Solar Panel Savings in Lakewood, CO
Calculate how much you can save with solar panels in Lakewood, Colorado. Based on 5.3 peak sun hours/day and 13.9¢/kWh average electricity rate.
5.3
Peak Sun Hours/Day
13.9¢
Avg Rate (¢/kWh)
9 yr
Payback Period
$21k
25-Year Savings
Lakewood Solar Overview
Calculate Your Lakewood Solar Savings
Lakewood average: $128/mo
South-facing roofs produce the most energy
Add $8,000-$12,000 for whole-home battery backup
Annual Production
kWh/year
Annual Savings
per year
Net System Cost
after 30% ITC
Payback Period
break-even time
25-Year Total Savings
$44,132
Monthly Savings
$108
Federal Tax Credit
$4,968
Cumulative Savings vs System Cost
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Lakewood | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Gross System Cost (6kW) | $16,560 | $17,100 |
| Federal Tax Credit (30%) | -$4,968 | -$5,130 |
| Net System Cost | $11,592 | $11,970 |
| Cost Per Watt | $2.76/W | $2.85/W |
Solar Potential in Lakewood
Sun Hours vs National Average
Lakewood gets 18% more sun than the national average.
Climate Advantages
- 264 sunny days per year
- Average temperature: 76.7°F — hot climate boosts AC savings from solar
- Average roof size: 1,780 sq ft — enough for a 98-panel system
Lakewood Solar Incentives & Programs
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
30% of total system cost deducted from federal taxes. For a $16,560 system, that's a $4,968 credit. Valid through 2032.
Colorado State Incentives
Colorado sales tax exemption for solar; Xcel Solar*Rewards program.
Net Metering — Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy offers net metering in Lakewood. Earn credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid, reducing your electric bill further.
Environmental Impact in Lakewood
3.9
Tons CO2 Offset/Year
64
Equivalent Trees Planted
0.9
Homes Worth of Energy
Based on 9,286 kWh annual production with a 6kW system. EPA average: 0.417 metric tons CO2 per MWh, 10,632 kWh per US home.
Solar Energy in Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood, Colorado receives an average of 5.3 peak sun hours per day, providing excellent conditions for residential solar installations. With electricity rates averaging 13.9¢ per kWh from Xcel Energy, below the national average, but with rates rising 2-3% annually, the long-term savings are still meaningful.
A typical 6kW solar system in Lakewood produces approximately 9,286 kWh per year, saving homeowners an estimated $1,292 annually. The system pays for itself in about 9.0 years, after which you enjoy essentially free electricity for the remaining 16+ years of the system's warranty life.
Lakewood has a solar penetration rate of 7.3% — showing growing adoption of residential solar, with significant room for expansion. The cost of living index of 104 (national average: 100) is near the national average.
Other Cities in Colorado
Arvada, CO
Aurora, CO
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Greeley, CO
Pueblo, CO
Thornton, CO
Westminster, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Lakewood, CO?
The average cost of a 6kW solar panel system in Lakewood is approximately $16,560 before incentives ($2.76/watt). After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net cost is about $11,592. Colorado sales tax exemption for solar; Xcel Solar*Rewards program.
How many peak sun hours does Lakewood get?
Lakewood, CO receives an average of 5.3 peak sun hours per day and approximately 264 sunny days per year. This is above the national average of 4.5 hours, making it an excellent location for solar energy.
What is the solar payback period in Lakewood?
The average solar payback period in Lakewood is approximately 9 years. After payback, your solar panels generate essentially free electricity for the remaining 15-20 years of their warranty. Over 25 years, total savings can reach $20,708.
Does Lakewood have net metering?
Yes, Lakewood has access to net metering through Xcel Energy. This allows you to earn credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid, significantly improving your solar investment returns.
Is solar worth it in Lakewood, CO?
Absolutely. With a 9-year payback period and $20,708 in 25-year savings, solar is an excellent investment in Lakewood. The 30% federal tax credit and local incentives help make solar financially attractive.