Best 5 Solar Companies in Fort Collins, CO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fort Collins

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Collins

Your solar modules' style will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Fort Collins. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Fort Collins

Choosing the best financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Fort Collins.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.