The state of Colorado boasts many natural beauties, and that is why it is no surprise that they rank as one of the most eco-friendly states.
Today, we will examine one aspect of their green initiatives. Let us talk about solar panels in Colorado!
There is no doubt that Colorado and solar panels belong together. I mean, there are 365 days in a year (366 if it is a leap year), and Colorado is known to shed sunshine for 300 of those days.
Many have been hesitant about making the switch, because, let us face it, you need to shell out a few thousand for a solar system. However, as you will see, solar panels will not only help the environment. It will also help you save big bucks in the long run.
This article will cover
- Colorado Solar System Installation Costs
- Incentives, Tax Credits, & Rebates for Colorado Solar Panels
- What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Colorado
- Top 7 Solar Companies in Colorado
Colorado Solar System Installation Costs
There are several things to take into account in the overall cost of installing a solar system. Unfortunately, we cannot just buy a couple of panels and be done with them. Furthermore, even with how many mini-DIY projects there are that are using solar panels, this is one project that we cannot do ourselves.
Here are some of the main factors that would affect the overall cost:
Equipment
First and foremost, the solar panel itself. You would want to consider how big or how small of a system you need. Furthermore, you should also check which manufacturer you are getting your panels from. Your system size, panel type, and panel manufacturer would all be essential factors to consider not only in the installment process but for the duration of your solar power use as well.
Second, you should also consider the other materials you might want or need to add, such as an inverter. Solar panels can work without an inverter under certain conditions. However, most systems make use of inverters. Furthermore, you might also want to consider racking systems, performance monitors, and battery storage.
Installation Company
We could do our research about what would be the best equipment to use. However, more often than not, the experts know more about this than us. Furthermore, most of the time, they handle the equipment for the customers. Picking an installation company is putting your solar system into their hands.
Of course, other factors would add to the total cost, such as permitting and paper works.
Overall, the average cost for solar installation in Colorado would be around $16,000 for a 5-kW system. Roughly, you need an additional $1,500 to $2,000 for every kW you wish to add.
| System Size | Number of solar panels | Approximate system cost total (not including Federal Investment Tax Credit) |
| 4kW | 16 | $12360 |
| 5kW | 20 | $15980 |
| 6kW | 24 | $18460 |
| 7kW | 28 | $22300 |
| 8kW | Up to 30 | $24890 |
| 9kW | 28-36 | $27850 |
| 10kW | 31-40 | $31280 |
Incentives, Tax Credits, & Rebates for Colorado Solar Panels
I do not know about you, but I do not have $17,000 just lying around. However, you do not have to worry if that is a little over your budget. There are several programs to help you knock a few thousand off of your bill.
If you want to go solar and you live in Colorado, then you’re in for a treat. Several organizations are offering different ways to get incentives and rebates. You can check out establishments like Holy Cross Energy, Black Hills Energy Colorado, and Energy Smart Colorado to see what programs you could apply for.
The organizations that have been mentioned and other establishments offering rebates and incentives offer an array of opportunities to cut off costs and even save in the long run. For example: if you are eligible for the Holy Cross Energy Renewable Energy Incentives, they can help with up to 40% of the installed cost of the chosen system. Furthermore, rebates per watt can range from around 20 cents to 50 cents.
Of course, we cannot forget about the federal solar tax credit. The solar investment tax credit (ITC) has been able to support the spread of solar energy use. One way it has done so is by offering up to 30% of tax credit for solar systems.
All of this is just the tip of the iceberg, but you can already see that you can save thousands and thousands in the long run.
What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Colorado
There are several things to take into account when you are looking to install a solar system. It is around 25 years of commitment, after all!
Colorado is a sunny state. However, that does not mean every home can go solar. Let us look at why.
Placement
One of the first things you have to examine is the base, or in other words, where you are going to place the panels. It needs to be in an unshaded area. Furthermore, it should be able to catch the sun at its peak hours, which is around noon.
As you already know, solar panels should be at a certain angle for optimal efficiency, and this changes depending on where you are. In Colorado, the optimal angle for solar panels changes depending on the season.
It would be around 12 to 15 degrees in the summer, about 40 degrees in autumn and spring, and approximately 60 degrees in winter. It would be around 12 to 15 degrees in the summer, about 40 degrees in autumn and spring, and approximately 60 degrees in winter.
In Colorado, solar panels should be facing the South. If not, it could also be in the East or West. However, it is not advisable to set it North.
Roof
Once you are sure you have an unshaded area for your panels. You need to check its base – your roof. If you need to do some repairs, you might want to hold back on installing the solar system for now. Removing and reattaching the panels is neither easy nor cheap.
Furthermore, some incentive programs would require a physical inspection of your area before approving your application. If they see some areas that need fixing, they will give you a list of recommendations that you would need to finish before proceeding.
Installers
As we have said earlier, picking the right installation company is a crucial decision to make.
If you’re applying for a certain incentive program, you might want to check if your preferred installation company is one of the establishment’s trusted partners. On the other hand, most organizations provide a list of qualified installation companies. You can check their index and pick from it. However, do not forget to do your own research of the company. Remember, you are sticking with them for a quarter of a century!
Additionally, consider companies known for excellent customer service. Again, it is a long-time commitment, and you should have easy access to contacting them when you need help.
Top 7 Solar Companies in Colorado
1. Namasté Solar
First on our list is Namaste Solar, with a rating of 4.8 stars on Google reviews. They have been in the industry for almost two decades now. Furthermore, they have installed nearly about ten thousand solar energy systems already. With those numbers, it seems you cannot go wrong with this team!
Location: 888 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-558-6159
2. Atlasta Solar Center
Here, we have Atlasta Solar Center with a 4.8 rating on Google reviews. They provide excellent service and are willing to assist even if they weren’t the initial installers.
Location: 1111 S 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970-248-0057
3. Golden Solar
Next, we have the Golden Solar with 4.7 on Google reviews. If we are to trust their core values, you will not have to worry about much, as reworking does not seem to be an option for this team. They plan to do everything right on the first try!
Location: 614 10th St, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-955-6332
4. Sopris Solar
Here, we have Sopris Solar with 4.6 stars of Google reviews. Whether you are looking to install solar systems in your home, your business, or even for a non-profit organization, they could be your go-to installers.
Location: 5609 W 6th Ave Frontage Rd N Unit B, Lakewood, CO 80214
Phone: 303-954-0463
5. EcoMark Solar
Here we have EcoMark Solar with 4.6 stars on Google reviews. They have a little over ten years under their belt. However, they have already garnered several awards and recognitions in the solar industry.
Location: 4665 Paris St #300-C, Denver, CO 80239
Phone: 720-432-6411
6. Blue Raven Solar
Over here, we have Blue Raven Solar sporting a 4.6 rating on Google reviews. If you are looking for a trustworthy solar energy partner in the long run, it seems they are your guys, as their customer service has received praise!
Location: 2627 Redwing Rd Unit 230, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone: 855-859-5986
7. CAM Solar
Lastly on our list is CAM Solar, which has 4.2 shiny stars on Google reviews. Furthermore, they have been in the business for a long time already, so they do not only have stars to boast but years as well!
Location: 741 Corporate Cir Unit N, Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 720-650-2208
Summary
And that concludes our comprehensive guide on solar panels in Colorado! We hope we were able to help with your questions concerning solar panels and everything about it.
Colorado has been known to be one of the most eco-friendly places in the world. It comes as no surprise that it is also one of the places using and advertising the use of solar power and other renewable energies. Today, their efforts are slowly convincing others to make the switch. Maybe, you are here because you are one of the people these efforts have inspired!
At one point, solar panels were only a thing of the future. However, that future is getting nearer and nearer with solar power becoming more and more accessible for everyone. Who knows? Maybe one day, it will be the norm instead of the alternative.