Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Colorado (2024 Reviews)

In this guide to Colorado’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:

  • What are the best solar companies in Colorado?
  • What should you look for in a Colorado solar provider?
  • How do you get the best deals on solar in Colorado?
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The Centennial State is famous for its sunny days making converting to solar energy in Colorado beneficial for most residents. System prices are well below average thanks to the low energy needs in the state, and the average solar customer sees their system pay itself off in 13 years and provide additional energy savings totaling around $18,300. Plus, the abundant sunlight in the area means above-average production, which helps maximize solar savings. Did you know that Colorado has more sunny days per year than Florida?

Converting to solar might be an easy decision, but choosing a solar installer to handle the job is much more complicated, especially since there are close to 200 solar companies to choose from. In this guide, we’ll be discussing what we believe are the best solar companies in Colorado, and we’ll also explain why we think each is a good option.

What Are the Best Solar Companies in Colorado?

We’ve spent hours looking into what each installer in the state brings to the table and where each falls short. Below are what we believe are the seven best solar companies in Colorado:

Compare Colorado’s Top-Rated Solar Providers

After researching dozens and dozens of Colorado solar installers we’ve found the ones that are most likely to bring you the best quality and service possible. Overall, we recommend choosing SunPower or Blue Raven Solar for your solar needs in the Centennial State. The table below includes a quick look at how these two companies stack up against other top installers in the area.

Solar Providers Superlative Our Score Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) Warranty Financing Options Get Quote
SunPower Best National Provider 5/5 $$$$ Varies – minimum of 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Blue Raven Solar Best Financing Options 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash and solar loans Get Quote
ADT Solar Best Warranty Coverage 4/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash or solar loan
Photon Brothers Best Regional Provider 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Sunergy Construction, Inc Best for Service Offerings 4/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment, production and roof leaks; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Freedom Solar Power Best Customer Service 4/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan Get Quote
Smart Wave Solar Best Local Installer 4/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan Get Quote
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Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Photon Brothers

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Excellent reputation
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Some reports of long wait times for installation
Badge icon

Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Freedom Solar Power

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs
Badge icon

Smart Wave Solar

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Installations include backup power guarantee
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers rewards for customer referrals
  • Great warranty coverage

Cons

  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

Watch Below: Learn How Colorado’s Incentives Make Going Solar More Affordable

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Colorado

In Colorado, it costs about $3.52 per watt or about $26,400 to install the average 7.5 kilowatt (kW) solar system before any incentives. 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 $25,000 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.

Colorado Solar Incentive Program Overview
Local Rebate Programs Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards, EnergySmart Colorado and the Black Hills Energy Solar Power Program are just a few examples of excellent local solar rewards and rebate programs.
Colorado Net Metering Colorado is one of the best states in the country for solar net metering, and homeowners can send excess energy back to the grid.
Federal Investment Tax Credit The federal solar investment tax incentive will credit homeowners 30% of the total cost of their solar system.
Tax Exemption and Tax Abatement Your home’s value will increase when you install solar, but you will not have to pay sales or property tax on your solar panels.

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.

Types of solar panels offered by the best solar installers in Colorado.

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

best solar installers in colorado

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.

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

colorado top solar companies for rooftop solar

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.

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Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Colorado

In reviewing and ranking the best solar companies in Colorado, we researched dozens of providers that service customers throughout the state. We looked specifically at six different criteria that we believe contribute the most to a positive customer experience and a reliable installation from a trustworthy installer. We’ll explain each of these criteria below and provide some insight into why we think they matter for Coloradans.

  • Local reputation and reviews (20%): Colorado is home to over 180 solar installers, which is a testament to the high demand for solar equipment in the state. Unfortunately, where there is high demand, there are also less reputable companies that crop up just to turn a profit. To help you avoid these companies, we look at each provider’s local reputation and customer reviews. We assess installers based on what they get right and where they excel, as well as where they might be falling short.
  • Pricing and financing (20%): Colorado homeowners need solar arrays that are smaller than what residents in most other states need, which means the all-in conversion cost is below average. Still, the typical price for a system is over $25,000 before any incentives, which is quite expensive. We prioritize companies that have average or below-average financing, and especially those that let customers access a variety of payment options, which improves accessibility.
  • Warranty coverage (20%): Warranty coverage on something as expensive as a solar system is important no matter where you live, but some coverages are particularly helpful in areas like Colorado, where severe weather and above-average annual snowfall put systems at heightened risk of damage. We prioritize companies that specifically offer good workmanship warranties, and we also consider the length of the equipment and production warranties.
  • Services offered (20%): Solar customers in Colorado have access to one of the nation’s best net metering policies, so solar batteries aren’t a popular add-on product in the state. However, we rank companies higher that install EV chargers and offer other energy efficiency home improvements.
  • Company experience (10%): Given the high demand for solar in Colorado, it’s not uncommon to see new companies pop up to carve out their own piece of the local industry. Unfortunately, younger companies are more likely to make mistakes during the installation process, which the snow in Colorado can quickly expose. Additionally, companies with longevity in the industry are more likely to persist, meaning they won’t go out of business and void your warranties in the process.
  • Brand quality (10%): Finally, we consider the solar panel brands each company installs. We rank companies higher if they provide access to a good variety of panels, ideally ranging from affordable to more expensive but with better performance specifications. In an area like Colorado, which has lower overall system costs than most states, we specifically like to see panel brands with high efficiency ratings to take full advantage of the abundant sunlight in the state.

Read More About Going Solar in Colorado

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

FAQs: Best Solar Companies in Colorado

Below are some of the most common questions we get from readers in the Lone Star state who are considering solar and looking for the best installer.

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Article author
Based in the Minneapolis area, Alora is an avid writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Alora has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in child, family and school psychology, but she has always had a love for biology and environmental studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Alora spent her days working with children with disabilities and nights as a freelance writer of commercial, blog and technical content. When she is not at the workplace, Alora can be found hiking with her dogs, chasing sunsets with her camera or plotting her next novel.
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Expert reviewer
Tori is an editor, writer, rock climber and travel enthusiast. A native New Yorker, she graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in communications and journalism. Before joining EcoWatch, Tori helped to oversee communication strategies for the City of Philadelphia. Her experience also includes communications work in the nonprofit and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering political, environmental and social issues in New York's Hudson Valley. In her spare time, Tori can be found in the mountains climbing boulders, traveling to new cities or at one of Philadelphia's many music venues.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Industry-leading in-house financing
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent reputation
    • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
    A+
    Best Solar Financing
    2014
    Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower
    25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee

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