Best 10 Solar Companies in Thornton, CO

Thornton residents are committed to preserving its natural resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A skilled team can help you install and optimize a system that fulfills your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Thornton's best solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar companies near Thornton, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• 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 Thornton community for more than a decade.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Thornton solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Thornton Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Thornton

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Here are some key items to remember while shopping for a solar specialist.

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 their own solar professional if they choose. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious 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 Thornton

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $19,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Thornton. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Thornton

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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