Best 10 Solar Companies in Denver, CO

Denver homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. Solar installers take a uniquely educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tune it to their requirements. Discover Denver's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Denver solar companies.

• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Denver community for a decade or longer.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Denver solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Denver Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Denver

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Denver

The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can generate. 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 need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Denver and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $19,900 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Denver

Choosing the optimal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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