Best 10 Solar Companies in Westminster, CO

Westminster homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A professional team can help you install and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without being too expensive. In this guide, we'll showcase Westminster's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Westminster solar companies, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies 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 happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Westminster community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Westminster solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Westminster Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Westminster

The more informed your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately function. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, it's up to counties and cities to issue their own solar professional if they choose. Solar companies can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 Westminster

The type of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. 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 boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Westminster

Choosing the best financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Much like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and obtain 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 Westminster.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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