Installing solar panels allows Colorado families to take control of their energy costs while benefiting the environment. This guide examines nine leading solar providers in Colorado and equips homeowners with insider tips for maximizing savings.
Colorado‘s Solar Energy Landscape is Sunny
With over 300 days of sunshine every year, the Centennial State offers tremendous solar power potential. Colorado has steadily expanded its solar energy portfolio thanks to favorable net metering policies and grid modernization efforts.
As of 2021, Colorado boasts over 515 megawatts of installed solar capacity – enough to power roughly 100,000 homes. This ranks Colorado 13th nationally for solar energy adoption. The chart below illustrates the state‘s solar expansion over the past decade.
| Year | CO Solar Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2016 | 387 |
| 2021 | 515 |
Data Source: Solar Energy Industries Association
Further supporting in-state solar growth, Colorado aims to fully transition its electric grid to renewable sources by 2040 through the state‘s Clean Energy Plan.
For homeowners, installing a solar energy system in Colorado delivers powerful benefits:
- Slash Electric Bills: Solar panels can zero out or substantially reduce monthly energy costs. Going solar saves the average Colorado home $1,104 per year.
- Federal Tax Incentives: The current federal investment tax credit covers 26% of total solar system costs for homes installed before December 31, 2023.
- Net Metering: Colorado utility providers compensate rooftop solar homes for excess power generation at the full retail electricity rate through a billing mechanism called net metering.
- Boost Resale Value: According to Zillow, Colorado homes equipped with solar panels sell for around 4.1% more compared to non-solar homes.
- Clean Energy: Solar panels reduce a household‘s annual carbon emissions by up to 12,000 pounds.
With abundant solar resources and supportive policies like simplified grid interconnections, Colorado homeowners have compelling financial and environmental incentives to adopt rooftop solar.
What To Look For in a Colorado Solar Installer
Home solar companies located in or serving Colorado come from a range of backgrounds, from nationally recognized brands to local upstart operations.
To identify the state‘s premier options, we researched over 12 highly rated solar companies in Colorado. Our evaluation prioritized six key performance criteria:
- Company History & Reviews: Seasoned solar providers with proven expertise, strong reputations and satisfied Colorado customers.
- Service Offerings: Full-service capabilities spanning solar panel installation to complementary offerings like storage batteries.
- Equipment Quality: High-performance solar modules and hardware from leading manufacturers.
- Pricing & Financing: Competitively priced solar packages with available financing options to boost affordability.
- Warranties & Protection: Extensive equipment and performance guarantees to protect system investments.
- Customer Experience: Quality communication and responsive support from sale to installation to post-purchase.
We profile the top nine solar companies in Colorado across these benchmarks. Our #1 provider earns top marks in every category.
1. SunPower: Colorado‘s Premier All-Around Solar Company
With premium products, nationally recognized quality, and robust service capabilities, SunPower emerges as our top overall solar provider Pick in Colorado.
Background
Founded in 1985, SunPower manufactures the world’s highest efficiency solar panels leveraging patented cell technologies. They operate Colorado installation crews from regional offices while providing support resources from their national network.
Services
- Solar panels & roof tile systems
- Battery storage
- Solar roofing
- System monitoring
- Repairs & maintenance
Equipment
- Proprietary solar cells (24.1% efficient)
- Integrated monitoring hardware
Pricing
As a premium provider, SunPower commands higher pricing that is offset by enhanced energy savings over time.
- 10 kW system: $29,500 (before incentives)
Warranties & Protection
- 25 years coverage on:
- Equipment
- Monitoring hardware
- Power output
Reviews & Ratings
- A+ Better Business Bureau
- 4.8/5 customer rating (SolarReviews)
With best-in-class solar capabilities reinforced by strong financial backing and legacy ingenuity, SunPower validates their billing as Colorado‘s premier rooftop solar experts.
2. Tesla Energy: Cutting-Edge Integrated Solar Solutions
While best known for leadership in electric vehicles, Tesla Energy creates transformative clean energy products for homes. As Colorado‘s premier provider of integrated solar systems, Tesla Energy supplies homeowners streamlined energy independence and management though their solar and storage solutions.
Background
- Founded in 2007 following Tesla Motors launch
- Operates Colorado installations from 12 service hubs nationally
Services
- Solar panels
- Solar roof tiles
- Powerwall battery
- Powerpack battery
- Solar inverter
- EV charger
- Energy dashboard
Equipment
- Tempered glass solar tiles (24.7% cell efficiency)
- Integrated Powerwall battery (13.5 kWh capacity)
Pricing
As a luxury brand, Tesla products come at a premium cost which is offset by robust home energy production & management functionality.
- 7 kW solar roof: $21,500 (before incentive)
Warranties & Protection
- 12 years coverage on:
- Equipment
- Installation
Reviews & Ratings
- A+ Better Business Bureau
- 4.6/5 customer rating (EnergySage)
With integrated solar energy solutions reinforced by battery storage and electric vehicle support, Tesla creates a closed-loop clean energy ecosystem for modern Colorado homes. Their premium equipment pricing grants homeowners ultimate energy independence and control.
3. Blue Raven Solar: Best Solar Customer Service in Colorado
Blue Raven Solar, formerly Sungevity, services Colorado with locally based solar installation crews and best-in-class customer service support. Their market reputation demonstrates a genuine commitment to transparency and customer guidance from purchase to installation and beyond.
Background
- Originally founded in 2007 as Sungevity
- Acquired by SunPower in 2021
Services
- Solar panel packages
- Battery storage
Equipment
- Authorized SunPower dealer
- SunPower Equinox® solar system
Pricing
Blue Raven pricing remains highly competitive, especially their flexible purchase plans which come with pre-calculated electric savings estimates.
- 7.6 kW system: $22,000
Warranties & Protection
- 25 years coverage on:
- Installation & workmanship
- Monitoring hardware
- SunPower panel performance warranty
Reviews & Ratings
- A+ Better Business Bureau
- 4.8/5 customer rating (Google)
With SunPower’s leading solar equipment coupled with Blue Raven’s solar education resources and dedication to maintaining open customer communication, Blue Raven Solar is our service quality pick for homeowners seeking extra assurance around their solar investment.
4. Photon Brothers: Quality Custom Solar Solutions
Photon Brothers privileges the customer relationship through detailed energy consultations, transparent pricing, and tailored solar energy solutions for Colorado homes. Their person-focused approach aims to demystify the transition to home solar while optimizing system performance and value.
Background
- Founded in 2009
- Veteran-owned small business
Services
- Solar panel installation & maintenance
- EV chargers
- Energy efficiency upgrades
Equipment
- Panels from Hanwha, Silfab Solar and Mission Solar
- Enphase microinverters
- IronRidge racking
Pricing
Photon Brothers offers very competitive rates thanks to direct purchase options and zero-interest financing programs.
- 7 kW system: $14,500 (before incentive)
Warranties & Protection
- 25 years coverage on:
- Equipment
- Power output
- Workmanship
Reviews & Ratings
- A+ Better Business Bureau
- 5/5 customer rating (Google)
For Colorado homeowners wanting a personalized path to emissions-free solar power, Photon Brothers validates their exceptional reputation through customer-focused project guidance and accessible pricing.
5. Pick Your Best Colorado Solar Company
From national leaders like Sunpower and Tesla to specialized local firms such as Blue Raven and Photon Brothers, Colorado boasts premier options to fulfill any rooftop solar need. As you evaluate providers, carefully weigh factors like available financing plans, services bundles, system design guidance and post-installation support against your household priorities.
Steer clear from door-to-door salespeople pressuring you to sign fast deals. Responsible solar companies encourage you to review detailed quotes and electric savings calculations before committing, typically provided at no cost. Leverage Colorado‘s expanding clean energy marketplace competition to negotiate your optimal solar package cost and coverage.
Armed with insider knowledge of the state‘s highest caliber solar contractors, you can confidently transition to lower bills, energy independence and environmental stewardship through residential solar panel adoption.
