10 best solar companies in Erie, 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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Erie, Colorado, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the top solar installers in Erie.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the right company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Erie or go with an established 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
Although solar panels require a large initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Erie homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Different solar companies provide different products. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Erie
Seek out Erie solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
Photon Brothers
Services Offered
Columbine Roofing & Solar
Services Offered
Klick Solar
Services Offered
Independent Power
Services Offered
Green Collar Crew
Services Offered
Freedom Solar Power - Denver Solar Panel Installers
Services Offered
Progreen Solar
Services Offered
Liv Solar
Services Offered
Apollo Energy
Services Offered
Aqua Care Solar LLC
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Erie?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Erie, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you fuel electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the best way to make sure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Erie
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 Erie?
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your roof orientation, labor costs, system size, area, shading and sunlight availability. Opting for accessories such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
In Erie, solar panel installation costs approximately $14,670, according to data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Erie?
While solar panel installation may be a big initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Erie from going solar
In Erie, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Erie's average payback period for solar is 13 years.
- Annual solar savings in Erie: Homeowners in Erie typically save around $1,060 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $16,583 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Erie from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Erie?
Homeowners in Erie can qualify for several solar incentives. Some are available across the state for all Colorado residents, and others are determined by your city, utility company and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives for Colorado homeowners, per 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 |
Rebate Program Poudre Valley REA - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Refrigerators/Freezers: $30 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60 Clothes Washers: $30-$40 Clothes Dryers: $30-$90 Dishwashers: $20 Standard Water Heaters: $30-$50 Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350 Heat Pump Waste Heat (geothermal): $100 plus $25 for a lifetime warranty Geothermal Heat Pumps: $500/ton plus $200/ton 2019 bonus incentive Ground Source Heat Pump Desuperheater: $100/unit Air Source Heat Pumps:$300-$450/ton plus $200-$300/ton 2019 bonus incentive plus $100/unit for integrated controlled ETS backup Terminal Air Source Heat Pumps: $85/unit Air Conditioners: $100-$150 Residential LED Lighting: 50% of cost Commercial Lighting: Varies, see program website Irrigation Motors: $1.50-$8.00/hp Variable Frequency Drives: the lesser of 50% of cost or $1,600-$6,800/unit |
Rebate Program Boulder County - EnergySmart Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | 25% of project cost |
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 Erie solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rain conditions and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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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