Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Colorado (2023 Reviews)
In this guide to Colorado’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
- What are the best solar companies in Colorado?
- What should you look for in a Colorado solar provider?
- How do you get the best deals on solar in Colorado?
What Are Colorado’s Top 7 Solar Energy Companies?
Colorado is ranked 13th in the country for solar installations and renewable energy utilities, so it’s no surprise that there are numerous solar utility companies throughout the state and even more information and reviews for Colorado solar companies online.1 But due to the abundance of information, it can be difficult to find the right solar company for your home.
Below, you’ll find our in-depth review of the top seven solar companies in Colorado, tailored specifically for residents throughout the state. You’ll also find a link to our solar company matching tool, which helps you find the best solar contractor for your needs.
You might be surprised to find that some more popular companies — like Vivint and Titan Solar Power — don’t appear in our rankings. This is a conscious decision based on issues with customer service in Colorado specifically, availability or lawsuits pending with consumers.
- Photon Brothers: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Blue Raven Solar: Best Solar Financing
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- Tesla: Best Solar Technology
- ADT Solar: Best Warranty Coverage
- Sunergy Construction, Inc: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Freedom Solar Power: Solar Veteran
You can find more information and contact one of these certified solar installers by clicking the links below.
Photon Brothers
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Excellent reputation
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
Photon Brothers is a local company based in Denver that serves all of Colorado and Central California. This company is a prime example of a local company that values its clientele and only offers incredible customer service that is better than you’ll find from any large-scale national provider.
After nearly a decade of providing renewable energy to customers in Colorado, Photon Brothers still maintains mostly positive reviews from customers and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Photon Brothers scores highly across our rating criteria. It has outstanding customer service, great pricing, robust warranties and a good selection of products and financing options.
This company carries a huge array of solar panel brands for the customization of your solar project, and its warranties cover equipment and efficiency for 25 years. This is a policy that puts Colorado residents’ minds at ease when hail storms and downed tree limbs threaten their solar energy systems.
Photon Brothers also manages to keep its pricing low and well below average in cities like Denver, Boulder, Westminster, Lakewood, Aurora, Fort Collins, Arvada, Centennial, Colorado Springs and others. It accepts cash purchases and offers a variety of 0% interest and no-money-down financing options, leases and even power purchase agreements (PPAs).
There isn’t much we can say about Photon Brothers that isn’t positive. Some customers have noted that installation was delayed a bit, but this was very likely due to delays from local electric companies or permitting authorities.
Facts and Figures: Photon Brothers
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
Blue Raven Solar
Pros
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Despite being a national installer, Blue Raven provides some of the best customer service in Colorado. Unlike some solar providers that provide minimum communication between the time when the contract is signed to installation day, Blue Raven goes above and beyond to maintain constant communication and fast response times. According to several customer reviews, this is true before, during and after installations.
Blue Raven is also one of the best companies for its robust warranty, which gives peace of mind to Colorado residents. The plan includes 25 years of workmanship coverage on the equipment plus the manufacturer’s warranty. The company’s responsiveness after installation makes it easy to contact a representative should you need to act on your warranty plan.
Blue Raven Solar has a good selection of products it installs, although it is limited in its range of services. If you’re looking for anything in addition to solar panel installation, Blue Raven Solar is probably not the best option for you. However, Blue Raven was acquired by SunPower in 2021 and continues to grow rapidly, so you may see more from Blue Raven Solar in the near future.
Blue Raven does not offer solar leases or PPAs, but it does offer its own in-house financing plans. These unique financing options require no down payment, so Colorado residents can invest in solar without clearing out their bank accounts.
Facts and Figures: Blue Raven Solar
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 |
SunPower
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
If you’re looking for a reputable company with a national reputation, look no further than SunPower. SunPower installs some of the most powerful solar equipment on the market. It backs its superior products with excellent service and consistently positive reviews. This solar veteran is known for installing the industry’s most efficient solar panels, making them ideal for residential installations with limited roof space.
A huge advantage of going with SunPower is that all of the products in your solar system (panels, inverters and battery) are manufactured to work in tandem. Plus, all products are covered by the same all-inclusive warranty that ensures your solar panel parts, workmanship and performance last for the promised 25 years.
SunPower is regarded as the best of the best, but its products aren’t cheap. But keep in mind that although its solar equipment is more expensive than other top industry brands, its powerful, high-quality systems will also provide the greatest return on investment (ROI), especially in a sunny state like Colorado.
SunPower subcontracts its installations through its national network of solar contractors, so the quality of the installation itself will vary based on your location within Colorado. This can make the local vetting processes more difficult and time-consuming.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Tesla Energy
Pros
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
Cons
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
The tech giant Tesla is best known for its lineup of electric vehicles, but it has also made a name for itself in solar energy systems. Tesla manufacturers some of the most advanced solar panels and backup battery systems in the industry, with leading specs related to energy efficiency and durability.
Tesla panels are expensive, and the company only accepts cash purchases and financed deals at this time. Without leases and PPAs, its products aren’t available to as many Colorado residents. Tesla also doesn’t sell other brands of solar equipment, so you’ll only have access to Tesla’s products.
Tesla is unique in that the company also offers solar roofing and shingles options for homeowners, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, all Tesla panels, roofing and batteries come with the robust warranties Colorado residents need.
Other than upfront cost, the other downside to Tesla solar panels is outsourced installation. Tesla outsources the installation of its products to third-party solar contractors in Colorado, so your customer service experience may vary from the generally positive experience other residents report.
Facts and Figures: Tesla Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
C |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Solar Roof Shingles, System Monitoring |
ADT Solar
Pros
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
Cons
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro Solar) is another premier national installer of solar panels. Offering its services in over 20 states, ADT delivers high-quality solar panels to Colorado residents. Founded in 2008 as ADT designs, the company installs and maintains solar panels for both residential and commercial properties.
If protecting your home is key to you, we encourage you to connect with ADT Solar. ADT Solar has a 14-year history of providing reliable power to tens of thousands of customers across the nation. It offers an excellent warranty that combines labor, power production and module performance into a comprehensive 25-year warranty.
Where ADT excels in quality panels and an excellent warranty, it may lack in customer service. Some customers have experienced long wait times or have had trouble getting in touch with customer service after an installation. For many customers, this will not pose an issue, but should you need to cash in on your warranty, this lack of communication can be a problem.
Facts and Figures: ADT Solar
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 |
Sunergy Construction Inc.
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many financing options
- Full-service home energy solutions
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
Cons
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Slightly expensive
Sunergy is a full-service solar company that offers a massive range of services related to solar and beyond. This solar company carries many brands of products to provide customization of your solar energy system.
Most Colorado residents will be able to find some way to switch to clean energy with Sunergy, even though the average price is higher than many competitors and the average in the state. Sunergy accepts cash purchases, offers very accessible financing plans and provides the option for leases and PPAs.
This company offers a wide range of products, including many of the most popular panel brands and batteries. Synergy also provides a huge array of services, installing solar panels, backup battery systems and electric vehicle charging stations. It also helps you monitor your system’s performance after installation.
Sunergy’s team also includes electricians and general contractors who can complete electrical work, roofing, window replacements and more. So if you are looking for a full-service provider, Sunergy may be the company for you.
Sunergy isn’t known to provide the best customer service, and there have been some consumer complaints about delays in services covered under warranty. Poor communication seems to be a trend in customer reviews, and Sunergy gets negative reviews regarding customer service and slow response times, especially after installation.
Facts and Figures: Sunergy Construction Inc.
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, System Monitoring, Roofing Services, Electrical Work |
Freedom Solar Power
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Great warranty coverage
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
If you’re looking for a solar provider that offers best-in-class customer service, you won’t be able to do much better than Freedom Solar Power. This company lives and breathes customer care, from fast response times and professionalism to friendly and helpful techs and timely service.
The techs at Freedom Solar are highly trained and will pass their knowledge on to you, making sure you understand every step in the installation process from day one. They can also maximize long-term savings on your electric bills by teaching you how to take advantage of solar federal tax credits, solar rebates and other clean energy incentives available in Colorado, such as the Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards or EnergySmart Colorado programs.
Freedom Solar Power offers decent product variety and good warranties, but it does come at a relatively high cost. The company also doesn’t provide access to leases or PPAs. So, if you’re a more budget-conscious buyer, the above-average cost may turn you away.
Facts and Figures: Freedom Solar Power
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Colorado
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.
Colorado Solar Incentives and Tax Credits
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.
Type of Solar Panel
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.
System Size
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
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Colorado?
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.
Should Colorado Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
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.
Your Solar System Will Last Longer
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.
No Headache Over Permit Applications and Permission to Operate
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’ll Get Ongoing Maintenance
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.
What Should Colorado Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
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:
- Local reputation and reviews
- Solar pricing and financing
- Services offered
- Warranty coverage
- Company experience
- Brand quality
Local Reputation and Reviews
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 Pricing and Financing
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.
Services Offered
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.
Warranty Coverage
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.
Company Experience
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.
Brand Quality
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.
Methodology: How We Ranked Colorado’s Solar Companies
When we rank our top solar companies, we research each company’s reputation, payment options, brand quality and more. Our goal is to present unbiased reports and honest reviews of our top companies. For that reason, our methodology will never be swayed by commercial partnerships.
Any brand or installer we recommend are only those that we would consider for our own homes, and any commercial partnerships we do make are only with providers we truly trust. We ranked Colorado’s solar companies by reviewing the following:
- Local reputation and reviews (20%): Local reviews are an important factor that drives our review. We dive into your experiences and report on what real Colorado customers say. We also look at each company’s BBB rating to see how each ranks. Many companies, such as SunPower and Photon Brothers, have received an A+ from the BBB, but others — including Tesla — may not rank as high.
- Solar pricing and financing options (20%): Cost is a major deciding factor for many homeowners, so it is another major component of our rating system. Our reviews research cost data, solar loan options and PPAs to see what each company offers to help offset the price of solar energy. If a company has several options or even offers in-house financing like Blue Raven, then that company will rank higher.
- Services offered (20%): Better companies offer more than just solar panel installation, so we look for solar monitoring and maintenance among other services offered. If a company will work with you for more than just solar panels, then that company will get a higher rating, like Sunergy and SunPower.
- Warranty coverage (20%): Many top providers offer a 25-year warranty, but we dive further into that coverage to see what’s truly included. In Colorado, the best warranties have comprehensive coverage, such as the full workmanship, performance and parts warranty offered by ADT.
- Company experience (10%): A company’s age doesn’t guarantee a higher or lower rating, but more experienced companies do tend to have success in the solar industry simply because that company has installed more panels. However, newer companies, such as Blue Raven, have proven to be stellar solar companies.
- Brand quality (10%): Installation and workmanship are both important, but so is the quality of the solar panels. Many of our top companies offer several brands of solar panels, but others only install its brand. The availability of one brand does not sway our rating, instead, we look for top-quality solar panels in every price range.
Read More About Going Solar in Colorado
FAQs: Best Solar Companies 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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Top Solar Installers For Colorado
Comparing authorized solar partners
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- Excellent reputation
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Competitive pricing
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
A+Outstanding Regional Installer
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