5 years | $-9,356 |
| 7 years | $-7,232 |
| 9 years | $-5,109 |
| 11 years | $-2,985 |
| 13 years | $-861 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,387 |
| 19 years | $5,511 |
| 21 years | $7,635 |
| 23 years | $9,759 |
| 25 years | $11,883 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Sterling:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sterling: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sterling, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sterling average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sterling, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,886 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $24,293 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $30,924 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $37,777 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $44,853 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $52,153 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $59,675 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $67,419 | 10.7 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sterling, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sterling?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sterling. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate 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 $1,175.67 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sterling?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.