The ConsumerAffairs 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.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | NABCEP certified | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.4
303 reviews
303 reviews
| Top overall |  | 22.8% | 25 years | | Cash, loan | 2007 | Get Started |
 | 4.6
265 reviews
265 reviews
| Customer service | | Varies | 25 years | | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 | Learn More |
 | 4.2
3,231 reviews
3,231 reviews
| Solar leases | | 22% | Varies | | Cash, loan, lease | 2007 | Get Started |
Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Denverites’ energy needs.
We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the semi-arid, high-desert climate, to choose the best solar companies in Denver, Colorado, based on the following key features and respective weightings:
» MORE: Full methodology
Jump into our guides and start learning
We’ve talked to hundreds of Coloradans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Denver residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.
A typical residential solar panel installation costs $27,454 in Denver.
Jump to insightSolar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.
Jump to insightSolar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Denver County or Colorado government agency.
Jump to insightA typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,605 to $30,300 in Colorado. Prices in Denver are comparable, ranging from $9,835 to $28,100.
This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.
System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Denver household needs a system with a capacity of 9.77 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
Average total solar installation costs by system size in Denver
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $14,050 | $16,860 | $19,670 | $22,480 | $25,290 | $28,100 |
| After federal tax credit | $9,835 | $11,802 | $13,769 | $15,736 | $17,703 | $19,670 |
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Solar panels are generally worth it in Colorado if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Denver homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,200 in total utility costs over 25 years.
As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Higher elevation means more intensive sun rays will meet the surface of your solar panels. This increased solar exposure can enhance their efficiency, making Denver an ideal location for solar energy production.
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator that may also be helpful.
The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 8.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
Potential roof problems
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 is an expensive and frustrating process.
» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?
In our experience, the best solar companies in Colorado have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.
Going solar in Denver County
Denver is prone to hailstorms, so homeowners should consider installing solar panels that are certified for impact resistance to withstand damage from hail.
» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Colorado ranked 24th in 2024
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Colorado to maximize savings.
For instance, Xcel Energy has the Solar*Rewards program, which is a performance-based incentive for homeowners and business owners. You also don't have to pay sales tax on solar panels and other renewable energy equipment.
The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.
For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000.
Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.
No. Solar installations are exempt from property tax assessments in Colorado, meaning the value added to your home by solar panels won’t increase your property taxes.
» GREENEST STATES: Colorado ranked 36th in 2024
Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough. In return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.
Utility companies in Colorado usually credit customers for the excess electricity their solar panels generate at the same rate they are charged for electricity consumption (often called the retail rate). If you use Xcel Energy, any excess energy at the end of the billing period is carried over to the next month.
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Denver. You can lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Denver, Colorado. For this guide, we objectively 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 generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Denver customers were given preference.
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.
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.
Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
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ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6
265 reviews
| Offers solar energy systems for $0 down. Offers 18 months of free solar power. Handles design, permits and installation. Includes a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Available in select states across the country. | Learn More |
| 4.4
303 reviews
| End-to-end solar services in Texas, Colorado and Florida. Residential and commercial properties. Includes 25-year warranty. SunPower Master Dealer. Certified Tesla Powerwall installation. 24/7 performance monitoring. | Get Started |
| 4.2
3,231 reviews
| Sunrun, in business for 18 years, serves customers in 20 states. It offers residential solar system financing options, including purchase and lease. Consultants customize systems to match each household’s unique energy needs. | Get Started |
 | 5.0
View profile
| Installs residential solar energy systems in San Juan, Puerto Rico and parts of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, New York and Texas. Financing options include loans, leases and PPAs. | Read reviews |
 | 5.0
View profile
| A residential solar installer that services most of Utah (including Salt Lake City) and Denver, Colorado. 25-year energy output warranties on systems. Financing ready for qualifying individuals. | Read reviews |
 | No reviews | Residential solar installation in parts of Arizona, Colorado and Texas. 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on brands like Enphase, Silfab and SolarEdge. Free quotes available to homeowners in Austin, Denver, Houston and Phoenix. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system installation, EV charging, roofing, battery backup and storage for parts of California, Colorado and North Carolina. 25-year parts and labor warranties. Free quotes available. | |
 | No reviews | Colorado and Texas solar installers for homes and businesses. 10-year workmanship warranty. EV charging and solar battery installation also available. Tesla Powerwall installer. 25-year solar panel manufacturer’s warranty. | |
 | No reviews | Offers residential and commercial solar installations and inverter repairs. Installs and designs solar energy systems all across Denver. Free financial consultations available upon request. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer servicing Florida, Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma and Colorado. Save money on your electricity bill with low maintenance and easy installation of solar panels. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system installations as well as energy storage and EV charging. Provides services across the state of Colorado. Offers a satisfaction guarantee. Finance through a solar loan or lease. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial installations in the Washington metropolitan area. Free quotes upon request. Pay with cash or loan. Product warranties included. Extended warranties for purchase. | |
 | No reviews | Installs solar and wind energy systems in homes and businesses across parts of Colorado, including the Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Denver, Fairplay and Cañon City regions. Offers additional solar water heating services. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system and roofing installation for parts of Colorado. Offers five-year workmanship warranties and brands like REC Group and Solaria. Free estimates available. | |
 | No reviews | Residential and commercial installers servicing parts of Colorado and Wyoming. Battery storage, EV charging and agrovoltaics services also offered. 10-year workmanship warranty on solar systems. Financing options available. | |
 | No reviews | EV charging and solar installations for homes and businesses. Serves Denver and the surrounding Front Range area. Warranties include 25 years at 80% power output. Offers military discounts. | |
 | No reviews | Offers residential and commercial solar installations. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Hyundai Energy Solutions, The REC Group and Silfab Solar. Services available in Colorado. | |
 | No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers products from Enphase Energy and Sol-Ark. Financing available through loans for qualified buyers. Service available across the Denver metropolitan area. | |
 | No reviews | Residential, commercial and community solar installations in parts of Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Florida and Missouri. Products from brands like Enphase, LG and REC Group. 25-year warranties on panels, microinverters and labor. | |
 | No reviews | Offers both commercial and residential roofing and solar installations. Serves Denver and the surrounding area. Free roof inspections. Extended workmanship warranty available. Pay with cash or finance through loans. | |
 | No reviews | Roofing company offering certified Tesla Solar Roof installations. Performs installations in parts of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska, as well as portions of Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wyoming on a case-by-case basis. | |
 | 1.0
View profile
| Residential solar installations throughout much of the Southwest along with parts of Florida and South Carolina. Products include a 25-year manufacturing warranty. Free quotes available. | Read reviews |
 | No reviews | Provides residential solar energy installation services. Offers Enphase Energy, IronRidge, SolarEdge and VSUN products. Available in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Texas and Utah. | |
 | No reviews | Offers residential solar purchasing and installation. Services available across Colorado, Florida, Nevada and Utah. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Quotes available through website. |
