Best 5 Solar Companies in Lakewood, CO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lakewood

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping 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 solar contracting licenses if they choose. Solar installers can also pursue accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lakewood

Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Lakewood and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $19,900 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lakewood

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors 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 Lakewood.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.