Write a review
  3. Homeowners
  4. Going Solar
  5. Best Solar Companies

Best Solar Companies in Colorado

We compared 116 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • High quality panels
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(282)
    • Great value
      Project Solar
      4.8(76)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
    Freedom Solar Power logo
    Project Solar logo
    See our top picks

    Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      Author pictureAuthor picture
      Author picture
      By:
      Author picture
      Edited by:

      Best Solar Companies in Colorado

      A typical solar panel installation in Colorado costs between $10,605 and $30,300, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for. That’s a lot of money. Let’s make sure that your installation is reliable, efficient and suitable for the Centennial State’s climate.

      Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,566,694 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our top solar company picks

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We’ve talked to more than 200 Blue Raven customers all across the country: 95% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the price.

      We like that Blue Raven uses the latest solar panel technology, including black-on-black, monocrystalline silicon solar panels, Enphase microinverters and smart thermostats, on every installation. It’s not usually the cheapest option, but at least one customer told us that reps can price-match competitors in Colorado.

      • “Blue Raven has been really great with our solar install. First, they matched a price from a competitor. And everyone we've worked with has been really communicative and friendly. They got our design, permits and install really fast. Panels look really great too! Looking forward to having this renewable energy source for a long time!” — Becky in Westminster, CO
      • “My installers Levi and the rest of the crew were fantastic. They were friendly, efficient and did what seems to be a great install. 10/10 would recommend. Took a day and they had a 25 panel system super clean and simple. As a customer I would recommend them and even request this group.” — Chance in Littleton, CO
      • “The installation crew was right on time, thorough, courteous and knowledgeable. The crew left no mess. They answered all our questions and let us know the next steps in the process of inspection by Blue Raven and the city, installation of a new meter and start up by our utility. Couldn’t ask for a better installation experience.” — Sharon in Denver, CO

      Some reviewers have mentioned minor issues, such as debris left behind or delays in completing the installation. Overall, they were still satisfied with the quality of work and performance of the solar panels.

      Blue Raven Solar offers a simple and affordable way to go solar. It has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments. The company has a location in Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus a roof penetration warranty. Power production is guaranteed for two years. Within that time, the company will reimburse you for lost energy.

      Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The SunPower SunVault and Tesla Powerwall are covered for 10 years, the FranklinWH aPower Battery is covered for 12 years and the Enphase IQ Battery is covered for 15 years.

      You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven also has some unique in-house payment options:

      • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • Zero-down financing
      • Fixed interest rates and payments
      • Production guarantee
      • Referral cash bonus

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication

      Freedom Solar Power

      4.6
      282 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2007
      2x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation

      Freedom Solar is another great solar company with a location in Colorado Springs. We’ve talked to more than 200 Freedom Solar customers all across the country. Over the last two years, 96% were satisfied with the installation and set up, 96% were satisfied with the price and 83% were satisfied with the customer service.

      We like that installers specialize in rooftop solar panels, ground-mounted arrays, off-grid solar power systems and solar carports. For residential projects, they can work with almost any type of roof, including metal and tile.

      • “The guy who came out was personable, transparent, respectful and answered a lot of the questions that other companies seem to dance around. He was fantastic and one of the reasons why I went with Freedom Solar. He was upfront and honest, and Freedom was one of the top three solar providers in my area when I was looking. They were reputable. The installation of the system was seamless and the foreman who looked at the plans that were supposed to go on the roof was able to make an adjustment to have all the panels fit the way that I wanted. I let them do their thing. … They were great all around.” — Steven in Northglenn, CO
      • “The sign-up process at Freedom Solar Power is very easy. They came to the house and walked through everything first. The installation was very quick and clean. I had a couple of hiccups with the inspector, where they had drawings that were different from what the inspector had. There was a little bit of back and forth there. But they were on top of it and were able to get it sorted fairly quickly. The quality of the panels is good. Everything seems to be working well. … I also have an app on my phone that I'm able to view the production and history.” — Adam in Littleton, CO
      • “Overall, signing up was fine. They were responsive and they went through details of what would happen. They were helpful in answering any questions I had along the way. Going solar has helped with the electric bill. The cost of the system was fair but it was pricier than anticipated.” — Brandon in Fort Collins, CO

      Freedom Solar isn’t always the most responsive, according to Michael in Denver, Colorado, but they are friendly enough when they get back to you. Michael also mentioned it’s not the cheapest option. “I could have got it cheaper from someone else, but I chose the longer warranty offered,” he told us.

      Darvi in Arvada, Colorado, had similar feedback: “They weren't major things, but they were annoyance(s) where I had to keep calling. … Things like that caused some minor irritation to the point where I had to get assertive in my language with them. Then within a week, the problem was fixed. Overall, I'm very satisfied with going solar.”

      Freedom Solar Power installs American-designed solar panels that are built to last at least 25 years. It also offers Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault backup power systems.

      Freedom Solar services

      • Residential and commercial installations
      • Equipment maintenance and upgrades
      • Roof repairs
      • Energy monitoring

      Freedom has a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed between 84% and 92% of original production for 25 years. The Tesla Powerwall and SunPower SunVault backup power systems both come with 10-year warranties.

      • Cash: You can pay for the system in full upfront.
      • Loan: Qualified customers can find reasonable rates with no money down.

      Pros

      • Excellent customer service
      • 24/7 performance monitoring
      • Transferable warranty
      • In-house, NABCEP-certified installation crews

      Cons

      • Somewhat limited availability
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for value

      Project Solar

      4.8
      76 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2016

      Project Solar reps focus on a simple, streamlined customer experience. We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over the last two years, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      We like how the no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to budget-conscious clients who want either professional or do-it-yourself installation. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “Project Solar has the cheapest option to go solar. Their sign-up process was smooth and we had no issues. There was a manager assigned to my case and all communication was with this manager. It was very quick and good. They told me the price and that was the final price. Nothing was added. The installers also arrived on the day they were supposed to and installed it half a day.” — Dmitry in Centennial, CO
      • “The sign-up process at Project Solar was seamless. Working with them was really good and easy. It's dropped our electric bill quite a bit. I've recommended Project Solar to several people.” — Wade in Colorado Springs, CO
      • “All the systems are all in the same price band and the one from Project Solar was a bit less. Since their price was attractive, I bought the system online and it came quickly. It was complete, and I did the install myself. I haven't experienced any problems with it.” — Larry in Castle Pines, CO

      We’ve heard about some minor issues related to miscommunications or permit delays. Overall, customers were happy with the cost savings and the customer service provided by Project Solar.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase. As part of the full-service installation, it offers Enphase IQ 5P batteries or Tesla Powerwall. DIY projects only have the Enphase IQ 5P option. It currently operates in multiple states across the U.S.

      Project Solar services

      • System design
      • Equipment procurement
      • Pro and DIY installations
      • Financing solutions

      Project Solar has two main warranties: a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions for weather damage or misuse.

      • Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers defects in materials of solar panels, inverters and other equipment for 25 years.
      • Workmanship warranty: Covers issues like faulty wiring or improper mounting for 25 years if you pay for full installation services.
      • Performance guarantee: There’s an 84% production level guarantee for 25 years, and it provides reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

      Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer two main financing options for professional solar installations. For DIY solar projects, Project Solar's financing partners cannot provide loans — you can either pay cash or finance through a third-party lender, such as LightStream, or a home equity loan/line of credit.

      Pros

      • Transparent pricing
      • Streamlined installations
      • Great for cost savings
      • Roof-leak warranty

      Cons

      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing

      Colorado solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from over 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look for when buying solar panels in Colorado.

      Key insights

      In Colorado, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,605 to $30,300.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Colorado.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Jump to insight

      Going solar in Colorado

      Colorado is a very friendly regulatory environment to adopt solar. Between the state’s generous tax breaks, low-cost loans and numerous other incentives, going solar is extremely easy in the Centennial State.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Colorado ranked 24th in 2024

      What to look for in a solar company in Colorado

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Colorado. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards. Paul in Broomfield, Colorado, told us about a problem with raccoons crawling under his panels and making a mess; Joseph in Fort Collins, Colorado, reported problems with squirrels.
      • Check certifications: We suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Read the fine print: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Colorado?

      Average solar panel costs in Colorado typically range between $10,605 and $30,300. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Colorado, the average cost per watt is $3.03.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Colorado

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      You could pay the full cost upfront, but many choose to finance their system through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. Colorado also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states).

      PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. They could also make your house harder to sell since a new buyer will have to take over the PPA or lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      What solar incentives are available in Colorado?

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. Whatever you spend on solar panels and other equipment, labor and additional features for monitoring the system — your tax bill goes down by 30% of that.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, let’s say you spend $10,000 going solar. The ITC would be worth $3,000. Let’s say you owe $15,000 in taxes the year your system becomes operational. The ITC would cut that down to $12,000.

      The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year.

      You may combine the ITC with additional solar incentives in Colorado, including:

      • Colorado incentives: Colorado has tax exemptions, rebates and loan programs to help boost solar adoption rates. If you live in the central mountain region, you might also qualify for financial assistance through Energy Smart Colorado.
      • Utility incentives: GCEA and Holy Cross offer net metering, but they don't offer additional incentives for solar beyond the standard bill credits. The Xcel Energy Solar Rewards program offers $0.08 per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. The maximum system size eligible for the Xcel program incentive is 7 kilowatts.

      » EXPLORE: Solar incentives by state

      Are solar panels worth it in Colorado?

      Going solar in Colorful Colorado isn’t just a green move; it's often a smart money move. With electricity costs continuing to rise, more homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run.

      We’ve talked to hundreds of residents who have gone solar. Many reported significant savings on their electricity bills after installing solar panels. “It's awesome,” Susan in Westminster, Colorado, said. “We got a $34 Xcel bill this month where previously it was close to $200.”

      However, not everyone benefits from solar panels in the same way. Charnay in Brighton, Colorado, said going solar is “the most mentally and expensive mistake I have made. Should have done my research better. Instead of having a cheaper electric bill, I now have a regular gas bill, United Power bill, not a $20 bill like they tell you. It's $106, around that range.”

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      We suggesting using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering in Colorado. “Colorado is known for its sunshine and arrays can produce a high percentage of their rated panel output. This reduces the time to recover the initial investment,” Michael in Loveland, Colorado, explained.

      The return on your solar investment depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Colorado homeowners with solar panels avoid $53,986 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Colorado?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Colorado. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How are solar costs trending in Colorado?

      The cost to go solar in Colorado has fallen 47% over the last 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

      How does net metering work in Colorado?

      Net metering lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. It also lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. In Colorado, utility customers with net-metered solar systems can get compensation at the full retail electricity rate for every kilowatt-hour of surplus solar-generated electricity supplied to the local power grid.

      The goal of net metering is to let you produce enough renewable electricity for your own home's needs but not drastically more than what you use. Any credits that are more than a year old will expire. Here's how it works:

      1. Your home's electricity meter keeps track of both the electricity used from the utility company and any extra electricity fed into the grid from your solar panels or other system.
      2. At the end of each billing period, your utility company looks at whether your system put more electricity into the grid than you pulled out.
      3. If you put back more than you used, you get a credit toward next month's bill for the extra amount. If you use more than your system produces, you only pay the utility company for that additional amount.
      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process.

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners’ needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Colorado. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. DSIRE, "Colorado Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Colorado.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Colorado Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Colorado?” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
      6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed February 8, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

      Get buying tips about Solar Companies in Colorado delivered to your inbox.

        By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

        Thanks for subscribing.

        You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

        Read Colorado solar company reviews

        Sort
        • Best Rated
        • Most Reviewed
        • Highest Rated

        Want your company to be on this guide?

        Yes, continue
        Comparing

        ×
        Trending in Solar