Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Every year, more Fountain homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Switching to solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Fountain. These reputable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 lower electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. 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 their own solar professional if they choose.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot 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.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Going solar can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
Fountain homeowners typically spend about $13,979 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Fountain cost roughly $3,980 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 5.0 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's panel type, size, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order 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:
Electric Dryers: $50
Natural Gas Furnace: $250
Natural Gas Water Heater: $50
Insulation & Air Sealing: 40% of job cost, up to $200
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Smart Thermostats: $50
LED lighting: in-store discounts
Irrigation Equipment: Up to $50
Solar Panels: $0.20 per AC Watt
Incentive Amount:
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$650
Heat Pump Ductless Mini Split: $300
Central A/C: $250-$550
Ground Source Heat Pumps: $1,500
Evaporative Cooler: $100-$1000
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Attic Insulation: $0.35/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.65/sq. ft.
Air Sealing/Duct Sealing: 50% of cost
Appliance Recycling: $50
Incentive Amount:
Note that the rebates listed here are a combination of Tri-State rebates and SECPA rebates
Electric Heat Pump (Central Air Source): $300-$475/ton plus $100/unit for ETS backup, $85/unit for terminal units
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $550-$600/ton
Air Conditioners: $100-$150/unit
Commercial LED Lighting: Varies
LED Lamps: lower of $8/lamp or fixture or 50% of cost
Water Heaters: Varies, see website
Refrigerators/freezers: $80/unit plus $60/unit additional for refrigerator/freezer recycling
Clothes Washers: $80-$90/unit
Clothes Dryers: $30-$90
Dishwashers: $20-$40/unit
Irrigation Motors: $10/HP plus $1.50/HP wiring assistance if the motor replaces a fossil fuel engine or is a new installation
Variable Speed Drive Retrofit: Lesser of 50% of cost or $20,000/project
Low Income Weatherization: up to $500
Electric Thermal Storage Units: $20/kW
Thermal Slab: $12/kW
Incentive Amount:
Residential Lighting
Energy Star LED Bulbs: 50% of cost
Residential Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer: $30/unit plus $60/unit if recycled
Dryer: $30-$90
Clothes Washer: $30-$40
Dishwasher: $20
Water Heater: $50-$350/unit
Marathon Electric Water Heater: $200/unit plus $2/gallon
Air Conditioner: $100-$150
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton
Geothermal Heat Pump Replacement: $250
Thermal Storage: $16-$20/kWAir Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $85/unit
Commercial Lighting
LED/Induction Street Lighting: 25% of cost
LED Refrigerated Case Lighting Retrofit: 50% of cost
Other Lighting Incentives: Vary, see program website
Incentive Amount:
LED Bulbs/Fixtures: 50% of cost
Clothes Washer: $70-$80
Clothes Dryer: $80-$90
Dishwasher: $50
Refrigerator/Freezer: $80
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60
Water Heaters: $20-$350
Roof, Wall, and Floor Insulation: 60% of cost
Air Conditioners: $50-$150
Electric Thermal Storage Unit: $40/kWh
Electric Thermal Storage Thermal Slab: $12/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton (new installation) or $250/ton (replacement)
Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton plus $100/unit for integrated ETS backup
Terminal Air Source Heat Pump: $85/ton
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Fountain can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Absolutely. The grid in Fountain 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.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once per season. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Fountain homes. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Solar panels are gaining in popularity 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.
