Solar savings & payback in Denver
300+ sunny days and thin high-altitude air boost panel performance.
This calculator uses Denver's own sun (~4.8 kWh/kW/day, 7% above the CO average) with Colorado's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 9.9 years.
- Denver sun
- ~4.8 kWh/kW/day
- CO average sun
- ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 16¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Colorado page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Denver solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Denver?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Denver system pays for itself in about 9.9 years, using local sun (~4.8 kWh per kW per day), Colorado's average 16¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). 300+ sunny days and thin high-altitude air boost panel performance.
How much do solar panels generate in Denver?
Roughly 4.8 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,752 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 10500 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Denver?
Xcel Solar*Rewards and local rebates; strong high-altitude sun. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.