Colorado Solar Incentives (Rebates, Tax Credits & More in 2023)
By Dan Simms /
In this guide to Colorado’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
The Centennial State is famous for its sunny days making converting to solar energy in Colorado beneficial for most residents. System prices are well below average thanks to the low energy needs in the state, and the average solar customer sees their system pay itself off in 12 years and provide additional energy savings totaling around $14,500. Plus, the abundant sunlight in the area means above-average production, which helps maximize solar savings. Did you know that Colorado has more sunny days per year than Florida?
Converting to solar might be an easy decision, but choosing a solar installer to handle the job is much more complicated, especially since there are close to 200 solar companies to choose from. In this guide, we’ll be discussing what we believe are the best solar companies in Colorado, and we’ll also explain why we think each is a good option.
We’ve spent hours looking into what each installer in the state brings to the table and where each falls short. Below are what we believe are the seven best solar companies in Colorado:
After researching dozens and dozens of Colorado solar installers we’ve found the ones that are most likely to bring you the best quality and service possible. Overall, we recommend choosing SunPower or Blue Raven Solar for your solar needs in the Centennial State. The table below includes a quick look at how these two companies stack up against other top installers in the area.
Solar Providers | Superlative | Our Score | Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) | Warranty | Financing Options | Get Quote |
SunPower | Best National Provider | 5/5 | $$$$ | Varies – minimum of 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Blue Raven Solar | Best Financing Options | 4.5/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash and solar loans | Get Quote |
ADT Solar | Best Warranty Coverage | 4/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash or solar loan | Get Quote |
Photon Brothers | Best Regional Provider | 4.5/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Sunergy Construction, Inc | Best for Service Offerings | 4/5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment, production and roof leaks; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA | Get Quote |
Freedom Solar Power | Best Customer Service | 4/5 | $$$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan | Get Quote |
Smart Wave Solar | Best Local Installer | 4/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | Cash, solar loan | Get Quote |
Pros
Cons
SunPower is the company we recommend most readily in Colorado. Its panels have the highest efficiency available and come with outstanding warranty coverage.
SunPower’s equipment is more expensive than most, on average, but we feel that the investment is well worth it.
SunPower is one of the largest and most experienced solar companies in the country, with more than 30 years of experience. It’s best known for manufacturing the most efficient solar panels, which will make the best use of the above-average amount of sunlight Coloradans see every year.
High-efficiency panels could let you install a smaller system overall, potentially saving roof space. They’re also the most likely to offset your utility bills, even when considering losses that will undoubtedly occur when your panels get covered in snow — a common occurrence in Colorado.
SunPower includes robust protection for all of its installed systems, including a 25-year comprehensive warranty that covers your equipment, the workmanship and the panel efficiency. In Colorado, where annual snowfall is well above the national average, we feel that the workmanship warranty is most crucial, as it can help you avoid damages that result from leaks and frequent exposure to moisture.
There’s one pretty significant downside to using SunPower, and that’s the cost. SunPower’s panels and services are, in our opinion, better than you’ll get from most companies, but you do pay a premium for them. On average, a solar energy system from this installer is likely to cost a few thousand dollars more than from other, less expensive solar companies.
SunPower only installs its own equipment, which is a very minor downside. Normally, we do like to see installers offer a variety of solar brands to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Read our full review of SunPower for more information.
As mentioned, SunPower only installs Maxeon panels. These have some of the highest performance specifications available, with an industry-leading efficiency rating, perfect for maximizing the value of the abundant sunlight in Colorado.
High-efficiency panels like these can also help minimize the negative effects of the frequent snowfall in Colorado. They will produce more power when the sun is shining, which can help offset losses in snow coverage.
They also boast minimal efficiency degradation over the first 25 years, so you’ll continue saving the maximum on your energy bills.
Below are the additional products and services SunPower offers:
SunPower accepts all four payment options, including cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
We recommend a cash purchase if at all possible, as this will yield the highest long-term savings, reduce your panel payback period and lets you take the federal solar credit.
A solar loan is slightly less beneficial but far more accessible due to minimal down payment requirements.
Leases and PPAs save the least over time and don’t let you take the ITC, so we generally don’t recommend these. They do keep renewable energy systems more accessible, though.
SunPower has one of the best warranty packages in the solar industry, with all of its products coming with comprehensive coverage of 25 years. In Colorado, where panels will often be exposed to moisture from the above-average snowfall, we feel the labor warranty is the most crucial.
The equipment warranty is in line with the national average, the performance warranty is a little longer than average and the labor warranty is 2.5x the industry average, making SunPower an outstanding option for Colorado.
Some of SunPower’s Maxeon panels include even longer warranty coverage of up to 40 years.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Pros
Cons
Blue Raven Solar is a large, national solar panel company that is best known for its creative financing options. They help customers convert to solar more easily and affordably.
Blue Raven only installs panels, but since batteries aren’t typically needed in Colorado, we still feel it’s a great option.
Blue Raven Solar is well known in the industry for defining what solar financing should be. It pioneered the $0-down, no-interest option, which currently makes upfront payments non-existent and doesn’t charge interest for the first 18 months.
With the average monthly energy bill in Colorado sitting around $92, that’s around $1,650 your system will save you before you ever need to make a payment. Although solar is less expensive in Colorado than in most states, this head start on savings makes the $14,000+ you’ll spend far more palatable and reasonable. Plus, its pricing, in general, is below average, so you’ll typically spend less with this provider than most others.
Blue Raven also brings excellent customer service to the table, despite its size, so you’ll never feel like you’re just another customer.
There are two minor downsides to Blue Raven as we see it.
First, it only accepts cash and solar loans. This is a minor downside, since its financing program is outstanding.
Second, it only installs solar panels. It announced that it would start installing batteries as well in 2022, but it has yet to start offering them.
However, since Colorado has one of the best net energy metering (NEM) programs in the country, batteries lose a lot of their appeal and really only serve to help maintain power through blackouts. As such, we still think Blue Raven is a solid option for Colorado solar customers.
Read our full review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.
Blue Raven carries a few different tier-one panel brands, including Canadian Solar, Hyundai, Trina and SolarEdge. All of these brands boast above-average efficiency ratings that should be more than enough to offset your energy bills, especially given that Colorado sees more sunlight than most states.
Trina has the highest efficiency of the bunch, and the SolarEdge panels are likely going to be your most affordable..
Blue Raven doesn’t offer any add-on products like batteries or EV chargers. However, it does install Enphase inverters, which are some of the most popular inverters in the industry. Along with these inverters, you get access to the Enphase solar monitoring app, which lets you monitor your system performance and home energy consumption in real time.
As mentioned above, Blue Raven only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. Its in-house financing program, BluePower Plus+, is a revolutionary way to finance solar panels and makes converting to renewable energy widely accessible.
The program provides interest-free financing for 18 months and with no down payment requirements. After that point, you will enjoy a low-interest loan with low monthly payments.
We would love to see leases and PPAs available from any provider, but since Blue Raven’s financing program is so widely accessible, we believe it’s an excellent option in Colorado.
Blue Raven includes 25 years of protection for your equipment and the panel performance. The equipment warranty is in line with what most companies offer, and the performance warranty is five years longer than the industry average.
The company also includes a 10-year workmanship warranty, which is average. We would prefer a longer labor warranty, especially in Colorado, where exposure to frequent snowfall can bring about issues. Still, this is good coverage that will keep you protected for a decade of savings.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4.5 |
A+ |
2014 |
$$ |
Solar Panels, System Monitoring |
Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower |
25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee |
Pros
Cons
ADT is known for having one of the best and most comprehensive warranty packages available, covering everything for 25 years, which is plenty to see sufficient savings in Colorado.
Keep in mind that ADT Solar has few financing options available and sometimes runs into issues with response times to warranty claims.
ADT Solar covers every single one of its systems with a 25-year warranty that covers the equipment, the panel performance and, most importantly, the workmanship. In Colorado, we think the robust workmanship coverage is especially helpful, as it will protect your system and your home from the damage that can occur due to frequent snowfall.
ADT has a good reputation for paying out on covered issues. That means you not only get long-lasting coverage with this company, but you also get peace of mind that comes along with a protection plan that actually kicks in when you need it.
Aside from the delayed response times in some cases, ADT generally provides excellent customer service, especially leading up to and throughout the actual installation process. In an area like Colorado, which is serviced by nearly 200 installers, excellent customer service makes ADT stand out as a solid option.
There are two main drawbacks to working with ADT Solar, in our opinion. First, the company’s size sometimes gets in the way of it providing fast response times. Unfortunately, these delays typically occur after your system is installed and if you have an issue with your system.
Still, the company is known to respond eventually. In an area like Colorado, where the NEM policy is so good, even a few weeks of no resolution to a panel performance issue isn’t likely to cut into your solar savings much.
Additionally, ADT Solar only accepts cash payments and loans.
Read our full review of ADT Solar for more information.
ADT Solar had a partnership with LG, but since LG no longer manufactures photovoltaic (PV) panels, ADT now installs panels from QCells, Canadian Solar and Silfab. All of these panel brands are considered above average in their performance and durability and should suffice for a successful solar array in Colorado.
We’d recommend QCells if you want to keep installation costs as low as possible, but other than that, these brands are all very similar, with identical maximum efficiency ratings and similar performance specifications.
Below is a list of other products you can get access to via ADT:
ADT Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, which are our recommended payment options. Overall, we’d suggest paying in cash if you can afford it, as this will give you the highest savings and the shortest panel payback period.
We’d really love to see ADT offering leases and PPAs for accessibility, too, even though we don’t suggest these financing options in most cases.
ADT is best known for its robust warranty coverage, which includes 25 years of protection for your equipment, a 25-year guarantee of power production and 25 years of coverage for the workmanship. The production and labor warranties are both above average.
As is the case with other companies, we feel the labor warranty is the most valuable option from ADT in Colorado, as exposure to snow can cause issues with panel damage and roof leaks.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4 |
A- |
2008 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
Silfab, Panasonic and others depending on location |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Photon Brothers is our top pick for a regional provider in Colorado. It’s based right in Denver, and it provides excellent warranty coverage, great customer service and extensive local experience.
Some customers have mentioned some minor delays in the installation process with this provider, but generally speaking, it’s a great option.
Photon Brothers ticks all of the boxes most Colorado solar customers are likely to be looking for in an installer. The company has over a decade of localized experience, which means it’s not only familiar with the weather and energy needs in Colorado but also that its representatives are familiar with local solar incentives. They’re willing to help you file for those perks, which could very well help you save money on your installation.
Photon Brothers matches ADT Solar in terms of warranty coverage, offering 25 years of protection for the equipment, the labor and the panel performance. This is outstanding, and the workmanship warranty, in particular, is longer than you’ll likely see from most other providers.
The company accepts all payment options, which help keep solar as accessible as possible. Its financing comes from third parties, but you do get access to $0-down, low-interest solar loans through Photon Brothers.
There really isn’t much we can say about Photon Brothers that isn’t overwhelmingly positive. The only issue we’ve noted in online customer reviews is that the company has gotten backed up, given the high demand for solar in Colorado, which can lead to some minor delays in the installation process.
We don’t feel this is a major downside, though, so we still strongly recommend Photon Brothers for anyone in CO looking to convert to clean energy.
Photon Brothers works with a decent number of panel manufacturers, so you should have no issues finding a panel brand that works for your needs.
If you’re looking for high-quality panels but want to keep your installation costs to a minimum, we’d suggest going with panels from SolarEdge, Solaria or QCells.
Some other panel brands that can help maximize efficiency rather than cut costs include REC, SunPower and Panasonic.
Below is a list of additional products and services you can get through Photon Brothers:
Photon Brothers helps make solar widely accessible throughout Colorado both by maintaining below-average pricing and by accepting all four primary payment options.
We suggest a cash purchase or a loan, but if you can’t make either of those work, Photon Brothers will also entertain leases and PPAs for no-money-down, no-interest options. Just keep in mind that leases and PPAs don’t let you take the federal credit, which holds an average value of just over $6,000 in Colorado.
Photon Brothers includes a 25-year comprehensive warranty with all of its systems. The equipment coverage is average, and the performance warranty is just a little longer than average. However, the workmanship warranty, which we believe is most beneficial in Colorado, is 2.5x what you’d get from most other providers.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
Pros
Cons
Sunergy Construction, Inc is what we consider the best option for solar customers looking for other services as well, like those to boost home energy efficiency.
Sunergy Construction has some issues with customer service and responses to warranty claims, but we still feel it’s a decent option.
Unlike most solar companies in Colorado, Sunergy Construction can handle home renovations and energy efficiency work above and beyond installing panels and batteries.
Most importantly, it can tackle roof replacement and repair prior to mounting solar panels. This is super helpful in areas like Colorado, where roofs see more exposure to moisture from frequent snowfall. Replacing your roof might be necessary to avoid having to remove your panels and carry out repairs down the road, which can get expensive.
Sunergy Construction also installs high-quality solar brands, which strike a good balance between quality and affordability.
Sunergy accepts all four primary payment options for its services, so although its prices are a little high, it still remains relatively accessible.
As we mentioned above, Sunergy has had some issues with providing quality customer service. Solar customers have mentioned delays in the installation process and, more importantly, delays with getting issues covered by their warranties sorted out. This likely won’t cause major issues with your solar savings over time, but it is a downside you should consider before moving forward with this company.
Additionally, Sunergy is a little on the expensive side, with prices sitting close to those you’d expect from higher-quality installers. The wealth of financing options means its services are still accessible, but we’d prefer prices to be in line with the industry and local averages.
Sunergy Construction installs panels made by SolarEdge and QCells. It also advertises LG panels on its website, which are no longer in production. It’s possible the installer still has LG panels in stock, but that will be limited going forward if that’s the case.
Both SolarEdge and QCells panels have efficiency ratings that should be plenty efficient for Coloradans to offset their energy bills and see strong savings over time. SolarEdge panels tend to be a little cheaper, so we’d recommend those if you want to keep your prices as low as possible.
In addition to these panels, Sunergy Construction also offers the following products and services:
Sunergy Construction keeps its services and products accessible by accepting cash purchases, loans, leases and PPAs. As always, we suggest a cash purchase or loan. These give you access to the federal credit — an average value of $6,053 in Colorado — and help you get the most savings over time on your electric bills.
This company covers your equipment and panel production for 25 years, which is around average, as well as the workmanship for 10 years, which is average for the industry.
However, Sunergy is one of the few installers that has a standalone warranty for roof leaks, which lasts for an incredible 25 years. This kind of protection is extremely valuable in a place like Colorado since the above-average snowfall in much of the state will naturally pose a leak risk for roofs with solar panels installed.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4 |
A- |
2008 |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
Silfab, Panasonic and others depending on location |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Freedom Solar Power provides above-average customer service and is known to care for its customers and respond quickly to warranty claims, making it an excellent option in Colorado.
Freedom Solar Power is expensive and doesn’t accept leases and PPAs, but we don’t expect you to be disappointed if you choose this installer.
Most of the customer reviews for Freedom Solar Power are positive, with many people mentioning how attentive and communicative the company is throughout the entire installation process, plus how responsive the provider is to warranty claims. Freedom instills confidence in its customers and offers total peace of mind that your solar investment is protected.
To that end, Freedom includes a robust warranty package with its systems, which covers the equipment, the panel production and the workmanship for 25 years. It has 15 years of experience, too, so you get a professional installation from experienced technicians that are unlikely to make mistakes that could lead to system or property damage.
Freedom Solar Power has just a few panel brands available for installation, but they run the gamut from super affordable to expensive but with an industry-leading efficiency rating. That means Coloradans can choose the brand that suits their personal needs best.
Freedom Solar Power is on the expensive side, so while the total cost to go solar in Colorado averages below the industry average, your price could be thousands of dollars higher if you choose this installer. One of the reasons for this is that Freedom installs SunPower panels, which are above average in efficiency and cost per watt.
Freedom Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. This isn’t a huge deal because we don’t generally recommend these options anyway, but they do help keep solar equipment accessible.
Lastly, Freedom has a relatively limited service offering, as it only handles panel and battery installations.
Freedom Solar only installs panels from SolarEdge and SunPower. While the product offerings are limited, the SolarEdge panels are a tier-one brand with a below-average cost per watt, which can help customers keep installation costs down.
Conversely, SunPower panels have the highest efficiency rating in the industry, making them ideal for customers looking to maximize their savings over time and take full advantage of the abundant Colorado sun. However, they’re more expensive, so they will drive up upfront costs.
Below are some additional products and services you can get access to if you choose Freedom Solar:
Freedom Solar Power only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are our two most recommended options, but options for leasing or power purchase agreements would help keep things more accessible, especially given the company’s above-average pricing.
Freedom Solar brings outstanding warranty coverage to the table, covering the equipment, the workmanship and the panel performance for 25 years each. This is ideal in Colorado, where extreme weather and regular snowfall can put systems at risk of damage.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
Cons
Smart Wave Solar is a small, local solar installer that provides some of the best customer service you can get in the area, along with localized experience and knowledge.
The company has a smaller service area than most, and it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, but it’s still our top pick if you want local expertise.
Although Smart Wave was founded in 2015 and has less experience overall than many other providers, the experience it does have is specifically with solar systems in Colorado.
That means two important things for customers. First, you get a system that is truly customized to last through Colorado’s severe weather and above-average snowfall. Second, its reps are intimately familiar with local solar incentives, of which there are many in Colorado. They can help you file for these local perks, potentially saving you money on your installation.
Smart Wave Solar includes robust warranty coverage with its home solar systems because it understands the risks posed to rooftop solar panels in the Centennial State.
Finally, the company’s small size means it’s able to offer outstanding customer service and one-on-one customer care, which is hard to come by in an area like Colorado with such a high demand for solar services.
There are two relatively minor downsides to working with Smart Wave Solar. The first is that the company doesn’t service the entire state. Instead, it has pockets of service around several major cities in Colorado, including Salt Lake City, Lehi, Orem, Provo, Utah County and Denver. As such, not all Colorado residents will have access to Smart Wave.
Second, the company doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. The cash and loan options it does entertain are our recommended payment options anyway, but leases and PPAs would be nice to have for maximum accessibility.
Smart Wave Solar carries a nice array of panel brands, including REC, Panasonic, QCells, SolarEdge, Solaria and Silfab. These are all tier-one brands with monocrystalline panel options, and they should all be sufficient for getting decent solar savings in Colorado.
We’d recommend choosing Solaria or SolarEdge if you want to keep costs as low as possible. If you instead want to maximize your chances of eliminating your power bills and pushing your production up, Panasonic is going to be the best option.
As mentioned above, the services available from Smart Wave are limited, so the only other product you can get access to is the company’s own solar battery. This product is, however, installed at no additional cost for qualifying homes, making it a great option for backup power in Colorado.
Smart Wave Solar only accepts cash purchases and deals funded by solar loans. Again, these are the best options, in our opinion, as they provide the greatest benefits. However, customers that can’t afford a cash purchase or qualify for a loan are out of luck and will need to turn elsewhere.
Smart Wave Solar customers get a 25-year warranty that’s all-inclusive, meaning it covers your equipment, your production and the labor that goes into installing your system. This is ideal in Colorado, where systems are at risk of damage from the extreme weather. The equipment warranty is average, but both the efficiency and workmanship coverages are better than most companies will include with their systems.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy Efficiency Audits |
Watch Below: Learn How Colorado’s Incentives Make Going Solar More Affordable
In Colorado, it costs about $2.69 per watt or about $20,175 to install the average 7.5 kilowatt (kW) solar system. This price may seem like a lot, but the price to go solar in Colorado is actually below the national average for solar costs.
More than $20,000 to install solar panels is a lot of money for any homeowner, but luckily there is an abundance of ways to save money on your solar system in Colorado.
It’s not only Colorado’s more than 300 days of annual sunshine that makes it an excellent state to invest in renewable energy. Colorado has many solar incentive programs available for homeowners who want to purchase solar energy but hesitate due to the high price.
Colorado Solar Incentive | Program Overview |
Local Rebate Programs | Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards, EnergySmart Colorado and the Black Hills Energy Solar Power Program are just a few examples of excellent local solar rewards and rebate programs. |
Colorado Net Metering | Colorado is one of the best states in the country for solar net metering, and homeowners can send excess energy back to the grid. |
Federal Investment Tax Credit | The federal solar investment tax incentive will credit homeowners 30% of the total cost of their solar system. |
Tax Exemption and Tax Abatement | Your home’s value will increase when you install solar, but you will not have to pay sales or property tax on your solar panels. |
In addition to its many rebate programs, Colorado also has several programs for low-income homeowners who want to go solar. Programs such as the Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards programs and the Colorado Energy Office Rooftop Solar PV Program help homeowners from all economic statuses invest in solar energy.
The total price of your solar system is heavily dependent on the type(s) of solar panels you install. Although homeowners in some states do need more efficient and stronger solar panels to gather any and all available solar power, residents of sunny states such as Colorado can get away with less expensive panels.
You can choose the most efficient solar panels on the market, but keep in mind that you may not need the most expensive solar panels to gather the energy needed to cover your electricity bills.
The size of the solar system you need depends on your energy needs, so check your electricity bills and records to see how much energy you truly use month-to-month.
Because there is so much available sunshine in Colorado, homeowners can get away with a 7.5 kW solar system to offset their energy needs. As you research solar installation companies and solar panel brands, keep in mind that you may be able to get away with a smaller system and, thus, save money.
Read Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar
It is absolutely worth it to go solar in Colorado. With the above-average days of sunshine and low electricity rates, you will be seeing a return on your investment (ROI) in no time. You can even increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars if you install solar, so it’s a great investment for any Colorado home.
On average, it takes just 13 years for your Colorado solar system to pay for itself, so regardless of if you sell your home or not, you’re likely to make money on a solar panel purchase.
Everyone likes to save money where they can, so if you’ve ever thought about installing your own solar panels, you aren’t alone. But even though you would save money upfront if you installed your panels yourself, you’d be missing out on money-saving features down the line.
Let’s take a look at the three key reasons why you should leave solar installation to the professionals.
You may have some electrical or DIY home improvement experience, but unless you have installed solar panels before, there is a chance that you could install something incorrectly. Even the smallest mistakes can impact your panels’ lifespan.
Professionals are experienced in solar installation and will get it right from the start. When you have professionals install your panels, you often get a workmanship guarantee and warranty that covers any problems with installation.
If you know how to install solar panels, you’ve only solved one piece of the puzzle. To complete your solar project, you often need to sign paperwork, obtain permits from your city or county in Colorado and receive permission to operate before you can turn on your panels. If this seems daunting, that’s because it is.
But when you have professionals install your panels, they take care of this step for you. The installers will make sure that all paperwork is signed, every inspection is passed and your solar panels are ready to start saving you money.
You must perform regular maintenance if you want your solar system to last for 30 years or more. But as a homeowner, you may not always have the time or the knowledge to do so. This is a mistake that can cost you thousands of dollars.
Many solar manufacturers and solar power providers have regular maintenance programs and plans that homeowners can opt into. Not only do these maintenance programs help keep your panels running optimally and save you thousands in unexpected repairs, but the programs are often free, or at least cheap.
There are many quality solar companies that install panels in Colorado, but even the companies on our recommendations lists have pros and cons. As you shop around for the right solar installer, there are several key things you should look for:
Both large national companies and smaller local companies serve Colorado, and company size can affect your overall experience with a solar installer. Larger companies, such as SunPower and ADT, tend to have more resources, better availability and sometimes lower pricing and more financing options. But, these companies also often rely on third-party installers, which can impact your overall experience.
Smaller local companies, such as Sunergy Construction Inc., usually have better customer service and more customization options, as well as the ability to cater your system specifically for the weather in Colorado.
Solar energy systems in Colorado are a big investment, but prices vary by thousands of dollars from installer to installer. So, it’s important to consider price and solar financing options as you look for an installer.
Most solar panel companies accept cash purchases and offer financing options, but far fewer provide leasing and power purchase agreements (PPAs). If you plan to finance your solar project, you should turn to companies such as Sunergy and Photon Brothers. Leases and PPAs open up the possibility of solar power to more Colorado residents with lower upfront costs.
It is not wrong to go with companies that don’t offer PPAs, such as Blue Raven and Freedom Solar Power, but make sure you do your research and find the right financial plan to fund your solar project.
Some solar contractors only provide solar panel installation, while others are considered full-service solar installers. Additional services like battery backup installation and solar monitoring are popular options among Colorado residents looking to get the most out of their systems. Some companies even go beyond these services to provide electric vehicle charging stations.
Companies that offer more robust services tend to score higher in our ratings, as they appeal to more homeowners throughout Colorado. Additionally, given the delays that the permitting authorities and local electric companies in Colorado can cause during installation, companies that file permits, schedule city inspections and connect your system to the grid via an inverter also rank higher on our lists.
Colorado homeowners are no strangers to cold weather throughout the winter and even the spring and fall. Many rely on electric heat and electric water heaters that call for immense amounts of power. Should something happen to your solar system, you’ll want to be covered. This is where a good warranty plan – such as the comprehensive one offered by ADT — comes in handy.
Solar panels that have warranties for maximum efficiency are typically desirable in Colorado for this very reason. They offer the peace of mind that energy bills will still remain low even as homeowners rely on greater amounts of electricity to get through the winter.
Colorado is also a hotspot for extreme weather, including hail storms and strong winds from the nearby Tornado Alley and frequent tornado and cyclone activity, specifically in the Eastern Plains. Warranties that cover the physical condition of solar panels help protect against hail, tree limbs and other debris that could damage the equipment or potentially pull the panels off of your home.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Colorado is ranked as the 13th state for new solar conversions and renewable energy solutions.2 Given the high demand in the area and spike in solar popularity overall, there are many “fly by night” companies popping up in Colorado that are looking to capitalize and turn a profit.
A recent founding year isn’t necessarily a red flag, as some new companies – including Sunergy and Blue Raven – are bound to provide excellent service. Conversely, a long history in the solar industry doesn’t automatically make a company reputable. Regardless, more experienced companies, such as SunPower, have a longer track record of success.
An experienced installer is important, but so is the brand of solar panel you choose for your home. As you research different companies, make sure you check to see which panels each installs.
Some companies, such as Tesla and SunPower, only install their own brands. This can be a plus because both companies offer high-quality panels, but if these panels don’t work for your home, then you’ll be out of luck.
In reviewing and ranking the best solar companies in Colorado, we researched dozens of providers that service customers throughout the state. We looked specifically at six different criteria that we believe contribute the most to a positive customer experience and a reliable installation from a trustworthy installer. We’ll explain each of these criteria below and provide some insight into why we think they matter for Coloradans.
Read More About Going Solar in Colorado
Below are some of the most common questions we get from readers in the Lone Star state who are considering solar and looking for the best installer.
Based on our review above, the EcoWatch team believes that Photon Brothers is the most reputable solar installation company in Colorado. Photon Brothers has excellent customer service, below-average pricing, great warranties, and a wide range of products, services and purchase options.
Most solar companies don’t post quotes online, and those that do often vary in their estimates based on tax deductions, rebates and more. Your best bet is to use our average pricing above, along with our EcoWatch rating, to find the best solar company for your budget and solar energy needs.
New installation numbers aren’t generally available online but based on company presence and brand awareness, Blue Raven Solar and SunRun — both national companies — are considered the biggest in Colorado.
Based on the estimated number of new installations, Blue Raven Solar and SunRun likely have the most experience with solar panel system installations in Colorado.
Based on data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are an estimated 347 solar companies in Colorado, 167 of which are professional installers.
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