Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Adopting solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Fort Collins.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is reliable.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. While electricians and plumbers in Colorado have state-issued licenses from the Colorado Electrical Board or Colorado State Plumbing Board, it's up to counties and cities to issue solar contracting licenses if they choose.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Fort Collins varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $3,980 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in Fort Collins are 5.4 kilowatts, and the typical Fort Collins homeowners spends $15,046 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Amount:
Air Sealing: $300-$500
Insulation: Up to $1,815
Duct Sealing: $200 (gas-heated homes only)
Window Replacement: Up to $1,000
Air Handler Blower Motor: $150
Whole House Mechanical Ventilation: 20% of cost
Heat Pumps: $500
Replacement Furnace: $300-$500 (gas-heated homes only)
Ductless Mini-Split: $250/head
Replacement Gas Boiler: $300 (gas-heated homes only)
Replacement Water Heater: $100-$500
AC System: $150-$500
Whole House Fan: $275
Evaporative Cooler: $500
Incentive Amount:
Refrigerator Recycling: varies, contact utility for details
Natural Gas Furnace: $300
EC Motor in New or Existing Furnace: $100
Air Conditioning/Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$600
Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300
Water Heater: $70-$450
Evaporative Cooling: $200-$1,200
Attic Insulation: $350-$600
Wall Insulation: $350-$600
Air Sealing, bypass sealing, and weather-stripping: $175-$450
Ground Source Heat Pump: $300/ton
Smart Thermostat: $50
Incentive Amount:
Attic Insulation: $400-$700
Air Sealing/Bypass Sealing/Weather-Stripping: $250-$550
High Efficiency Lighting: 30% of cost
Wall Insulation: $450-$700
Evaporative Cooling System: $325-$1200
Central Air Conditioner (New): $400 - $700
Central Air Conditioner (Trade In): $550
Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump: $300 per ton
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $550
Programmable Thermostat: $25
High Efficiency Furnace: $400
Electrically Commuted Motor: $125
Tankless Water Heater: $200
Standard Tank Water Heater: $100
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $15
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $30
Incentive Amount:
2015 Large RFP Program: Incentive Amount: Refrigerators/Freezers: $30 Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system. There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages. It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Fort Collins can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year. Of course. The grid in Fort Collins already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings. You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Fort Collins, meaning your payback period could last 15.0 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end. Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill. The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system. Solar panels are becoming more popular for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Clothes Washers: $30-$40
Clothes Dryers: $30-$90
Dishwashers: $20
Standard Water Heaters: $30-$50
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350
Heat Pump Waste Heat (geothermal): $100 plus $25 for a lifetime warranty
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500/ton plus $200/ton 2019 bonus incentive
Ground Source Heat Pump Desuperheater: $100/unit
Air Source Heat Pumps:$300-$450/ton plus $200-$300/ton 2019 bonus incentive plus $100/unit for integrated controlled ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pumps: $85/unit
Air Conditioners: $100-$150
Residential LED Lighting: 50% of cost
Commercial Lighting: Varies, see program website
Irrigation Motors: $1.50-$8.00/hp
Variable Frequency Drives: the lesser of 50% of cost or $1,600-$6,800/unit Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Fort Collins, CO
Other Fort Collins, CO Home Services
Solar Companies in Neighboring Cities
