Best Solar Companies in Fort Collins, CO

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,605 to $30,300 in Colorado. Prices in Fort Collins are comparable, ranging from $10,535 to $30,100.

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 Fort Collins household needs a system with a capacity of 9.33 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 Fort Collins

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Fort Collins Utilities provides solar loans of up to $50,000 for residents to finance renewable energy projects. There's no money required up front and the terms are up to 15 years.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

Whether you should lease or buy your solar panel system depends on your financial goals. Homes with owned solar panels generally sell faster and for a premium compared to non-solar homes. However, leased systems may deter potential buyers.

Solar panels are generally worth it in Colorado if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Fort Collins homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,834 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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

If you have an electric vehicle, like Joseph in Fort Collins, solar panels can save you even more. “It's very nice to be able to drive around for free and get the benefits of the solar panels,” Joseph told us. He’s said he’s also taking advantage of net metering: “I'm putting energy back into the grid and getting paid 95% of the cost of it.”

As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Fort Collins’ high elevation increases solar panel efficiency due to clearer skies and stronger sunlight. Proper panel orientation and tilt can further optimize energy production.

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 again. 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.

• Check certifications: The Colorado Solar & Storage Association’s COSSA Member Directory is an excellent place to start. You can check a solar installer’s electrical license with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
• Verify claims: 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.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Going solar in Larimer County

In the legislative session of 2023, the Colorado General Assembly enacted a bill to standardize and streamline the solar permitting process across the state. The bill also stipulates that the maximum fee municipalities can levy on homeowners for such permits can't exceed $500.

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

The 30% 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 offers Solar*Rewards, 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.