WattBuy’s Guide to

Solar Energy in
Colorado

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The State of Solar in Colorado

Here are a few numbers showing how popular solar energy is in Colorado and how much solar energy potential there is on average.

24,360

Houses with solar panels

(circa 2019)*

834 kWh

Average monthly energy use per household

9 kW

Average system size

1,038 kWh

Energy generated by average sized system

How much does solar cost in Colorado?

Average solar panel installation

$17,295

Federal Incentives

$5,188

Total

$12,107

Average monthly bill without solar

$119

Average monthly bill with solar

$0

Solar will pay for itself in

9 years
Tax Credits Available

Free money (kind of)

The Inflation Reduction Act has made it easier and more affordable than ever to go solar, thanks to a 30% federal tax credit. This means that for every $10,000 you spend on solar panels, you can deduct $3,000 from your federal taxes.

LEARN MORE
Net Metering Available

Get paid for the extra solar you produce

Net metering policies in Colorado can help solar panel owners save money and reduce their carbon footprint. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can send the excess back to the grid and receive credit on your next bill. Just something to keep in mind when considering solar panels.

Solar Incentives in Colorado

Holy Cross Energy - Renewable Energy Rebate ProgramSee Details
Roaring Fork Valley - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate ProgramSee Details
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards ProgramSee Details
Colorado Springs Utilities - Renewable Energy Rebate ProgramSee Details
Fort Collins Utilities - Home Efficiency Loan ProgramSee Details
Black Hills Energy - Solar Power ProgramSee Details
Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Local Option - Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
La Plata Electric Association - Renewable Generation Rebate ProgramSee Details
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy EquipmentSee Details
City of Boulder - Solar Sales and Use Tax RebateSee Details
Property Tax Exemption for Residential Renewable Energy EquipmentSee Details
San Miguel Power Association - Renewable Energy Rebate ProgramSee Details
Boulder County - EnergySmart Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate ProgramSee Details
City of Aspen - Rebate ProgramSee Details
Roaring Fork Valley - Energy Smart Colorado Energy Efficiency Rebate ProgramSee Details
Xcel Energy - Solar Rewards ProgramSee Details
Boulder County - Elevations Energy LoansSee Details
City and County of Denver - Elevations Energy LoansSee Details
Colorado Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan programSee Details
Green Colorado Credit ReserveSee Details
Xcel Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency FinancingSee Details
Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan ProgramSee Details

The Solar Process

Getting solar panels may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you can expect.

1

Understand your energy needs

Take a closer look at your energy usage to determine how much solar power you'll require.

2

Get quotes and choose an installer

Reach out to multiple solar companies to gather quotes and select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

3

Design the system

Work with your chosen installer to design a solar system customized to your specific requirements and goals.

4

Obtain the necessary permit

Take care of the paperwork and permits required by local authorities before installing your solar panels.

This takes 7 days on average.

5

Install solar panels

Let the professionals handle the installation of your solar panels and related equipment.

This takes 14 days on average.

6

Inspection time

Have your newly installed solar system inspected to ensure it meets safety and quality standards.

This takes 11 days on average.

7

Lights on!

Connect your solar system to the electrical grid and start generating clean, renewable energy for your home or business.

This takes 12 days on average.

Solar Installers in Colorado

Sunrun

sunrun.com

Coverage

AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, PA, PR, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WI

Freedom Forever

freedomforever.com

Coverage

AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI

Palmetto Solar

palmetto.com

Coverage

AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA

Atlasta Solar Center

atlastasolar.com

Coverage

CO

ION Solar

www.ionsolar.com

Coverage

AZ, CO, NC, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, TX, UT, VA

Living Solar

livingsolar.net

Coverage

CO

GRNE Solar

www.grnesolar.com/residentialsolar

Coverage

CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, MO, NE, NY, OH, WI

Tesla

tesla.com

Coverage

Nationwide

Titan Solar Power

titansolarpower.com

Coverage

AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NM, NV, OH, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA

Freedom Solar Power

freedomsolarpower.com

Coverage

CO, FL, NC, TX, VA

BriteStreet

www.britestreet.com

Coverage

CO

Solar Works Energy

solarworksenergy.com

Coverage

CO, NM, TX

Peak Solar Designs

www.peaksolardesigns.com

Coverage

CO

Learn About Solar in These Colorado Cities

ArvadaAuroraBellvueBerkleyBlack ForestBoulderBow MarBrightonBroomfieldCampionCastle PinesCentennialCherry Hills VillageCimarron HillsCliftonColorado SpringsColumbineColumbine ValleyCommerce CityCottonwoodDaconoDenverDerbyDupontEast Pleasant ViewEdgewaterEldorado SpringsEnglewoodErieEvansFederal HeightsFort CarsonFort CollinsFountainFoxfieldFruitaFruitvaleGarden CityGlendaleGleneagleGoldenGrand JunctionGreeleyGreenwood VillageGunbarrelHendersonHighlands RanchJohnstownKelimKen CarylKerseyLa SalleLafayetteLakesideLakewoodLaporteLittletonLochbuieLone TreeLouisvilleLovelandManitou SpringsMasonvilleMesa Verde National ParkMillikenMonumentMorrisonMountain ViewNorth WashingtonNorthglennOrchard MesaPalmer LakeParkerPuebloPueblo WestRedlandsSalt CreekSecurity-WidefieldSheridanSherrelwoodStonegateStratmoorSuperiorThe PineryThorntonTimnathTodd CreekTwin LakesUSAF AcademyWelbyWest Pleasant ViewWestminsterWheat RidgeWindsorWoodmoor

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*Source: Project Sunroof