Link: http://www.astraluxsolar.com/images/res_solar_costs_in_co_large.jpg

One of the most frequent questions we get as a solar energy integrator is "Why should I buy now, won't the price of solar keep coming down?"

For the last 12 months, the price of solar has come down drastically, as much as 30% in some cases. However, the rebates for solar have also dropped by virtually the same amount.

As you can see in the graph (click link above to view), the price of residential solar is leveling out, while the rebates continue to decrease (per the new tiered rebate program from Xcel). Thus, the cost to the customer is now beginning to increase for the first time since the introduction of rebates in Colorado.

The price of solar will continue to slowly decrease, with supply levels still high and with more competition than ever between solar integrators - but it is highly unlikely we will see a drop in price like we saw in 2009. The solar rebates are finite, and will continue to decrease until the solar rebate fund is depleted.

There is always the possibility that solar materials will have a major breakthrough and further decrease in price - but will it decrease more than the current value of solar rebates in Colorado? That is the question to ask when you are determining whether to go solar - do it now and get the rebates, or wait and take a chance on solar materials prices significantly decreasing in the future.