8 Best Solar Companies in Steamboat Springs, CO (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Steamboat Springs based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Steamboat Springs, CO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Steamboat Springs homeowner saves $1,706/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Steamboat Springs
If you're trying to find the best solar companies in Steamboat Springs, going through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many good benefits. Because solar panels produce their own power, they can vastly lower your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could look forward to about $20,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Steamboat Springs. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the 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 Steamboat Springs
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
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
Brightside Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Sunpak Electric
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Steamboat Springs
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs
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 Steamboat Springs
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to go with comes down to costs. Some key things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Steamboat Springs, you can save an average of $90 a month on your electricity bills.
- The type of solar panel system you can purchase: This depends on your income and budget.
Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Steamboat Springs
Although solar power is typically a large investment, it can save you a lot of money over many years due to lower power bills and government incentives. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after installing a qualifying system. Our article on solar incentives goes over more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Steamboat Springs.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Steamboat Springs
If you're considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to lower your reliance on nonrenewable energy. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? Adopting solar power is a great choice for the environment, because the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation — all of which can be powered by solar instead. If you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 100 pounds every year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll most likely find that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. 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 Steamboat Springs, CO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Steamboat Springs, Solar Side Up, LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. 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 to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 8.8 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
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 so in the winter when there's less demand. 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.