Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Colorado (2023 Reviews)

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.

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.

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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.

Best Solar Financing

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Regional Service

Best National Provider

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Nationwide Service

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Read More About Going Solar in Colorado

• Is Solar Worth It in Colorado?
• Colorado Solar Incentives Guide
• Find Cost Savings on Solar Panels in Colorado
• What to Know Before Buying Solar Panels in Colorado