Colorado is an outstanding place to go solar where solar panels typically save residents thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the equipment. Since the solar industry is rapidly growing in Colorado, the abundance of solar installers can be intimidating to navigate, especially since it’s wise to do extensive research before you choose an installer for your solar project. Luckily, we’ve done most of the hard work for you. In this guide, you’ll read about the best solar companies in Colorado and what sets them apart from other installers in the area.
Highest-Rated Solar Installation Companies in Colorado
Colorado residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to solar companies. Many national solar businesses operate in Colorado, and the state also hosts several local companies that provide targeted solar solutions that address common problems Coloradans have when they switch to solar energy. To help you choose the right solar provider, we’ve put together this list of the best solar companies in Colorado.
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- Photon Brothers: Best Local Company
- Blue Raven Solar: Best Solar Financing
- Tesla Energy: Best Technology
- Sunergy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- ADT Solar: Best Solar Warranty
- Freedom Solar Power: Best Customer Service
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Colorado
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best National Provider | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
| Photon Brothers | Best Local Company | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for workmanship and equipment | Yes | $$ |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Solar Financing | 9.6 | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$ |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 9.4 | B | 25 years for equipment plus 10 years overall | No | $$ |
| Sunergy Construction Inc. | Outstanding Regional Installer | 9.3 | A+ | 25 years for workmanship plus manufacturer’s warranty | Yes | $$$$ |
| ADT Solar | Best Solar Warranty | 9.3 | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | $$$ |
| Freedom Solar Power | Best Customer Service | 9.2 | A | 25 years for workmanship plus manufacturer’s warranty | Yes | $$$$ |
SunPower
SunPower is a titan of the solar industry, boasting almost 30 years in the business and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company offers top-of-the-line solar technologies in a variety of products, all backed by an industry-leading all-inclusive warranty.
Read more Sunpower facts and review.
SunPower has a national presence but offers some in-house installations in Colorado, somewhat of a rarity for such a large company. SunPower is an industry leader for a reason and one of the best companies you can choose for solar in Colorado.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly-efficient panels
- A comprehensive warranty covers panels, installation, and efficiency for 25 years
- Great track record of dependability
- Some in-house installations
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Brand variety is lacking
SunPower Cost, Warranty, & Services
SunPower is a premium solar energy company. It charges above-average prices but stands behind its products with excellent warranties and customer service. SunPower customers have access to a wide range of solar services, although the company only carries Maxeon panels, which can feel limiting at times despite their high-performance characteristics.
- Average Cost: SunPower is quite expensive, sometimes reaching up to around $3.25 per watt. That would put the standard 5-kW system needed in Colorado around $16,250 before the ITC, which is above the national average.
- Warranty: SunPower’s warranties are among the best in the business. All SunPower solar panels are backed by a 25-year warranty covering the panels, installation, and performance, making owning SunPower panels in Colorado a low-risk investment.
- Solar Services: SunPower is a full-service solar company and offers panels, batteries, solar monitoring, and EV chargers.
- Financing Options: SunPower accepts multiple financing options, including cash, loans, leases, and PPAs.
- Specials or Incentives Offered: As of this writing, SunPower is offering a $100 credit for anyone who signs up with the company for an in-home consultation using your referral link.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: SunPower recently began performing in-house installations and is moving to that business model, but it still outsources many of its jobs.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: SunPower recently began performing in-house installations and is moving to that business model, but it still outsources many of its jobs.
- Partnerships: SunPower partners with AAA to offer Colorado customers a $1,000 Visa rewards card for all AAA members who go with SunPower solar. The company also partnered with the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise to provide SunPower solar for the team’s stadium.
Photon Brothers
Photon Brothers is a relatively new company that focuses on providing unparalleled customer service to Colorado residents who want to make the switch to solar. The company conducts most of its business in Colorado, which means you won’t have to deal with the shortcomings of a large national company. The company’s organization — from its warranty structure to its technicians’ training — is aimed at providing top-notch solar installation services for Coloradans.
The company offers an impressive array of products that make it easy to find the right option for you and your home. All Photon Brother products come with an industry-standard 25-year warranty covering damage and efficiency, making it easy for Colorado homeowners to fearlessly invest in solar technology despite Colorado’s notoriously inclement weather.
Photon Brothers operates across the state, with most of its customers located in Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Westminster. The company offers extremely competitive prices and lowers the barrier to entry for people on a budget by offering flexible financing, including 0% and no-money-down options. Customers can also choose to lease their products or opt for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Great Prices
- Solid 25-year warranty covering efficiency and equipment
- Plenty of products to choose from
- Flexible financing options
Cons
- Some reviews report installation delays (although these are few and far between)
Photon Brothers Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
Below, we’ll include some information on this company that should help you decide if it’s right for your solar project.
- Average Cost: Photon Brothers reports that Colorado solar installations cost between $10,000 and $40,000, with an average cost of $21,000. This is before the federal tax incentive.
- Warranty: The company’s 25-year warranties cover panels and mounting hardware, installation/workmanship, and an extended 25-year warranty on your inverter.
- Solar Services: Photon Brothers offers a good selection of services, including solar panels, battery backups, and electric vehicle (EV) charger installation.
- Financing Options: Photon Brothers accepts cash and also offers financing, leases, and PPAs.
- Specials or Incentives Offered: As of this writing, Photon Brothers offers a $500 reward for referring a friend after they sign up with Photon Brothers.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: All Photon Brothers installations are done in-house. The company is REC and Tesla-certified, and all work is performed by local technicians.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: Photon Brothers offers an impressive choice of solar brands, including Solar Edge, SMA, SunPower, Solaria, Qcells, Panasonic, Enphase, LG, LG Chem, REC, and Tesla.
- Partnerships: Photon Brothers has a partnership with the Pueblo Building Department and has recently installed solar panels on the department’s offices in downtown Pueblo. The solar project is going to save the Building Department an estimated $1,000,000 over the next 30 years compared with the cost from a traditional utility company.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is a national company that offers uncommonly responsive customer service and local attention to Colorado residents, especially those in the Denver metropolitan area. The company doesn’t offer as many solar service options as its competition but is affordable and offers solid warranties on all its products.
Blue Raven also doesn’t offer the same range of financing options, but it does have the BluePower Plus+ solar loan program, which is considered the best in the industry and the new standard for solar financing.
Read this in-depth Blue Raven Solar Review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great prices
- Excellent warranties on all its products
- Outstanding customer service
- Industry-leading financing program
Cons
- Doesn’t offer leases or PPAs
- Only installs solar panels
Blue Raven Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
Blue Raven is a national solar company with an excellent A+ BBB rating. The company was founded in 2014 and has quickly established itself as a leading choice for affordable solar panels. It also offers some of the best warranties in the business, and it has set the bar high for solar loan programs with the BluePower Plus+ financing program.
- Average Cost: Blue Raven doesn’t offer specific cost estimates for Colorado customers on its website, although it does report that the national average cost is around $14,000, after the ITC.
- Warranty: Blue Raven offers a solid 25-year warranty that covers all solar equipment installed by the company above and beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Customer reviews indicate that the company is quick to respond to warranty maintenance calls, making it easy to get fast service when something goes wrong.
- Solar Services: Unfortunately, Blue Raven’s solar services are lacking. The company only handles solar panel installation, so you’re probably better off with a different company if you’re looking for a solar one-stop shop. The company has plans to offer solar batteries beginning in 2022, but it hasn’t started yet.
- Financing Options: Another downside to Blue Raven is the relatively small number of purchasing options it offers. Customers can pay in cash or use traditional financing, but there aren’t any options for leases, loans, or PPAs. However, the in-house financing program provides access to no-money-down loans for 18 months, making solar super accessible.
- Specials or Incentives Offered: Blue Raven offers a tiered refer a friend program that gives you $1,000 for your first and second referrals, and $1,500 for every referral after that who becomes a Blue Raven customer.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: Blue Raven does in-house installations, so you don’t have to worry about local installation problems from independent contractors.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: Blue Raven carries several popular brands, including Solar Edge, SMA, Hyundai, SolarWorld, Axitec, Canadian Solar, Trina, and Enphase.
- Partnerships: Blue Raven partners with GivePower to bring clean, potable water to people in need via solar-powered desalination farms.
Tesla Energy
Tesla’s solar panel production is overshadowed by its automotive manufacturing, but the company offers high-quality solar panels that are probably the best on the market today. Tesla solar panels offer better energy efficiency than most other brands’ panels and are well-known for being more durable and more aesthetically pleasing than many traditional panels. Durability can be especially helpful for Coloradans who live in areas with high winds and severe winter weather. The tradeoff for these features is higher cost, which can be prohibitive, but the company matches pricing to bring the total cost down.
Read a full review of Tesla Solar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Technologically superior panels
- Faster installation than most companies
- Price matching
Cons
- Not the best workmanship warranty
- Locked-in to Tesla brand products
- No leases or PPAs
- Outsourced installation
Tesla Energy Cost, Warranty, & Services
Tesla’s solar services are expensive, but the technology it offers is more efficient and durable, which justifies the elevated prices to some extent. If outsourced installation bothers you, Tesla is not the solar provider for you since the company contracts out to local businesses for installation. Tesla is also not a great choice if you value options, as the company only sells its own equipment.
- Average Cost: The average cost of buying Tesla solar panels for Colorado residents is $16,000–$17,000 for 4.8 kW solar panels and one Powerwall Battery. This estimate is after the federal ITC. Keep in mind that the company does offer price matching.
- Warranty: All Tesla solar panels come with a 25-year warranty covering performance and a 10-year comprehensive warranty covering parts. The performance warranty guarantees that your system will continue to operate at 80% of the advertised power capacity for 25 years. This is a great guarantee and provides Tesla customers with peace of mind.
- Solar Services: Tesla provides solar panels, batteries, EV charging stations, monitoring, and innovative solar roofs.
- Financing Options: Unfortunately, Tesla lacks the breadth of financing options other solar companies offer. The company only accepts cash and traditional financing.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: Tesla contracts out to local companies for solar installations, which means it’s difficult to know what kind of service you’ll get.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: Tesla only sells its own brand of panels, batteries, and solar shingles.
- Partnerships: Tesla is certified by the BBB and has a network of certified installers across the country, but no other public solar partnerships.
Sunergy Solar
Sunergy was founded in 2015 and has become one of the foremost solar companies in Colorado in just a few short years. The company maintains an impressive A+ BBB rating and offers a wide selection of solar products and services. Sunergy also offers several payment options, including PPAs and solar leases, making it competitive with other businesses in the state that offer similar financing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Performs in-house installations
- Plenty of products to choose from
- Expert technicians provide CO-specific installation
Cons
- Prices are a bit steep
- Some customer reviews report slow response times
Sunergy Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
Sunergy Construction’s solar options are slightly more expensive than average but the company attempts to offset its prices somewhat by offering many financing options. The company does its own installation, which is a good thing, but some customers report delays, especially for warranty repairs. Still, reviews are largely positive and Sunergy has tons of options that make it easy to find one that works for you no matter where you live throughout Colorado.
- Average Cost: Sunergy solar panels cost between $10,000 and $18,000, with an average cost of $16,000. This is above average in Colorado.
- Warranty: Unfortunately, the company doesn’t offer any warranty information on its website. This is probably due to the wide range of products they carry. Solar installer warranties often fill gaps in manufacturer warranties and these gaps differ between different brands.
- Solar Services: Sunergy is a full-service solar company, offering solar panels, backup batteries, monitoring, installation, and other roofing and electrical services.
- Financing Options: Sunergy offers plenty of financing options, including payments in cash, financing, leases, and PPAs.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: Sunergy is an end-to-end solar installer, meaning the company installs all its solar products in-house. This approach generally leads to a favorable customer experience and makes it easy to work with Sunergy.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: Sunergy carries LG, QCells, Hanwha, SMA, Solar Edge, and Enphase products.
- Partnerships: Sunergy Construction Inc. has several installers that are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
ADT Solar (Formerly Sunpro)
ADT Solar has provided Colorado residents with affordable, effective solar technologies for almost 15 years under the former company name, Sunpro. The company — most known for its home security systems — has a wide reach that covers 20 states but offers enough specialization to provide Coloradans with solar energy solutions that address the specific problems they face. ADT Solar offers enough products, brands, and financing options to meet virtually any homeowner’s needs, and all its solar work is backed with a solid 25-year warranty covering workmanship, performance, and power systems.
Read an in-depth review of ADT Solar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tons of products
- Superlative warranty covering labor and performance
- A-BBB rating
- In-house installations
Cons
- Financing options are limited
- Some reviews report slow response times
ADT Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
ADT is a relatively large company, giving it the ability to charge reasonable prices thanks to the economy of scale. ADT Solar is a good option for Colorado residents because it offers an assortment of affordable panels, expert installation, and extensive warranties, giving you the assurance that your solar investment will continue to pay dividends, even as you endure Colorado’s harsh winters.
- Average Cost: Purchasing ADT Solar panels and an ADT Solar system costs Colorado residents somewhere around the average. However, there are no specific numbers available.
- Warranty: ADT Solar’s warranty is among the best solar warranties we’ve seen. It covers labor, power production, overall panel module performance, and microinverters for 25 years. The terms are also clearly delineated on the company’s website, so there won’t be any surprises when you try to schedule a warranty repair visit.
- Solar Services: ADT is a full-service solar company, offering solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers.
- Financing Options: Unfortunately, you won’t have many financing options if you choose to go with ADT. The company accepts cash and traditional financing but doesn’t offer leases, or PPAs.
- Specials or Incentives Offered: ADT Solar is offering $1,000 for each person you refer who signs up with the company, as of this writing. The company makes it easy to get rewarded for spreading the word about ADT Solar with a convenient referral app.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: ADT Solar does its own installations, so you don’t have to worry about interfacing with a third-party installation company.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: ADT Solar offers a decent selection of panels from Panasonic, Tesla, and LG.
- Partnerships: ADT has key partnerships with Buildpro Roofing Specialists and Energypro Home Energy Specialists.
Freedom Solar Power
Freedom Solar Power has been a mainstay of the home solar industry since 2007. The company distinguishes itself by offering some of the best customer service in the business. Customer reviews report high levels of customer satisfaction, even post-installation when many companies aren’t as quick to respond. Freedom Solar Power uses experienced technicians who can help you devise a custom solar plan that will stand up to the unique challenges of installing solar panels in Colorado.
Read an in-depth review of Freedom Forever Solar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Technicians have years of experience
- Excellent variety of brands and products
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Limited financing options
Freedom Solar Cost, Warranty, & Services
Freedom Solar Power charges more than most of its competition, but offers unparalleled customer service and excellent warranties, making it worth it for some homeowners. The company also stocks most major solar brands and provides a decent range of solar services.
- Average Cost: The average cost of a solar system from Freedom Solar Power is well above average for the Colorado area, although no specific prices are mentioned on the company’s site.
- Warranty: Freedom Solar Power offers a 25-year warranty that covers hardware, performance, and workmanship, making it one of the best solar warranties available today.
- Solar Services: Freedom Solar Power offers solar panels and backup battery installation.
- Financing Options: Freedom Solar Power’s financing options are somewhat lacking. The company only accepts cash and traditional financing, making it a poor choice for people looking for solar leases or PPAs.
- Specials or Incentives Offered: As of this writing, Freedom Solar Power offers a $500 reward for every residential customer you recommend and $1,000 for each commercial customer. Reward disbursements and tracking are handled through an easy-to-use mobile app.
- In-House or Contracted Installations: Freedom Solar Power is a full-service company that handles all installations in-house.
- Solar Equipment Brands Offered: Freedom Solar Power carries products from SunPower, Solar Edge, SMA, Enphase, Tesla, and Sonnen.
- Partnerships: Freedom Solar Power is a SunPower partner and certified Tesla installer.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in Colorado
The best overall solar company in Colorado is Photon Brothers. The company only services Colorado and parts of California, so its technicians are used to dealing with the unique difficulties of installing solar equipment in the state. Photon Brothers also has excellent customer service that is difficult to match for larger, national installers.
If you prefer the security and reputation that comes with a larger company, SunPower is your best option. The company has an outstanding track record of providing solar services to Colorado residents and is worth the higher price you’ll have to pay if you value technological efficiency and professionalism over saving money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in Colorado
If you’re having trouble choosing one of the companies outlined above, here is a quick look at the most important factors to consider in general to help you break down what you need. The best advice we can give is to decide where your priorities lie first and then find the company that best matches your individual requirements in order of how important they are to you.
Cost of Services & Installation
The most obvious factor that influences your decision is cost. It’s tempting to choose the company that offers the best deal you can find, but be aware that cheaper companies often provide less comprehensive warranties and offer a narrower selection of brands and services. A large fraction of the cost of going solar is the cost of labor, so make sure you’re comfortable with your company’s level of experience before you sign any contracts.
Most solar panel companies are happy to work with you to help determine your energy needs and find a solar energy system that works for you. Many will also provide a free quote, so don’t hesitate to inquire with a company that catches your eye. An estimate from a company will be the most accurate and give you the clearest picture of what your future electric bill will be after you invest in rooftop solar.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
A solid solar warranty is very important for all solar customers but is doubly important for Colorado residents. Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms of a company’s warranty before committing and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most companies offer warranties that cover the equipment, but others offer more comprehensive coverage that includes labor and performance.
Solar Services Offered
If you know what you want, choosing a solar company is easier since your requirements narrow the field of companies that provide the specific services you’re interested in. If you’re not sure, that’s ok, but you should steer your search toward companies that offer a wider variety of solar brands and products. Virtually all solar companies install panels and backup batteries, but not every company will be able to install more specialized equipment like EV chargers. You should consider what you hope to get from transitioning to solar before narrowing down your list.
Financing Options
Solar panels are an expensive purchase, and most people can’t afford to pay for them outright. Most companies offer traditional financing, but you should be aware of other options like leasing solar panels, solar loans, and PPAs. If these more advanced financing options appeal to you, you can filter out companies that don’t offer them.
Do They Contract Installation?
Many people don’t realize that some solar companies contract out solar panel installation to other companies until they’re stuck trying to find out why there are problems with their installation. Most people have a better experience with companies who do solar installations in-house since there are fewer points of contact and the installation process has fewer moving parts. There are exceptions, of course, but a company that contracts installation out usually has more variability in customer satisfaction.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Most homeowners are looking to reduce or eliminate their home’s energy bill when they consider purchasing solar panels. If getting the most bang for your buck is important to you, you should choose an installer that offers the best technology. Brands like Maxeon, SunPower, and Tesla are known for having the most efficient panels on the market, although they’re also more expensive.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
Don’t discount customer reviews and online ratings when doing your research on solar companies. Customer reviews can be helpful for weeding out businesses that look good on paper but become more difficult to work with once they have your money. Keep in mind that most online review sites skew to the negative side, although good solar companies tend to maintain high ratings. We recommend giving more weight to accredited institutions like the BBB since these ratings are more stable and less likely to give a false view of a company than some independent review sites.
Industry Partnerships
Partnerships are the lifeblood of many solar companies, so be wary of any business that seems to operate on its own. Many solar companies have partnerships with local governments to install solar systems on state buildings, while others have tight connections to local companies in related fields like construction and clean energy. You don’t need to pay too much attention to the details of the partnership, but a company having many connections is a good sign.
Size of Company
Choosing a large solar company affords you several benefits. Bigger companies usually can afford to set lower prices and are also more likely to carry a wide range of products. However, big companies also struggle to address local issues, especially businesses that operate in multiple states. A smaller local solar company will be more familiar with regional solar challenges, and will often be faster in responding to inquiries and service requests.
The bottom line is that you should choose a company whose size matches your priorities. Choosing a larger company can save you money and give you access to more brands and products, while a smaller company will give you more personalized attention and offer better customer service on average.
Today’s Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology
At Today’s Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reputable solar company in Colorado?
In our opinion, Photon Brothers is the most reputable solar company in Colorado. The company has an excellent history of installing solar panels for Colorado residents evidenced by its stellar A+ BBB rating and menagerie of outstanding customer reviews online.
Is there a solar tax credit in CO?
There is no state-specific tax credit in Colorado. However, the federal 26% ITC is available for Colorado residents who install solar panels as a source of renewable energy.
What is the best solar company in Denver, CO?
Photon Brothers is our pick for the best solar company that services Denver, CO, although SunPower is a close second despite being a national business.
How much does it cost to install a solar system in Colorado?
The average cost to install solar panels in Colorado is $3.13 per watt. This figure puts the total cost for an average 5 kW solar panel system in Colorado between $13,000 and $18,000, depending on the size of your home, what kind of panels you buy, and the company you choose.
Are solar panels worth it in Colorado?
Absolutely. Colorado is ranked 13th in solar installations, with more Coloradans installing solar as more people realize how feasible it is. Not only will solar panels offset a large fraction of your utility bill, but they’ll also raise the value of your home, making them an excellent investment long-term, even if the upfront cost is steep.
