Colorado is a rich state in terms of sunlight. It receives about 300 days of sunlight annually. Which makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation. The residents of Colorado understand this, and solar growth has massively increased by 217% from 2017 to 2024. Colorado has made it easier for people to go solar by offering incentives and rebates that make it more affordable.
Our team has filtered out the best solar companies in Colorado from 200 contenders, giving you a curated selection to choose from so you can get the most out of your investment.
Top 5 Solar Companies In Colorado
Here are the top 5 solar companies you can choose from for your solar installation, offering efficient and reliable systems.
1. Palmetto Solar
Founded In: 2009
Palmetto solar have a clear mission of making the world cleaner and greener through renewable energy by reducing carbon footprints. Not only that they well-known for their product efficiency, which ranges from 18% to 21%, but they also provide services in more than 20 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. Their range of services includes residential solar installation and consultation, and their smooth communication helps them stand out in the industry.
2. Blue Raven Solar
Founded In: 2014
Blue Raven is however a new company in the market but in such a short time they have made a name up for themselves, by providing good efficiency and product quality because of it they are performing well in multiple states including Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. But what makes them a trustworthy choice is their services and the way they deliver them. Including solar installation, and their maintenance even after the installation. The customers are happy because they have good customer support available 24/7 to them.
3. SunPower
Founded In: 1985
Sunpower is the most powerful name among all these companies as they have been providing their solar services all around 50 states for more than 35 years. Their solar panels are expensive compared to the others and the reason is the product efficiency ranging from 18% to 22%. Their services include Commercial and Residential Solar Installations. All over their customers have positive reviews about them so if you are considering going solar in Colorado they can be a good choice.
4. Tesla
Founded In: 2003
Tesla is Another major company, with over 500,000 installations and countless satisfied customers, exclusively uses Tesla-manufactured equipment for everything from batteries to solar panels. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including installation and maintenance, while also handling all aspects of financing and permits. This makes the installation process seamless for customers. Their services are available in numerous states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. One of the standout features of their installation is the Tesla App, which allows customers to monitor their system’s performance, ensuring it’s delivering its full capacity.
5. Photon Brothers
Founded In: 2013
They are also an early bird like Blue Raven Solar, but if you’re a resident of Colorado, you may already be familiar with their name, as they have been providing services in the state for quite some time. The company offers installation services along with an initial free consultation for customers. They can be the best choice for people in Colorado and California, as the company operates exclusively in these two states, which gives them an advantage in building trust and reliability with customers. Their competitive pricing and timely delivery of services are also benefits of their localized coverage.
If you’re looking for the top solar companies, it’s a good idea to consider the best solar companies in Arizona. As one of the leading solar states in the USA and a neighboring state to Colorado, Arizona has over 1.8 million solar systems installed.
Why Should You Choose These Companies?
When choosing a company for your solar installation, it’s important to consider multiple factors. Our experts have filtered out the 5 best solar companies in Colorado based on their Quality & Reliability, Warranty Policies, Educated & Experienced Licensed Staff with proper certifications, Customer Reviews & Support, and Affordability. These companies excel in these areas, making them top choices for customers.
Is It Worth To Install Solar System in Colorado?
Yes, Installing a solar system in Colorado is a smart investment. Colorado receives about 300 sunny days per year, which means a good amount of solar energy can be generated. Financial Incentives like Tax credits, rebates, and net metering, can offset the initial cost. Leading to a quick return on investment. Other than that solar panel systems also increase home value by up to 4%, reducing energy bills, and contribute to environmental sustainability by lowering carbon emissions.
Although the initial costs may seem high, the long-term savings and advantages, particularly with a well-positioned roof, make it a smart and worthwhile investment in Colorado.
What Wattage of Solar Panels Is Best to Install in Colorado?
Before installing solar panels on your home, it’s essential to consult professionals for advice on the best wattage for your property.
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Residential Solar Panels
The most common and best Watt for solar panels in Colorado residential properties ranges from 300 to 400 Watts per panel. Colorado boasts an average annual 300 days of sunshine, thus earning a spot among the sunniest states in the U.S. and subsequently very well-suited for solar energy production. Colorado homes use an average of about 10,000 kWh yearly, so many residents find that a 6kW system satisfies most energy needs. This means installing 15 to 20 solar panels would be enough, depending on their wattage, to generate sufficient electricity, accounting for factors like roof space, orientation, and shading.
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Commercial Solar Panels
A commercial property in Colorado typically uses about 30,000 to 50,000 kWh of energy annually. To meet these energy demands, approximately 75 to 125 high-wattage solar panels are required, depending on their specific wattage. This generally means using panels with a wattage of 400 to 600 watts each. The exact number of panels needed will depend on factors such as roof space, orientation, and shading. When evaluating options, it’s essential to consult with the best commercial solar companies to ensure you get the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your energy needs.
Which Solar System Is Best for Installation in Colorado?
For Colorado, the best installation of a solar system would greatly depend on your use and goal for power. On-grid systems would be generally more cost-effective and efficient, taking into great account the ample sunlight in the state and allowing for net metering to reduce electricity bills by feeding excess energy back into the grid. Hybrid systems offer flexibility, combining on-grid capabilities with battery storage to provide backup power during outages. That is nice because Colorado has been known to get some pretty crazy weather. Systems that are off-grid, or offering full energy independence, are usually more costly and complex; for the most part, they take a lot of battery storage to be able to flow with the craziness of the weather in the state. The hybrid system will be an excellent balance for most Colorado homeowners, ensuring a unique blend of reliability, cost savings, and energy security.
Solar Cost In Colorado
Let’s assume you are planning to get a 6kWh system for your home. Here are all the incentives and rebates available to you.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30% tax credit on total solar installation costs. If a system costs $20,000 the ITC would provide a $6,000 credit.
- Colorado Solar and Storage Grant Program: Grants for solar and energy storage systems. Assume an average grant of $2,000 for a 6 kW system.
- Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards Program: Cash rebates for solar installations. The rebate is typically around $0.10 to $0.25 per watt, depending on the system and market conditions. For a 6 kW (6,000 watt) system, this would range between $600 and $1,500.
- Black Hills Energy Solar Program: Incentives for solar installations in the Black Hills Energy service area. If you are in the area of services you can get an average rebate of $0.50 per watt, totaling $3,000 for a 6 kW system.
- Colorado Property Tax Exemption: Exempts solar systems from property tax increases. Well, this doesn’t impact the initial cost.
- Colorado Sales and Use Tax Exemption: Exempts solar systems from state sales and use taxes. It will save you about 2.9% of the system cost. For a $20,000 system, this saves $580.
- Local Utility Incentives: Varies by utility; check with local providers.
- EnergySmart Colorado: Rebates for energy efficiency and renewable energy (varies by county). Assume you get an average rebate of $500.
- Solar Garden Subscription Programs: Credits on utility bills for subscribing to community solar gardens. It doesn’t impact the initial cost.
- Boulder County Solar Rebate Program: Rebates for solar installations in Boulder County.
“The total cost would amount to $20,000. After subtracting incentives and rebates totaling $12,080, the final cost would be $7,920. Keep in mind that this cost can vary depending on your location and the rebates available to you.
Solar Financing Options in Colorado
In Colorado, Options for financing solar systems include the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Solar Lease, and Solar Loan. PPAs mean the homeowner pays for solar energy produced at a fixed rate dollar amount per kWh. Solar leases involve a monthly fee for using the solar system while one can buy them later in life. Solar loans, on the other hand, allow homeowners to finance the entire cost of a solar system through monthly payments, generally offering lower interest rates besides ownership benefits. In this way, options such as these offer flexibility in managing solar investments.
Increase in Home Value
Adding solar panels to a Colorado house will increase its value by approximately 4% to 7%, which works out to an increase in value ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. Long-term energy savings, plus the general appeal of sustainable features, is a driving factor in this. For every dollar saved annually in energy, the value of the house increases by about $20 to $30.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the benefits of solar panels in Colorado?
Residents often inquire about the advantages of solar energy in Colorado, such as potential cost savings, environmental benefits, and increased property value. They might also be interested in how the state’s abundant sunshine contributes to the efficiency of solar panels.
Q. How does Colorado weather affect solar panel performance?
Colorado’s altitude and abundant sunshine elevate performance, as more direct sunlight reaches the solar panel. When snow is on the panel, energy production is reduced temporarily; most panels are designed to shed snow and reflect a portion of sunlight that comes from the snow surface for extra energy production. Cold temperatures improve the efficiency of the panel, although modern panels can easily handle temperature fluctuations.
Q. What solar incentives and rebates are available in Colorado?
In Colorado, homeowners can benefit from the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a 30% tax credit. Additionally, the state offers local utility incentives and rebates through programs like Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards. Some regions also have property tax exemptions for solar installations.
Q. How do I choose the right solar panel system for my home in Colorado?
To choose the right solar panel system for your Colorado home, consider factors like average sunlight hours (about 5.5 per day), roof orientation, and energy needs. Evaluate different panel efficiencies and costs, which typically range from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt. For tailored recommendations and quotes, consult local solar professionals.
Author : Christopher James
Christopher James is a seasoned expert in the solar industry with over a decade of experience in both commercial and residential solar solutions. As a contributing author at SolarIndustryWatch, Christopher brings a wealth of knowledge on the latest advancements in solar technology, sustainable energy practices, and market trends. His in-depth understanding of the industry stems from hands-on experience in solar project management, system design, and policy analysis. Christopher is passionate about empowering businesses and homeowners to harness the power of the sun, reducing their carbon footprint while maximizing energy savings.
