5 Best Solar Companies in Durango, CO (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Durango based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Durango, CO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Durango homeowner saves $2,286/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Durango
Getting the best solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Durango. While solar panels are a great investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while doing your part for the environment. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $29,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary a lot based on your home’s framework and your household energy usage.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Durango solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Durango
Shaw Solar of Durango
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Solar Works!
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Living Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Solar Today and Tomorrow
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
Alternative Power Enterprises, Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Durango
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Durango 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 Durango
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 Durango
The cost of putting up solar panels has decreased greatly in the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.Some significant things that affect how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can get.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $29,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical family in Durango shells out around $1,200 a year on energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Durango
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage its adoption.When you install a solar panel system, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you reduce your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Plus, there may often be some state and city incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durango
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Durango, though. The amount of energy you use is a key factor to think about. The more electricity your household consumes, the bigger your impact when you make the switch to solar power.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 0 pounds each year. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Durango, CO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Durango, Shaw Solar of Durango is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.