Denver is known for its snow-capped mountains and a commitment to the environment. A major part of that commitment has been the city’s push toward solar energy as an alternative to coal and other traditional energy sources. This guide will help homeowners looking to make the switch to solar with everything they’ll need to transition smoothly and affordably.
4 Facts to Know About Solar in Denver
-
After extensive outreach to the community, the Denver Office of Sustainability set 2020 Sustainability goals to protect natural resources. Included in those goals are:
Reduce Denver CO2 emissions to below 1990 levels
Keep total energy use below 2012 levels and reduce fossil fuel use by 50 percent
-
The Denver Public School District has installed solar panels on more than 30 schools. The expected savings over 20 years is approximately $500,000. The Denver Public Schools Department of Sustainability even provides online links to live monitoring of schools’ photovoltaic systems.
-
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Colorado experienced a 19.6 percent increase in photovoltaic power generation between October 2018 and October 2019. The growing solar industry in Colorado is also a job creator. The industry currently employs 6,847 people statewide.
-
The 2017 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition was held in Denver in October. Teams of students work to engineer and build energy-efficient and cost-effective houses that use 100 percent solar energy.The Swiss Team’s NeighborHub was the winning project.
The house of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in the 2015 competition in Irvine, California.
Credit: U.S. DOE
In the beginning, 10 years or so ago, everybody was still in the mindset that you can’t connect to the grid, you need batteries, that it’s not affordable. And back then, there weren’t the grants or rebates to pay for the system. So people now, with the federal tax incentives, are thinking that those incentives won’t be around forever and that they should act now.”
IN-DEPTH: Solar in Denver
Solar power in Denver is growing, but it still has some work to do in terms of national rankings and return on investment. It currently stands at 26th in the nation in customer value according to the NC Clean Energy Technology Center. The rankings were determined by initial monthly savings, the relative value in investing in contrast to long-term value and the compared cost of solar to traditional utilities. The customer value of solar power is increasing nationwide due to a sharp decline in hardware and equipment costs, but the City of Denver also provides several rebates and financial incentives to encourage residents to make the switch. Read on to learn more about Denver residents’ potential for return on their investment.
Electricity prices
In terms of residential electricity consumption, Colorado ranks 35th in the nation with an average of 691 kWh per month and does fall below the national average of 914 kWh per month. Though both the electricity rate and consumption fall below the national average, it remains a worthwhile investment for those looking for alternative energy sources.
Photovoltaic potential
Denver usually gets about 115 clear days a year and about 130 partly cloudy days, based on National Weather Service criteria. According to NREL, the buildings within Denver proper have the rooftop solar potential of 2.3 GW of installed capacity and an ability of solar to meet 52 percent of the city’s estimated consumption.
Policies & incentives
Though the price of solar installations has fallen in recent years, financing a solar energy project for your home can be difficult. To incentivize residents to make the leap, the city of Denver has introduced special energy loans that are engineered to make the change possible through low-cost financing. Loan applicants will be able to receive assistance from a loan adviser from Denver Energy Challenge and must pay a $25 processing fee and become a member of Elevations Credit Union.
Solar, Wind, and Energy Efficiency Easements Rights and LawsIn March 2015, the rights and duties between landowners and renewable energy developers were clarified. The rights, dating back to 1979, prevented residential covenants restricting solar access and the laws were extended to wind turbines.
XCEL Energy – Solar Rewards ProgramThe XCEL Energy Solar Rewards Program is a performance-based program that is split into three different levels (small, medium and large) dependent on the size of the unit. In order to qualify for this program, residents must submit an application within the designated window. Slots often fill quickly, and interested parties should submit an application as quickly as possible.
Sales and Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy EquipmentThe state of Colorado offers tax exemptions for all systems that produce electricity from a renewable resource after July 1, 2006. The exemption applies to components of such systems like turbine generators, solar modules and more.
If you have an older electric box or an older roof that needs replacing, and if you install either of those things at the time you install solar, you might be able to wrap that cost into the federal rebate because it is being installed for solar.”
Permitting & interconnection ease
Permitting and Interconnection ease are an important part of the decision-
making process when it comes to the solar installation process. The City of Denver Development Services has a great Project Guide For Solar Panels to help guide homeowners through the solar installation process:
Some important permits that should be in hand before the start of construction are: zoning permit, current City of Denver Contractor’s License or Homeowner’s Exam (if you want to install the technology yourself), and an electrical permit.
Applications for permits can be emailed using the quick-permits feature or obtained in-person.
Solar panel installation fees have a $50 cap for all permits.
There are two types of solar clients. The first type knows about rebates and is looking for them because they have taxes to offset. Then you have the client that just doesn’t necessarily want pay from the utility company, but doesn’t want to pay any more or any less than they have to for [the electricity] they are currently using.”
Solar Companies in Denver
Denver is home to many solar contractors and installers that provide all the services homeowners will need to successfully transition to renewable energy. The following is a partial list of businesses in the area and a description of their services to help you find the best fit for your home.
- Est. 1990
- 8671 Wolff Court, Ste. 300
Westminster, CO 80031 - (888) 996-4374
1-800-Solar-USA is a solar panel installation company dedicated to reducing energy dependence by employing a “whole house” approach and providing a variety of energy efficiency products and services. Its “cooperative energy program” brings together energy providers, manufacturers and the federal government to bring solar PV to as many consumers as possible.
- Est. 2009
- 621 17th St., Ste. 701
Denver, CO 80293 - (844) 462-2529
Ablaze Energy offers design, sales and installation of solar PV to both residential and commercial clients. It allows the financing option of zero down and no out-of-pocket expenses to qualifying customers. Ablaze is committed to solar education with a variety of resources always available to answer client questions.
- Est. 2009
- 2183 S. Downing St.
Denver, CO 80210 - (720) 504-0005
ARE Solar serves the greater Denver metropolitan area with solar design and installation services. They are a locally owned business that seeks to make solar energy more accessible to the people of Colorado and offer financing and other financial tools to help make solar more affordable.
- Est. 2006
- 722 Iowa St.
Golden, CO 80403 - (303) 903-1332
Buglet Solar Electric is a small community-based company that specializes in custom-designed and installed residential and commercial solar PV systems. The company is certified by both the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA).
- Est. 2010
- 14040 W. 32nd Ave.
Golden, CO 80401 - (720) 933-6225
Cascade Solar USA provides solar panel installation and repair for residential and commercial buildings throughout the Denver area. They tout a 20-year annuity program in which customers earn money from their investment instead of paying it to the utility company.
- Est. 2009
- 685 S. Arthur Ave., Unit 10
Louisville, CO 80027 - (720) 328-5795
City Electric Inc. provides solar energy system design and installation services along with electrical and maintenance services to its customers. The family-owned business has installed 5 megawatts of solar energy systems in the Denver area since its creation.
- Est. 1997
- 10464 W. 44th Ave., #2B
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 - (720) 726-6775
Brothers Nick and Chuck Well started their family business in 1997 with the hope of helping families and businesses with all of their general contracting needs. They have since expanded into solar contracting and installations in order to help families and businesses generate their own power.
- Est. 2009
- 3091 S. Jamaica Court, #220
Aurora, CO 80014 - (720) 600-7236
Colorado Roofing Solutions is a full-service roofer that offers the Dow Powerhouse Solar shingles system which uses solar shingle modules that provide an aesthetically pleasing alternative to the more traditional solar panel array.
- Est. 2002
- 950 Wadsworth Blvd., Ste. 306
Lakewood, CO 80214 - (303) 937-7000
Colorado Superior Roofing & Construction is a full-service roofing contractor and solar PV installer. The company is an authorized dealer for the Powerhouse Solar System 2.0, a system employing solar shingle modules that are compatible with the shingles used on the customer’s home roof.
- Est. 2002
- 6014 W. 62nd Place
Arvada, CO 80003 - (888) 947-8626
Complete Energy Solutions, LLC offers a variety of solar power systems and installation services to residences in the Denver and surrounding areas. They install residential, off-grid and mini-grid systems and offer financing opportunities to make solar more affordable.
- Est. 2009
- 676 Moss St.
Golden, CO 80401 - (303) 880-9092
Earth Energy Solutions is a full-service company providing standard and customized sustainability solutions, including solar PV systems, solar thermal water heating, self-contained solar water heaters, solar air conditioning, solar powered lighting and more.
- Est. 2013
- 757 E. 20th Ave., Ste. 370-140
Denver, CO 80205 - (720) 549-0642
Ecology Solar specializes in the design and installation of solar energy systems for residential, commercial and multi-family properties while also providing monitoring and maintenance services. The company is proudly Denver-owned, and looks to improve and serve the community.
- Est. 2010
- 4665 Paris St., #300-C
Denver, CO 80239 - (720) 432-6411
EcoMark Solar specializes in solar energy systems design and installation in addition to roofing and solar repair. They also offer special financing to customers who qualify. In the last six years, EcoMark has grown from a small, independently owned business to one of the largest solar companies in the area.
- Est. 2007
- 610 S. Lipan St.
Denver, CO 80223 - (303) 484-9854
ECO Roof and Solar specializes in the installation of solar powered roof shingles for residential buildings. The shingles are made in the United States and protected under a 20-year warranty. The company touts that solar shingles are more cost-effective than traditional solar panels, after rebates and other incentives.
- Est. 2006
- 8295 S. Krameria Way
Centennial, CO 80112 - (303) 953-2346
Energy Environmental Corporation specializes in a number of renewable energy systems and installation, including solar PV, geothermal, solarthermal and wind turbines. The company’s mission is to help families switch from conventional HVAC systems for both their physical and financial health.
- Est. 2014
- 1644 Platte St.
Denver, CO 80202 - (720) 800-3969
E Squared Solar offers a unique service in which a customer provides his or her address, and E Squared determines whether or not the customer’s roof is good for solar. The company then compares the rates of top installers and picks the best deal to meet the customer’s needs.
- Est. 2016
- 6860 S. Yosemite Court, Ste. 2000
Centennial, CO 80112 - (303) 209-0145
Evo Solar provides sales and installation of solar PV for both residential and commercial customers. Although founded in 2016, the company offers over 23 years in the solar energy business. Customers can receive a free estimate for their solar PV project.
- Est. 2007
- 4721 Oxford Road
Longmont, CO 80503 - (303) 775-4574
Whether homeowners are looking to go completely solar or want to install a solar heater for their pool, Flatiron Solar has them covered. The company specializes in the installation of solar electric systems and solar water systems.
- Est. 2008
- 501 S. Lipan St.
Denver, CO 80223 - (720) 432-3512
Go Green Electric is a full-service solar PV company that additionally specializes in energy retrofits and energy audits. The company is led by Mike Maharas, a licensed Master Electrician. Go Green locates different ways that its clients can lower their overall electrical consumption, allowing them to save money with a smaller solar array.
- Est. 2008
- 614 10th St.
Golden, CO 80401 - (303) 955-6332
Golden Solar Electric looks to help residents of Colorado not only choose the more environmentally friendly power source using photovoltaics, but also to use solar technology to help create a more stable energy infrastructure in the United States.
- Est. 2008
- 6438 S. Quebec St., Ste. 212
Centennial, CO 80111 - (720) 580-0530
Go Solar Inc. provides solar PV installation in the Greater Denver area, including Castle Rock and Boulder. Owner Dennis Beaver began in 2008 under the name Evergreen Sun Power, designing and installing over 190 solar PV systems before founding Go Solar Inc.
- Est. 2015
- 11776 W. Chinango Drive
Morrison, CO 80465 - (720) 621-2466
Interstate Electric and Solar offers installation of solar energy systems in addition to full electrical services. They offer a 24/7 emergency service hotline and looks to install high quality, long-lasting products for their customers.
- Est. 2015
- 4821 W. 101st Circle
Westminster, CO 80031 - (844) 548-7652
LivSolar LLC specializes in the installation of solar energy systems in the Denver area. It’s their mission and goal to lower customer energy costs, increase U.S. energy independence, protect the environment and stop energy inflation.
- Est. 1982
- 4060 S.Clay St.
Englewood, CO 80110 - (303) 782-9099
Metro Solar, Inc. is a Denver area-based company that specializes in the design of individual systems for homes in the city. They believe that homeowners should have a say in the placement of panels, and as such, emphasize consultation with their clients throughout the process.
- Est. 2005
- 3330 Larimer St., Ste. 1A
Denver, CO 80205 - (303) 447-0300
Namasté Solar is a renewable energy business that seeks to not only make solar energy affordable, but to reform the corporate model as well. They pride themselves on a cooperative ownership structure, transparency in all dealings and democratic decision making.
- Est. 2013
- 815 Parfet St.
Golden, CO 80401 - (720) 593-1954
Paragon Solar offers a variety of solar services including: planning and design, verification and inspection, repair and maintenance for both residential and commercial properties. They also provide online tools to help homeowners plan the switch to solar.
- Est. 2013
- 3221 W. Hampden Ave.
Englewood, CO 80110 - (720) 370-3344
Photon Brothers is both a retailer of solar panels and certified installer. They are an authorized seller of SunPower solar panels which produce up to 75 percent more energy than conventional panels.
- Est. 2015
- 7315 S. Revere Parkway
Centennial, CO 80112 - (385) 240-5592
Preventive Solar is a full-service solar contractor that offers services in general solar energy systems, solar roof panels, solar electric systems and solar heating systems. As a locally owned company, Preventive solar places an emphasis on its customers and community.
- Est. 2012
- 3153 Eastwood Court
Boulder, CO 80304 - (970) 485-0207
Reconnect Solar provides more than just design and installation services. They also provide solar panel removal and reinstallation for systems that may be outdated, as well as system inspections and trouble shooting and solar panel snow guard installation.
- Est. 2009
- 13767 Ashgrove Circle
Parker, CO 80134 - (303) 475-9712
Refresh Roofing and Energy specializes in solar energy system design and installation, in addition to roofing services. A jack of all trades, they also perform energy efficiency services such as insulation upgrades and aesthetic updates like kitchen renovation.
- Est. 1978
- 833 W. South Boulder Road
Louisville, CO 80027 - (888) 567-6527
RGS Energy provides design and installation services for both residential and commercial properties. They also provide a variety of resources, from financing help to basic solar guidelines, along with questions that will help customers decide the best solar energy plans for their needs.
- Est. 2001
- 9250 E. Costilla Ave., Ste. 660
Englewood, CO 80112 - (303) 903-7615
RMI Roofing & Construction provides design, installation and maintenance services for both residential and commercial solar PV and roofing.
- Est. 2006
- 7717 W. 6th Ave., Ste. F
Lakewood, Co 80214 - (303) 898-9951
Simply Efficient Solar and Wind provides installation of solar electricity systems along with other forms of renewable energy systems. They emphasize the economic boon investing in solar can be for their customers, stating that a big benefit is Colorado’s use of true net metering.
- Est. 2012
- 2525 16th St.
Denver, CO 80211 - (303) 433-2233
Skyline Roofing and Solar wants to make solar power systems as affordable as possible by providing customers with financing in addition to the rebates and incentives put forward by the state and city. Their website also allows potential customers to obtain a quote for solar installation in their home.
- Est. 2015
- 1600 Race St.
Denver, CO 80206 - (303) 928-0313
Solar Energy By Design works with customers to design and install the best solar energy systems for their needs while also providing education for its customers on the importance and finer points of solar energy.
- Est. 2006
- 810 Quail St., Unit J
Lakewood, Co 80215 - (720) 496-0786
Solar Energy Environments is a Better Business Bureau-accredited general contractor that services the Denver area. The company emphasizes that all work and installations are done by Solar Energy employees and not independent contractors.
- Est. NA
- 210 N. Ogden St.
Denver, CO 80218 - (720) 669-3662
SolarLighting Solution is an independently-owned Denver-based company that specializes in the selling and installation of solar energy systems. They base much of their work off of the Danish method solar and seek to incorporate international stakeholders into their work.
- Est. 2013
- 8200 Quebec St., Ste. A-3231
Centennial, CO 80112 - (303) 797-6527
Solar Power Pros offers solar panel installation along with monitoring and maintenance of solar energy systems. In addition to installation services, they offer purchasing and financing plans to make paying for a new solar energy system easier.
- Est. 2014
- 7925 W. Layton Ave.
Denver, CO 80123 - (303) 548-3457
Solar Purpose provides installation of solar energy systems between 1 kW to 25 kW. With residents averaging 5.1 hours of direct sunlight a day, the company believes that solar installations in Colorado are more productive than in other, less sunny states.
- Est. 2009
- 17512 W. 59th Ave.
Golden, CO 80403 - (303) 271-0656
Solar Side Up is local solar contractor that provides high-quality, turn-key solar electric solutions to residential and commercial customers throughout Colorado. The company designs all of its systems to provide virtually maintenance-free solar electrical generation for years to come.
- Est. 1987
- 2108 Grant St.
Longmont, CO 80501 - (303) 776-5271
Owned by a Boulder, Colorado native, Southard Solar Energy & Construction is a business that keeps the community and environment in mind. They provide solar installation services, removal, upgrades, solar kits for tiny homes and off-grid solar energy systems.
- Est. 1995
- 16505 W. 51st Ave.
Golden, CO 80403 - (303) 670-1609
Speck Construction is a contractor that builds and remodels homes as well as installs solar PV and solar hot water systems. The company serves all of the Denver Metro area and Jefferson County, including Morrison, Evergreen, and Idaho Springs.
- Est. 2015
- 4018 Youngfield St.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 - (303) 729-4354
Stellar Roofing and Solar aims to make solar energy a more efficient process by offering solar installation in conjunction with roofing, weatherization, installation and electrical expertise. In combining those elements, the company hopes to help customers get the most out of their solar energy systems.
- Est. 2011
- 1441 18th St., Ste. 400
Denver, CO 80202 - (800) 793-0786
SunShare offers an alternative to traditional rooftop solar installations, instead of connecting subscribers to their service to the solar grid. The company operates more like a utility company, but can be a good option for those who do not want to commit to the installation of rooftop panels.
- Est. 1996
- 9900 E. 51st Ave.
Denver, CO 80238 - (303) 904-2268
Suntalk Solar specializes in the highly technical nature of solar energy systems, placing emphasis on control and monitoring mechanisms in addition to Enphase Micro Inverters. The micro inverters are a tool used to help each panel perform at its maximum capacity.
- Est. 1980
- P.O. Box 104
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 - (303) 423-5685
Wheat Ridge Solar offers a variety of energy-efficient products and solutions, including solar PV and solar water heating. The company works with architects to design low-energy use buildings, and with home and business owners to create custom packages that maximize alternative energy efficiency.
There are companies and banks that will offer low-interest rate loans for solar installation so that the customer only has to pay [on the loan] each month what they normally would for utility electricity, or maybe just a little bit more. So you don’t have a huge upfront cost and you go from paying a utility company to paying a finance company, and eventually owning the system yourself.”
DENVER LIBRARY OF SOLAR RESOURCES
- City of Denver Office of Sustainability – Learn about all the ways Denver is boosting its sustainability through government initiatives.
- Colorado Renewable Energy Society (Metro Denver Chapter) -Working to lead Denver to a more energy-efficient and renewable economy with development, education, and policy.
- Colorado State Energy Office – The Colorado State Energy Office has information about energy usage in the state along with information about financing and workshops in energy efficiency.
- Colorado General Assembly – The Colorado General Assembly has a listing of rules, statutes and regulations that will help Denver residents navigate solar laws and incentives.
- Colorado Public Utilities Commission – Located in Denver, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission has a wealth of resources about the cost of utilities and applicable regulations.
- Denver Development Services Solar Project Guide – Guide to help homeowners understand the permitting process for solar systems 10kW or less.
- Denver Energy Challenge – Free advisors can help residents develop personalized Energy Action Reports for their homes and help implement those plans.
- DSIRE Incentives Database: Colorado – The DSIRE Incentives database provides users with all renewable incentives provided by their state. Search results can be filtered by city.
- U.S. Department of Energy Solar Profile: Denver – This resource contains a solar profile of the city of Denver, helping readers understand the local renewable energy landscape.