Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colorado City, TX (2024 Update)
- Colorado City Solar Installation Cost: $16,437
- 25-Year Savings: $30,182
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colorado City
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Colorado City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Colorado City it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Colorado City is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,437 for a solar installation, or $23,505 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Colorado City homeowner. The price 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.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Colorado City homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colorado City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,663 |
| 3 years | $-11,117 |
| 5 years | $-7,570 |
| 7 years | $-4,023 |
| 9 years | $-476 |
| 11 years | $3,071 |
| 13 years | $6,618 |
| 15 years | $10,165 |
| 17 years | $13,712 |
| 19 years | $17,259 |
| 21 years | $20,806 |
| 23 years | $24,353 |
| 25 years | $27,900 |
Top Solar Installers in Colorado City
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Colorado City:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Colorado City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colorado City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Colorado City is $16,437, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Colorado City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Colorado City 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
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Colorado City, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $22,434 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $30,285 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $38,323 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $46,547 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $54,957 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $63,554 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $72,337 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $81,307 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Colorado City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Colorado City, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Colorado City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Colorado City is currently $134,546, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,516 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Colorado City is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 continue to use 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.