Best 10 Solar Companies in Colorado Springs, CO

With Colorado Springs' clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Colorado Springs' premier solar providers and offer expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Colorado Springs solar companies.

• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Colorado Springs community for a decade or longer.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Colorado Springs solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Colorado Springs Homeowners?

Colorado homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Colorado Springs

The price and performance of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider all of these elements in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, the state's unique home-rule structure means counties and cities can issue solar contracting licenses if they choose. Solar companies can also pursue certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Colorado Springs

The style of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

You can plan to spend about $19,900 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Colorado Springs. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Colorado Springs solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Colorado Springs

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Colorado Springs.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy