10 best solar companies in Westminster, Colorado
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Westminster, Colorado, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Westminster.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Westminster or opt for a leading national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels need a large initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Westminster homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,000.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Westminster
Look for Westminster solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Photon Brothers
Services Offered
Freedom Solar Power - Denver Solar Panel Installers
Services Offered
Smart Wave Solar
Services Offered
Apollo Energy
Services Offered
Vanguard Solar Services
Services Offered
Golden Solar
Services Offered
Apex Solar Solutions
Services Offered
Roper Roofing & Solar
Services Offered
MH Electrical and Solar
Services Offered
ION Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Westminster?
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Westminster, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Westminster
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westminster?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your labor costs, sunlight availability, shading, system size, roof orientation and area. Selecting accessories such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will raise the overall cost.
According to data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Westminster averages around $14,495.
How much can you save by going solar in Westminster?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Westminster from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Westminster homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Westminster's standard solar payback period is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Westminster: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Westminster homeowners save around $1,028 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save approximately $15,906 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Westminster from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 111 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2775 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Westminster?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Westminster homeowners. Some programs are open to all Colorado residents, while others differ by municipality, city and utility company.
Available solar incentives for Colorado homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Residential Renewable Energy Equipment | 100% exemption for renewable energy system property |
Sales Tax Incentive Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment | 100% |
Rebate Program Eagle County - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program | Residential PV: 50% up to $500 Solar Thermal: 50% of project costs Commercial 50% of project costs |
Sales Tax Incentive City of Boulder - Solar Sales and Use Tax Rebate | ~15% refund on sales and use tax for the solar installation |
Rebate Program Roaring Fork Valley - Energy Smart Colorado Renewable Energy Rebate Program | PV: 25% of cost Solar Water Heat: $25% of cost Solar Thermal Tune-up: 25% of project cost Micro-hydro and Geothermal: 25% of cost |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Community Solar Gardens | 100% exemption for the percentage of electricity capacity (AC) of a community solar garden attributed to residential or governmental subscribers or organizations that are already exempt from property taxes |
Performance-Based Incentive Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program | Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid |
Sales Tax Incentive Local Option - Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | Varies (local option) |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | Varies (local option) |
Rebate Program Efficiency Works - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program (Offered by 4 Utilities) | 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 |
Rebate Program United Power - Residential Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program | CFL Recycling: FREE New Energy Star Refrigerator/Freezer: $30 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $75 New Energy Star Clothes Washer: $40 New Energy Star Dishwasher: $20 New Electric Thermal Storage Units (on automated Time-of-Day control panel): $4-$16/kW New Electric Thermal Slab (on automated Time-of-Day control panel): $4-12/kW Water Heaters: $20-$400 Terminal Unit for Heat Pump A/C Units: $75-$85/Unit Heat Pumps: $100-$450/ton Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200-$500/ton Air Conditioners: $100-$150 |
Loan Program Xcel Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Financing | Up to $50,000 |
Rebate Program Xcel Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | Refrigerator Recycling: varies, contact utility for details Natural Gas Furnace: $300 EC Motor in New or Existing Furnace: $100 Air Conditioning/Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$600 Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300 Water Heater: $70-$450 Evaporative Cooling: $200-$1,200 Attic Insulation: $350-$600 Wall Insulation: $350-$600 Air Sealing, bypass sealing, and weather-stripping: $175-$450 Ground Source Heat Pump: $300/ton Smart Thermostat: $50 |
Rebate Program Xcel Energy - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR | Attic Insulation: $400-$700 Air Sealing/Bypass Sealing/Weather-Stripping: $250-$550 High Efficiency Lighting: 30% of cost Wall Insulation: $450-$700 Evaporative Cooling System: $325-$1200 Central Air Conditioner (New): $400 - $700 Central Air Conditioner (Trade In): $550 Ground Source/Geothermal Heat Pump: $300 per ton Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $550 Programmable Thermostat: $25 High Efficiency Furnace: $400 Electrically Commuted Motor: $125 Tankless Water Heater: $200 Standard Tank Water Heater: $100 ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $15 ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer: $30 |
Loan Program Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program | $35,000 |
Loan Program Green Colorado Credit Reserve | $250,000 |
Performance-Based Incentive Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Community Program | 2015 Large RFP Program: Determined through competitive bid. RFP released on March 3, 2016 |
Loan Program Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Lake, and Pitkin Counties - Energy Smart Colorado Loan Program | $25,000 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Westminster solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage might affect the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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