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Updated: Oct 31, 2024, 3:47pm
Reviewed By
| EditorFor a state that gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Colorado shines bright for solar opportunities. Homeowners who install solar can harness this bounty of sunshine to power their homes and benefit from excellent solar state and federal incentives to offset costs.
Making the move to solar energy is a good option for Coloradans, as solar generates more than just clean energy. Homeowners can get more savings and energy independence, increase their home’s value and feel good about doing their part for a greener planet.
Forbes’ team of researchers compiled the best solar installation companies in Colorado and evaluated each company’s favorable/unfavorable attributes for scoring.
The solar companies Tesla, Blue Raven Solar and Palmetto Solar top our best solar companies in list. Tesla scored 4.6 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology thanks to its innovative panels, nationwide availability and price-matching guarantee.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the solar companies methodology for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Green Home Systems
BBB Grade
Not accredited
Financing Options
Full purchase and loan
Number of States Covered
21
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
3
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
Key Takeaways
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BBB GRADE | WARRANTY | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.6    | F | 25-year production guarantee, 10-year warranty for equipment | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.3 | A+ | 10-year labor warranty, 25-year product and performance | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.2  | A+ | 25-year product and performance | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.0 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.0 | NR | 25-year workmanship warranty | From Participating Partners | |
| 3.8 | A+ | 10-year workmanship and equipment warranty, 25-year performance guarantee | From Participating Partners |
[Pricing information is based on quotes gathered by the data team]
Best Availability
Best Availability
Tesla
(coverage varies by zip code)
We recommend Tesla for best availability. For customers who really care about brand names with cutting-edge technology, Tesla solar panels and solar roofs already come with built-in brand recognition and reputation. Tesla panels are great for homeowners in every state, plus the company will price-match the competitors.
Learn more: Tesla Solar review
Tesla was ranked the best solar company for availability in all 50 states. It also has very competitive pricing and will match the competitors. Homeowners can enjoy a 25-year panel performance warranty for a minimum of 80% capacity, which means that Tesla will repair or replace panels performing below this capacity. On top of that, customers will receive a 10-year comprehensive warranty on equipment.
Why We Like It
Tesla has a variety of products to choose from to customize your home’s system. We like that customers can choose from traditional solar panels or solar shingles. Plus, Tesla Powerwall is one of the top solar batteries on the market and the Tesla app allows users to control and monitor their system on the go.
What We Don’t Like
Tesla uses third-party installers and doesn’t have a physical store location. The company lost points in our evaluation due to its 10-year comprehensive warranty, which is shorter than some competitors.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who are looking for innovative solar solutions, wide availability and price matching should consider Tesla.
Apart from solar panels and solar shingles, Tesla offers solar backup batteries, EV chargers and solar system monitoring. Customers can pay cash or take out a loan (depending on their zip code).
Tesla is not accredited with the BBB and receives low customer reviews on Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs. It’s worth noting that much of its negative reviews center around its vehicle offerings rather than its solar panel offerings. However, some online reviews complain of poor customer service, leaking panels and water damage.
Best Customer Satisfaction
Best Customer Satisfaction
Blue Raven Solar
Our pick for best customer satisfaction is Blue Raven Solar. The company, which was founded in 2014, does in-house solar panel installation and has an A+ BBB rating. It also has a 10-year labor warranty and 25-year product and performance warranties.
Learn more: Blue Raven Solar review
We picked Blue Raven for its solid reputation for excellent customer service. Blue Raven Solar has high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels from several different manufacturers. The company also offers SunPower SunVault solar battery for energy storage. Blue Raven Solar performs solar battery installation and provides system monitoring.
Why We Like It
Blue Raven Solar offers customizable solar panel systems and affordable financing options like zero-dollar upfront loans. The company offers 18 months of free solar with its BluePower Plus+ plan and a two-year power production guarantee. Customers can download the company’s free ebook, A Buyer’s Guide To Going Solar. The company has a referral program that rewards up to $1,500.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted some points for the company’s lack of nationwide availability, and it not providing leases or PPAs.
Who It’s Best For
Customer reviews can tell a lot about a company. If that matters to you then Blue Raven gets some of the highest reviews in the industry and can be a good option for you.
Services include solar panel and backup battery installation and solar equipment monitoring. Blue Raven offers customers the choice of full purchases or a solar loan, such as BluePower Plus+, which waives the first 18 months of payments.
Blue Raven Solar is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. The company gets high reviews from customers on Consumer Affairs, Google and Trustpilot. Positive reviews praise the company for not being pushy or taking advantage of customers with high prices. Reviews detail professionalism and knowledge throughout the process. Negative reviews often discuss scheduling issues for installation.
Best Solar Equipment
Best Solar Equipment
Palmetto Solar
We picked Palmetto Solar for its selection of product options. Founded in 2010, this company is best for homeowners who value solid and ongoing customer support and a comprehensive system protection plan. Palmetto offers the choice of paying cash payment, loan, lease or PPA. The company offers a 25-year product and performance warranty.
Learn more: Palmetto Solar review
Palmetto Solar provides end-to-end solar services and offers a choice of top solar panel systems from reputable solar manufacturers. The full-service experience offered by Palmetto will be especially appreciated by customers who seek long-term security on their solar investment.
Why We Like It
Apart from its solar panel offerings, the company provides solar panel removal and reinstallation, cleaning, general roofing services and more. Through the Palmetto app, customers can monitor their new solar panels, schedule maintenance or contact customer support.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted points for Palmetto charging an extra fee for monitoring
Who It’s Best For
Installation, maintenance and monitoring are three things that make Palmetto a choice to consider. The company is best for people looking to customize their solar panel system to their exact preferences.
Services offered by Palmetto include solar backup batteries, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar panel cleaning, maintenance and repair, system monitoring and energy efficiency audits. The company has flexible financing options like full purchase, loan, lease and PPA.
Palmetto Solar gets an A+ rating and is accredited with the BBB. The company generally has positive reviews. However, some customers have noted long wait times for activation.
Best Local Installer
Best Local Installer
Photon Brothers
We recommend Photon Brothers, which is our pick for a solid local installer with expertise in local incentives and rebates. The company, which was founded in 2013, performs custom installations across Colorado and in parts of California. The company offers 25-years of protection for equipment, labor and panel performance. Payment options include full purchase, loan, lease and PPA. Third-party financing can get customers zero down, low-interest solar loans.
Photon Brothers offers advanced energy-efficient solar panels and batteries and is a partner of Tesla’s Powerwall Certified Installer program. The company installs American-made products, uses experienced, licensed electricians, boasts a perfect safety record and has a dedicated service department.
Why We Like It
Photon Brothers uses premium solar panels, such as REC, Silfab and Q-Cells It also offers battery storage solutions, panel repairs, panel maintenance, EV home chargers and electrical panel upgrades. From design to your installation, the whole project is completed by the company’s in-house team.
What We Don’t Like
The company has been around for about 11 years, which makes it relatively new to the solar industry. However, that’s still more than a decade of experience.
Who It’s Best For
Coloradans who want a local, reputable company they can rely on that installs American made products will want to check out Photon Brothers. The company’s perfect safety record alone may be a draw for customers looking for a professional company.
The company offers a variety of payment options such as cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA. Its local expertise can help new customers take advantage of any incentives, rebates and credits to make solar more affordable.
The company has an A+ rating with the BBB. Some customers note some delays in the installation process, but generally positive customer reviews on review sites.
Best for Selection of Panels
Best for Selection of Panels
Green Home Systems
We picked Green Home Systems for the best selection of solar panels. For customers looking for a solid, American-made solar panel at an affordable price, Green Home Systems may be a good option. The company was founded in 2017 and also offers solar roofing, backup generators, smart-home solutions, backup battery installation and EV charger installations. Green Home Systems offers a 25-year warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee.
Learn more: Green Home Systems review
We picked Green Home Systems for installing quality American-made products. Some of the solar brands the company uses includes LG Solar, SolarEdge, Unirac and Enphase. The company offers two ways to pay for solar panel installation: full purchase or loan.
Why We Like It
The company helps customers fill out paperwork and maximize their savings with any rebates, including those from the company. Green Home also offers solar roofing options like shingles and tiles. The company’s solar roofs are by CertainTeed, a leading manufacturer of solar technology.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted some points for its limited availability across the U.S. and its reliance on third-party contractors. Green Home also doesn’t offer solar leasing.
Who It’s Best For
This company is best for homeowners who like to have a wide selection of solar panels to choose from and value good warranties.
Other services Green Home Systems provides are solar roofing, backup generators, smart-home solutions, backup battery installation and EV charger installations. Customers have the option to pay full purchase or loan with zero down payments.
The company gets lots of positive reviews for its system performance and energy savings as well as positive customer service during installation. However, reviews overall are fairly mixed, with complaints about installation times and miscommunications.
Best Financing Options
Best Financing Options
Sunrun
We recommend Sunrun for having the best financing options. Customers who want to have flexibility with financing options will appreciate Sunrun’s choice of solar lease, loan and purchase plan. Plus homeowners can customize and choose add-ons. The company, which was founded in 2007, offers a comprehensive solar installation process. Sunrun also provides inverters, backup batteries, system monitoring and maintenance.
Learn more: Sunrun review
Sunrun’s business primarily focuses on leasing solar panels and customers can choose from two leasing options. The company promises predictable monthly payments with locked-in rates. Sunrun offers 10-year labor and equipment warranties and a 25-year power production guarantee.
Why We Like It
Sunrun offers leases, which isn’t always a guarantee with other solar companies. Sunrun solar systems are custom designed using its proprietary software. The company also has a BrightSave insurance policy as part of its leasing plans that protect solar panel systems from theft or damage.
What We Don’t Like
We deducted points for limited availability and some poor reviews. We also didn’t like that you get lower warranty plans when purchasing your solar panel system.
Who It’s Best For
Customers who are set on leasing their solar systems should strongly consider Sunrun.
Services include solar system installation, solar batteries, EV charger installations and system monitoring. Payment options include lease, loan and purchase plan, and customers have the option to customize and include add-ons.
Sunrun is BBB accredited and receives an A+ rating. However, the company does get very mixed reviews, with comments about positive customer service to complaints about roofing projects.
Colorado gets plenty of sunshine almost year round so adding solar panels to your home can be a great investment. Here are some important things to look for in a Colorado solar company so you make the best choice for your investment:
Part of any research on a company or product should naturally include scouring customer reviews and ratings. Some good places to start are Yelp, Google and the Better Business Bureau.
Not all states provide solar incentives or rebates, but Colorado happens to be a state that does. The state’s incentives combined with national incentives like the federal tax credit can help offset the costs of installing solar. Solar panel companies that actually take the time to explain this information to customers are ones to hire.
There are a lot of solar installation companies to choose from in Colorado, but not all have the same experience. Demonstrated experience can be seen by their qualifications, reputation and certifications. Make sure to ask for references too.
Solar brokers and solar installers play different roles in the solar industry. Brokers do not install panels themselves but work with a network of installers to find the best deal for you. On the other hand, solar installers handle the entire process, from design and installation to maintenance and repairs.
Deciding between a broker and an installer depends on whether you prefer a potentially lower cost (with brokers) or a more comprehensive service (with installers).
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
Select a State To Get Started With Your No Commitment, Free Estimate
Solar power is a smart, sustainable choice for Colorado residents. However, to ensure you’re making the most of this renewable energy source, choosing the right solar installation company is essential. Here are the top reasons you should hire a reputable solar panel installation company in Colorado.
Experience matters in the solar industry. Companies that have been in business for many years have a proven track record and deep knowledge of the intricacies of solar power, from design and installation to maintenance and repairs.
They’re likely to have encountered and overcome various challenges, making them well-equipped to handle your project efficiently and effectively.
Some solar companies use an in-house team for installations, while others subcontract the work to third parties. Hiring a company that uses in-house installers can offer accountability and quality control advantages. These companies stand behind its work and typically ensure its teams are well-trained and up-to-date on the latest industry standards and techniques.
Reputable solar companies are licensed, insured and hold relevant certifications. A licensed company has met state requirements to perform solar installations. Insurance protects you from liability in the event of an accident during the installation. Certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), demonstrate a company’s commitment to excellence and adherence to industry best practices.
Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into a company’s performance. Look for a company that has consistently positive reviews, with customers highlighting factors like quality of work, customer service and the company’s responsiveness to any issues or concerns. Remember to look at reviews on various platforms for a balanced view.
Look for companies that offer free consultations. During this process, the company should assess your property, discuss your energy usage and needs and provide a custom solar design for your home or business. The design should include details about the type and number of panels, its placement, expected energy output and the project’s overall cost.
Companies that offer additional services, such as energy audits, solar panel cleaning, system monitoring, or battery storage solutions, can provide added value. These services can help you maximize your solar system’s performance and lifespan, furthering your investment
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Solar panels can range in cost depending on the system you choose, the size and more. However, a 6kw system in Colorado tends to cost around $12,278 after the federal solar tax credit.
| SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE | AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (kWh) | AVERAGE COST BEFORE FEDRAL TAX CREDIT | AVERAGE COST AFTER FEDRAL TAX CREDIT (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6kW | 8,000 – 10,000 | $18,407 | $12,885 |
| 8kW | 10,500 – 13,300 | $24,542 | $17,180 |
| 10kW | 13,300 – 16,700 | $30,678 | $21,474 |
| 12kW | 16,000 – 20,000 | $36,814 | $25,770 |
Coloradans can enjoy state incentives when installing solar, which help to offset the upfront costs of adding solar to your home.For instance, homeowners in the state do not have to pay higher property taxes when their property value increases from solar installations. Residents are also not subject to Colorado’s 2.9% sales tax when buying solar equipment. Here are some other incentives:
| INCENTIVE | DESCRIPTION | TYPE | OCCURRENCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit | Homeowners claim 30% of their total solar system cost as a federal tax credit | Tax credit | once |
| Net Metering | Any extra energy generated can be sent back to the grid for credits to use later | Net metering | daily |
| Energy Smart Colorado | A rebate of anywhere from $400 to $2,500, depending on their location | Cash rebate | once |
| Holy Cross Energy | A per-kilowatt (kW) rebate that can earn savings up to $3,000 | Cash rebate | once |
| Solar Property Tax Exemption | Won’t have to pay property tax on the increased value of your house due to solar | Tax credit | once |
| Weatherization Assistance Program | Provides low-income households with weatherization services, including solar systems | State-level initiative | once |
Coloradans who install solar panels to their home can also benefit from the federal solar tax credit of up to 30% against the cost of the system. This incentive is available through 2033.
Colorado does take part in a net metering program. With net metering, homeowners can send excess energy from panels back to the grid in exchange for energy credits, which can then be applied toward future electricity bills.
While there aren’t specific Colorado state solar tax credits, Colorado residents who recently installed solar panels also can take advantage of a few cash rebates such as:
Likewise, the state has policies that exempt renewable energy equipment from property and sales taxes, leading to even more savings.
Local Solar Companies By City
Colorado gets nearly year-round sun, which means residents will greatly benefit from adding solar panels to their home. Factors like climate, cost of electricity, incentives and how much sun hits your roof affect how soon you may break even when installing solar. Here are some reasons adding solar panels is worth it in Colorado:
Installing solar panels to your home in Colorado can be somewhat expensive upfront. However, the federal tax credit and state incentives can really help lower the total cost. Homeowners will also benefit long term and save more money down the line.
| COLORADO SOLAR SAVINGS | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation | $18,407 |
| Colorado Incentives (30%) | $5,522 |
| Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives) | $12,885 |
| Break Even Period | 10 years |
| 20-Year Savings | $24,140 |
| 25-Year Savings | $30,175 |
A recent survey by Forbes’ Home found that at least 67% of current solar owners are considering expanding or upgrading their solar systems. Forbes Advisor commissioned a survey of 1,000 Americans in 2023 and looked at consumer trends and satisfaction results.
Customer satisfaction is high among those who already installed solar. Nearly 90% of Americans reported being happy they installed solar panels on their homes with more than 82% of owners saying they would recommend solar panel installation based on their experience.
Colorado’s national ranking for solar is 12th in the nation, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Colorado ranks 17th in growth projects with 8.24% of electricity generated from solar power. Coloradans interested in going solar have many companies to choose from, with some 409 solar companies in the state.
Some 49.04% of homeowners in the Western U.S. cited energy independence as their top reason to consider solar, per our survey. The second top choice was environmental benefits.
Looking For Hassle-Free Solar Installation
Find a network of trusted installers for solar system, solar panels and electricity needs. Find a solar panel installer today!
To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.
All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.
Adding solar to your home can raise your home’s value in Colorado and attract home buyers increasingly interested in having a home with solar panels.
The cost to add a solar panel system in Colorado can vary depending on many factors. However, a 6kw system will typically cost about $12,278. This cost takes the federal solar tax credit into account.
Yes, Colorado is an ideal place to install solar panels. The state gets around 300 sunny days a year, so homeowners can greatly benefit from solar.
Yes, Colorado has several city, state and utility company solar incentives. These credits and incentives can help lower the cost of installing solar panels to your home.
Yes, net metering is available in Colorado. Net metering allows homeowners to sell back excess energy to the power grid and receive credits on their utility bills.
Divide your daily kWh energy requirement by peak sun hours for your kW output. Once you have your kW output, divide it by your panel’s efficiency to determine the estimated number of solar panels needed for your solar system.
Ana has 20+ years of experience covering home improvement and business topics for U.S. and international media. She’s been published in U.S. News & World Report, The American Scholar Magazine, California Lawyer Magazine, Plaintiff Magazine, Military Officer Magazine, Hotels Magazine, PracticeLink Magazine, EB-5 Investors Magazine and more. Internationally, she’s been published in Egypt’s Al-Ahram Weekly, Lebanon’s The Daily Star, Iran’s Tehran Times, Sri Lanka’s Serendib in-flight magazine, France's Arabies Trends Magazine, Bahrain’s Woman This Month magazine and more.
Geraldine has over a decade of experience writing within the home improvement sector. Additionally, she has unique first-hand renovation experience as the previous owner of a house-flipping business.
Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
