You don’t have to be affected by the electricity irregularities in Denver; you can install a solar panel or get a professional to install one in your home or office for a constant power supply at an affordable cost. However, before you go ahead, you need to know the cost, local solar companies, and installation tips. Below is a guide.
This article will cover
- Denver Solar Panel System Installation Costs
- Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates For Denver Solar Panels
- What To Consider When Installing Solar Panels In Denver
- Top 7 Denver Solar Companies
Denver Solar Panel System Installation Costs
Installing a solar panel in Denver costs about $6,000 to $27,000. What you pay is usually determined by the size of the solar panel. For instance, a solar panel of six kilowatts will cost less than one of nine kilowatts. However, the federal tax credit applies to the cost.
As such, you will be paying a discounted price because of the tax credit. For example, if you’re buying a solar panel of ten kilowatts, you’d pay $2,2078 instead of $31,540 because of the 30% tax credit. If you’re not paying upfront, you can pay in installments within the payback period. Other factors that determine the installation cost of your solar panel include:
Energy consumption
You have to get the correct amount of electricity you need to run your home every month. Usually, the capacity and number of the electrical appliances in your home determine the amount of electricity you will use.
You can check your energy bills to assess this. Your electricity usage determines the type of solar system, and different types vary in cost. For instance, if you don’t have many electrical appliances, you can go for a smaller solar panel system, such as a 3-kW system, at a lower price.
Mounting costs
Another critical factor is how much it costs to mount your solar panel system on your rooftop. Different solar panels require different mounting hardware and systems. Therefore, the installation company adds the cost of installing the solar system to your bill.
However, you can avoid installation costs if you install your solar panel yourself. If you’re using the services of an installation company, ensure you confirm their credibility, such as their license, track record, etc., before you trust them.
Roof type and age
The type and age of your roof also influence the installation costs of solar panels. If your roof isn’t angled to provide the right angle for your solar panel, you would have to modify it. This will require extra roofing materials, which will cost some money. If the roof is old, it isn’t advisable to install a panel on it. You have to replace it, which means more installation costs.
Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates For Denver Solar Panels
To encourage their citizens to install solar panels in their homes and offices, governments offer incentives. These incentives can be in the form of tax credits, rebates, etc. Below is more information on them :
Tax credits
One of the significant incentives for solar panel installation in Denver is a 26% tax credit offered by the federal government. As such, you get back 26% of the cost of the solar panel in the form of taxes.
This means that the tax credit will offset the taxes you owe, and you get to save more money from your income. You can claim your tax credit by filling out the Residential Energy Credits Form 5695. Ensure you include the cost of both the solar panel and its installation, permit fees, engineering costs, or the equipment you used if you installed the solar panel yourself.
Incentives
Besides the federal tax credit that comes with installing solar panels in Denver, some solar companies give their customers extra energy.
The net metering program allows you to send excess solar energy back to the grid, which reduces your monthly bills. However, you’re only eligible for the tax credit and other incentives if you pay for the solar panel upfront or with a subsidized loan.
If you need financial assistance for the purchase of your solar panel, you can apply for subsidized loans provided by the Denver government, your solar company, or a non-governmental organization.
Rebates
Another advantage that comes with installing a solar panel on your roof in Denver is rebates. Rebates are partial refunds that reduce the amount you spend on a product and are paid some time after you’ve bought the product. Therefore, cash rebates on your solar panels help reduce the cost.
In addition, solar panel installation offers more beyond the incentives, rebates, and tax credits. For instance, it improves your home’s energy efficiency while minimizing the carbon footprint. It also increases the value of your property, which means more money if you put it up for sale or rent.
What To Consider When Installing Solar Panels In Denver
Installing solar panels needs careful planning since it is an investment that requires a large sum of money. Below are some of the major factors to look out for before you outfit a solar panel on your roof.
Local climate
The weather conditions of where you live determine solar panel installation. For instance, if you live in a place with much sunlight, such as in Southern regions, your solar panel will generate more energy.
However, if you live in colder regions, your solar panels will produce less energy. However, Denver’s climate is suitable for solar systems because it has about three hundred days of sunlight. As such, you might need to outfit more solar panels on your roof to provide adequate electricity.
Peak hours
Since the sun doesn’t shine throughout the day, you have to consider the solar panel’s efficiency in relation to the peak hours of the day. For instance, your solar panel should be efficient enough to collect and store power during peak hours so that it can work well on cloudy days. You can use panels that have trackers; therefore, your panels follow the sun.
Solar panel’s direction and angle
Another thing to look out for is the direction of your roof slopes because it determines the angle your solar panels face. You will find it easier to work with a roof facing south than one facing north. Ensure no objects are casting shadows on the part of your roof that holds the solar panel.
Generally, shades aren’t favorable to solar panels; they either reduce the panel’s performance or cause it to shut down. For optimal performance, place your solar panel where it is exposed to more sunlight.
Budget
Installing solar panels on your home or office roof is usually a significant investment. The cost is determined by the quality and manufacturer of the panel, the size, etc. If you aren’t paying upfront, you should have a plan to pay in installments.
If you don’t have the financial capacity for either of these options, you can rent a solar panel or buy energy from a local solar company in Denver. Ensure you’re making the right financial decision, whether buying or renting a solar panel. [The Complete Guide to Get Free Solar Panels]
Top 7 Denver Solar Companies
If you don’t want to fix your solar system yourself, you need the services of the right solar companies. Here are some of the local companies you can consider when shopping around :
1. Solar Side Up
Solar Side Up is one of the top solar system installation companies in Denver, Colorado. Solar Side Up has a professional yet friendly team that ensures that your solar system installation is perfect. They have flexible financing plans as well.
Location: 501 S Cherry St Ste 1100 #56, Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-271-0656
2. ARE Solar
ARE Solar is a solar company that provides state-of-the-art solar systems and high-end warranties at cheaper costs. They are good at helping people generate their own electricity and reducing their impact on the environment through solar systems.
Location: 1155 S Tejon St, Denver, CO 80223
Phone: 720-504-0005
3. Ecology Solar
Ecology Solar is well-known for its professionalism in communication and delivery. They offer complete solar system installations. They also provide other services such as solar maintenance, reinstallation and removal, free solar assessment, and virtual consultations.
Location: 4512 Vallejo St., Denver CO, 80211
Phone: 720-545-0829
4. Apex Solar Solutions
If you’re looking for a well-informed and responsive solar company to hire, Apex Solar Solutions is a great choice. They offer excellent customer service and tidy delivery. They have over 20 years of experience; as such, they are one of the best in the industry.
Location: 1101 E Bayaud Ave Floor 5, Denver, CO 80209
Phone: 720-207-9625
5. Vanguard Solar Services LLC
With over four decades of collective experience in the solar industry, Vanguard Solar Services LLC provides installation and removal services for homes and businesses. They offer a 12-year warranty on all their products.
Location: 4618 W 26th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
Phone: 720-909-8899
6. Golden Solar
This solar company designs and installs solar panel systems for both homes and offices in Denver and its environs. They also offer roof repair services in case you want to replace or repair your roof.
Location: 614 10th St, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-955-6332
7. Sunrun Solar
Sunrun Solar doesn’t only install a solar system in your home but also does the paperwork required. Their services are reliable, affordable, and accessible to all. You have the freedom to choose your energy plans as well.
Location: 717 17th St #500, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 720-464-6104
Summary
Using solar systems as an energy source for both your home and business reduces your utility bills and your carbon footprints on the environment, among other benefits. However, ensure you get sound solar systems and use the services of high-quality solar companies if you’re not going to install the solar panel yourself.