17 Best Solar Companies in Estes Park, CO (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Estes Park based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Estes Park, CO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Estes Park homeowner saves $1,671/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Estes Park
Are you looking for energy freedom in Estes Park? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since there are many benefits when you switch to solar power. Solar power isn't just good for the Earth — your wallet will thank you too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $20,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we'll help you find the top companies in your area. Want to know how much it'd cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Estes Park solar installer.
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 Estes Park
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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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
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Professional reinstallation
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Namaste Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Professional reinstallation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Columbine Roofing & Solar
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
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
Flatiron Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
ZenSolar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Klick Solar - Boulder
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Max-Terra Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Southard's Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Independent Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Pathways Energy & Electrical
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Professional reinstallation
Tesla Solar Fort Collins
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Estes Park
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Estes Park 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 Estes Park
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 Estes Park
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to prices. Some significant things that impact how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be an expensive option for families that don't consume a lot of energy per month.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $20,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Solar is a valuable 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, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Estes Park
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time because of reduced power bills and government incentives. State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For more information about incentives that apply to you, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Estes Park
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to lower your greenhouse gas emissions. Something many might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to consider. The more energy your household consumes, the bigger your impact when you make the switch to solar power. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Estes Park residents have been happy with using solar energy.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Estes Park, CO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Estes Park?
The highest-rated local solar company in Estes Park is Freedom Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental 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 requires 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 usually pay for themselves in about 9.0 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 should I put up solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see faster 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.