An unofficial slogan from the 1870s claims that Colorado sees 300 sunny days each year. While this is a myth, the state does get a lot of sunshine and is a solar energy goldmine. Figuring out which solar provider is right for you in a state with nearly 40 options can be daunting. That’s where we come in. Our team took a deep dive into the best solar companies in Colorado. We measured providers by cost, panel performance, online reputation, and more. With this information, you can narrow down your choices and pick a trustworthy brand for your home.
Key Takeaways
- The best solar company in Colorado is Blue Raven Solar, for its full-service installation process. Our findings are based on a synthesis of expert interviews, user reviews, and a survey of 1,000 homeowners.
- Colorado offers one of the strongest net metering programs in the country, allowing residents to bank power credit indefinitely instead of limiting credit accruals to each calendar year.
- Colorado residents enjoy a sales tax exemption on residential solar purchases.
Colorado’s Top Solar Energy Companies
We tested 60 popular solar companies against our methodology. We scored each on its product selection, energy efficiency, warranty, price, customer satisfaction, Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and more to see which has the most to offer solar buyers. The following companies scored highest among those available in Colorado.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
 | A+ | ||
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship |
The Best Solar Companies in Colorado for 2025
The following solar brands earned four or more stars when tested against our methodology:
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Freedom Solar Power: Most Complete Warranty
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
Our Top Picks for Solar in Colorado
Blue Raven Solar
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 18 months of free solar power
- In-house solar financing options
- One of the solar industry’s most reputable companies
Cons
- Short two-year power performance guarantee
- Some customer reviews mention pushy salespeople
- Workmanship warranty falls below the industry standard
Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar has been long-recognized by its peers and employees for trustworthiness and company success. Blue Raven’s in-house staff provides full-service installations. The company creates custom solar systems with leading panel brands, such as Q Cells and Silfab.
Blue Raven Solar is an excellent option for homeowners looking for the best financing options. The company’s BluePower Plus+ financing program requires little to no money down, plus five years of fixed interest rates. The company eliminates third-party lenders, creating a more simplified financing experience than other providers.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Blue Raven Solar has received numerous awards from Comparably, an organization that evaluates companies’ culture and reputation. Recognitions included Best Operations Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022. In 2021, Blue Raven Solar placed No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA.
The company holds BBB accreditation and an A+ rating*. We noted that customers praised the courteous customer service staff and knowledgeable installers but warned of pushy sales tactics from door-to-door salespersons.
Freedom Solar Power
Learn more: Freedom Solar Review
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rooftop solar, ground-mount, off-grid, and carport installations
- Preconstruction consultations with home contractors offered
- In-depth knowledge of state permitting and building codes
Cons
- Few system customization options
- Limited coverage area
- Some customer reviews note underperforming solar systems
Why We Chose Freedom Solar Power
Freedom Solar Power offers several solar installation options to Colorado Springs and Denver residents. Its solar equipment includes rooftop panels, ground-mount projects, off-grid, and carport installations. As a SunPower Master Dealer, the company installs high-quality Maxeon solar panels, some of the best residential market panels available.
You can add backup solutions with a Tesla Powerwall or SunPower SunVault battery. The company also offers Kohler generators for a more traditional power backup system. You can also purchase storage solutions for off-grid installations. Its staff of NABCEP-certified installers handles all installations in-house. The service department provides all solar customers with panel servicing and monitoring, removal, and reinstallation.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Freedom Solar provides a comprehensive 25-year warranty covering product, workmanship, and panel performance.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Freedom Solar ranked No. 70 on Inc.’s Regionals 2023: Southwest list of fastest-growing private companies in America. Solar Power World recognized the company as a 2022 Top Solar Contractor, its ninth time receiving the award since 2014.
Freedom Solar Power has an A rating with the BBB and is accredited by the organization. Based on customer reviews, we learned that customers appreciate the timely project updates and knowledgeable staff but were displeased with the hard-to-reach customer support team.
Sunrun
Learn more: Sunrun Review
Pros and Cons
Pros
- System monitoring technology to notify you of issues
- Diverse financing options to suit various budgets
- EV and solar battery solutions
Cons
- Added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers
- Solar and battery availability vary by state
- Limited customer support options compared to other brands
Why We Chose Sunrun
Sunrun emphasizes solar leasing. We don’t recommend this because leasing disqualifies you from many solar tax credits and rebates. However, if a solar lease is the best financing option for you to benefit from solar energy, Sunrun is a good option. Leasing Sunrun customers receive 25-year comprehensive system coverage and ongoing maintenance. They also receive added insurance coverage for panel theft and damage.
You can upgrade your Sunrun system with solar batteries and EV chargers. Systems include solar monitoring services that track system performance and average energy use.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Sunrun offers a 10-year comprehensive warranty with product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage to solar loan and cash payment customers. Leasing homeowners receive an extended 25-year warranty with additional theft and damage insurance.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA
Reputation and Awards
Sunrun was awarded 14 awards from Comparably in 2021 and 2022. The company was recognized in several categories, including Best CEOs for Diversity and Best Company for Women.
Sunrun maintains an A+ rating with the BBB. After evaluating customer reviews, we learned that customers appreciated the comprehensive system coverage. However, some homeowners expressed frustration over Sunrun’s poor customer service and delays in installation.
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Colorado?
Colorado offers a range of solar incentives that can significantly reduce solar panel installation costs and provide long-term savings for homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of key programs:
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Qualified homeowners can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which offers a tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of a solar panel installation. This incentive also applies to standalone energy storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall. The system must be owned, not leased, to qualify.
State Tax Exemptions
Colorado offers two key tax exemptions for solar customers:
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption: This exemption applies to renewable energy equipment and protects you from paying state sales tax on solar purchases.
- Property Tax Exemption: This incentive prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the added value of a solar panel installation.
Utility Company Rebates
Colorado is home to several utility companies that offer rebates for solar installations. Programs vary between each company, so check with your local utility provider for available rebates. Energy Smart Colorado, a federally funded program, partners with 10 communities to provide solar rebates to select counties.
Net Metering
Colorado’s net-metering policy allows homeowners to receive credits for any excess solar energy they generate. These credits can be applied to future electricity bills, helping offset utility costs:
- 200% cap: The state allows for up to a 200% net metering cap, much higher than other U.S. states.
- Indefinite credits: Excess energy credits roll over indefinitely. Most states only allow credit rollover for a year.
- Utilities: Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy are the largest utilities in the state and offer net-metering programs.
Checking with your local utility provider for additional net-metering incentives can help further reduce your overall energy costs.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Look for these key benefits, features, and services when shopping for a solar panel system to get the best return on investment (ROI).
Solar Services
Solar companies use in-house or third-party contractors for the installation process. In-house teams can work directly for the installer, offering better installation quality and communication. Third-party contractors have less quality control, with varying results in different locations. In addition, communication must pass through another point of contact outside the solar provider, making the process more complicated. We recommend using solar companies with in-house teams for the best results.
Some installers may have additional services that support your solar power system. These services include system monitoring and energy-tracking apps. Companies may also offer home upgrades and repair services.
Here’s a list of solar and home services commonly offered by solar companies:
- Dedicated mobile app or web portal
- Electrical services
- Energy efficiency audits
- Home energy monitoring services
- Roofing repairs and services
- Smart-home device upgrades and installation
- Solar system monitoring
Warranties
Since solar panels last around 25 years, look for companies offering warranty coverage for the same time frame. Our favorite cheap solar panels have shorter warranty coverage than high-quality panel options in exchange for lower initial costs. Your solar company may offer additional coverage to protect panel performance or installation issues. Below is an overview of typical warranty options:
- Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: This plan offers protection against manufacturing defects.
- Workmanship (or labor) warranty: The company covers any issues originating from a poor installation.
- Power production guarantee: Your solar provider outlines your panels’ expected performance level throughout their warranty and offers repair or replacement coverage if they fall below these outlined levels.
Quick Tip
- Remember that warranty availability, length, and coverage options vary between providers. We recommend reviewing each company’s warranty plans to find the best coverage.
Payment Options
Solar installers typically offer two or more solar financing options to better accommodate customer budgets. Some options, such as up-front payments and solar loans, make you the legal system owners, a requirement for most solar incentives. We’ve outlined the most common solar financing options below:
- Up-front (or cash) payments: Homeowners pay for the entire solar system up-front.
- Solar loans: This option includes an initial down payment and smaller monthly payments with interest for a certain time frame.
- Solar leases: You pay little to no money down and make monthly payments to rent the system from the installer.
- Power purchase agreements (PPAs): Homeowners make monthly payments for their solar energy use only.
Your solar provider retains system ownership with solar leases and PPAs, disqualifying you from solar incentives. These payment options work best for homeowners uninterested in owning their solar equipment. For the best ROI and maximum savings, we recommend choosing an up-front payment or solar loan.
Customer Support
After analyzing solar company reviews, we learned that customers mentioned excellent customer service as a standout feature for a solar company. Your selected company should provide customer support through various contact options. Some typical contact methods include the following options.
- Phone
- Online chat
- Online forms
- Text messaging
- In-app messaging
- Check online customer reviews for any callouts about a company’s poor customer service, including unreturned calls or delayed responses.
What Is the Best Way To Get a Solar Quote in Colorado?
For the most budget-friendly solar panel cost estimate, get quotes from multiple professional solar installers for your project. Compile a list of your top options, then request a quote from each by specifying your energy needs and budget. Here’s how the typical process works:
- Request a quote: Find the “Get a Quote” or “Calculate Your Savings” button on the company home page. Determine whether the solar provider offers remote quotes or requires an in-person appointment.
- Schedule a walkthrough: If needed, schedule a roof inspection with a salesperson. Note that this step may require you to already have an electric bill or other documentation on hand.
- Discuss your options: Review the installer’s suggested solar setup and ask detailed questions about how the system aligns with your energy goals and budget.
- Receive a formal quote: Request a final quote that breaks down the cost of each item and aspect of your solar project, including equipment, labor, overhead, payback period, and warranties. Confirm if the given installation date falls within your expected timeline, and ensure all soft costs (non-installation costs) are consolidated.
Our Conclusion
Our top solar choice for Colorado homeowners is Blue Raven Solar because of its customer support options and 25-year comprehensive warranty package.
Don’t forget to shop around before committing to a solar panel company. Compare prices, customer reviews, and the service you experience during the quote process before agreeing to purchase from a brand.
Other Colorado Home Service Resources
FAQs About Solar Companies in Colorado
Is it worth getting solar in Colorado?
For many homeowners, it’s worth getting solar in Colorado due to how much sunshine the state receives. The state also provides tax exemption policies, utility company rebates, and a favorable net-metering program.
What is the average cost for a solar system in Colorado?
According to EnergySage, the average cost for a solar system in Colorado is $31,160 for a 10-kilowatt system. This is before applying the federal tax credit, which would reduce this cost to $21,812.
Does Colorado have a solar tax credit?
Colorado doesn’t have a state solar tax credit, but it does have state tax exemptions and net-metering programs that help Colorado residents reduce how much they spend.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
