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.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Fountain, Colorado, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Fountain to help you find the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can pick a local Fountain solar company or select an established national brand.
While solar panels call for a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Fountain homeowners to save $1,300 on average each year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Ahead of scheduling your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Search for Fountain solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and take note of consistent bad reviews.
5135 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
(719) 359-9603
freedomsolarpower.com/locations/color...Fountain and the nearby areas receive plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, sunlight availability, roof orientation, system size, shading and labor costs. Opting for accessories such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
In Fountain, solar panel installation costs around $13,979, based on data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
After moving completely to solar power, Fountain homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
Switching to 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.
Experts Ready to Help
Multiple solar incentives are available to Fountain homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Colorado residents, though others vary by municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are offered to Colorado residents, as listed in DSIRE:
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 |
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 |
Loan Program Residential Energy Upgrade (RENU) Loan Program | $35,000 |
Loan Program Green Colorado Credit Reserve | $250,000 |
Loan Program Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Lake, and Pitkin Counties - Energy Smart Colorado Loan Program | $25,000 |
Performance-Based Incentive Black Hills Energy - Solar Power Program | Systems sized 0.5 kW - 30 kW: $0.030 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period Systems sized 30.001 kW - 500 kW: $0.060 per kWh is paid over a 10-year period |
Rebate Program Colorado Springs Utilities - Renewable Energy Rebate Program | PV: $0.10 per watt |
Rebate Program Colorado Springs Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Electric Dryers: $50 Natural Gas Furnace: $250 Natural Gas Water Heater: $50 Insulation & Air Sealing: 40% of job cost, up to $200 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50 Smart Thermostats: $50 LED lighting: in-store discounts Irrigation Equipment: Up to $50 Solar Panels: $0.20 per AC Watt |
Rebate Program Black Hills Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$650 Heat Pump Ductless Mini Split: $300 Central A/C: $250-$550 Ground Source Heat Pumps: $1,500 Evaporative Cooler: $100-$1000 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Attic Insulation: $0.35/sq. ft. Wall Insulation: $0.65/sq. ft. Air Sealing/Duct Sealing: 50% of cost Appliance Recycling: $50 |
Rebate Program Southeast Colorado Power Association - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Note that the rebates listed here are a combination of Tri-State rebates and SECPA rebates Electric Heat Pump (Central Air Source): $300-$475/ton plus $100/unit for ETS backup, $85/unit for terminal units Geothermal Heat Pumps: $550-$600/ton Air Conditioners: $100-$150/unit Commercial LED Lighting: Varies LED Lamps: lower of $8/lamp or fixture or 50% of cost Water Heaters: Varies, see website Refrigerators/freezers: $80/unit plus $60/unit additional for refrigerator/freezer recycling Clothes Washers: $80-$90/unit Clothes Dryers: $30-$90 Dishwashers: $20-$40/unit Irrigation Motors: $10/HP plus $1.50/HP wiring assistance if the motor replaces a fossil fuel engine or is a new installation Variable Speed Drive Retrofit: Lesser of 50% of cost or $20,000/project Low Income Weatherization: up to $500 Electric Thermal Storage Units: $20/kW Thermal Slab: $12/kW |
Rebate Program Mountain View Electric Association, Inc - Energy Efficiency Rebates Program | Residential Lighting Energy Star LED Bulbs: 50% of cost Residential Appliances Refrigerator/Freezer: $30/unit plus $60/unit if recycled Dryer: $30-$90 Clothes Washer: $30-$40 Dishwasher: $20 Water Heater: $50-$350/unit Marathon Electric Water Heater: $200/unit plus $2/gallon Air Conditioner: $100-$150 Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton Geothermal Heat Pump Replacement: $250 Thermal Storage: $16-$20/kWAir Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $85/unit Commercial Lighting LED/Induction Street Lighting: 25% of cost LED Refrigerated Case Lighting Retrofit: 50% of cost Other Lighting Incentives: Vary, see program website |
Rebate Program San Isabel Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | LED Bulbs/Fixtures: 50% of cost Clothes Washer: $70-$80 Clothes Dryer: $80-$90 Dishwasher: $50 Refrigerator/Freezer: $80 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60 Water Heaters: $20-$350 Roof, Wall, and Floor Insulation: 60% of cost Air Conditioners: $50-$150 Electric Thermal Storage Unit: $40/kWh Electric Thermal Storage Thermal Slab: $12/unit Geothermal Heat Pump: $500/ton (new installation) or $250/ton (replacement) Air Source Heat Pump: $300-$450/ton plus $100/unit for integrated ETS backup Terminal Air Source Heat Pump: $85/ton |
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. |
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The extra battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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