13 Best Solar Companies in Black Forest, CO (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Black Forest based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Black Forest, CO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Black Forest homeowner saves $1,933/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Black Forest
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Black Forest homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we're here to make adopting solar energy that much easier. After 20 years of offsetting your energy costs with a solar system, you can save about $23,000 on your electricity bills.
If you're considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Black Forest and compare quotes. The great news is we took the time and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. To get free quotes from the top-rated solar companies in Black Forest, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Black Forest
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Freedom Solar Power
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
ARE Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Professional reinstallation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Smart Wave Solar
- Installations include backup power guarantee
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers rewards for customer referrals
- Expensive
- No assistance with solar financing
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
MD Roofing and Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
Off Grid Solar Specialists- RVs, Barns and Cabins
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Triton Solar
- Free Quotes
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
300 Days of Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Native Construction & Solar
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Black Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Black Forest based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Black Forest
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Colorado solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Black Forest
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to set up your system. Some important things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Black Forest gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Your income and budget: This affects what kind of solar panels you can purchase.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $23,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- average energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the greater your current power bills are, the more benefits you'll see from making the switch to solar.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Black Forest
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Black Forest
Lots of people want to do their part to help save the environment, which often is the chief reason they're interested in installing solar panels. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? The more power you use, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar as you won't need to use as much nonrenewable energy. In Black Forest, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year after going solar. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely understand that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Black Forest, CO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
In Black Forest, Freedom Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 7.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.