HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST TO INSTALL SOLAR FOR YOUR HOME IN COLORADO?

If we were to just give it a ballpark without asking any additional questions or requiring you to skim the rest of this article to find it, the director of our residential division says it costs between $25k and $35k to install solar panels in Colorado. A quick Google search will bring up dozens of calculators that can verify those numbers.

But what are you really getting for that level of investment, and what are some hidden costs and challenges you might encounter? What could it cost you in the future if you don’t make the right investment up front?

One of the big reasons that Fiske Electric got into the solar business is that we had heard too much of the same story: A company came in and installed the panels years ago. The system started to have issues, or parts needed to be replaced, but the company that installed it had gone out of business, and there was no support to be found.

In filling that gap here in Northern Colorado, we’ve been through all the scenarios: the system makeover, energy integration, new installations, updates, and maintenance. The best piece of advice we can give you is to research, and research some more.

If you look hard enough, you’ll be able to find a quote below the $25k pricepoint. You’ll also find quotes that surpass the $35k mark. Here’s what you need to be looking for within those quotes to know that you’ll be set up for the system that matches your needs, and won’t cost you even more in the future.

Solar panel quality

There are definitely good solar panels out there, and then there are not so good. If the quote comes in surprisingly low, take a look at the product they are quoting, especially if the installation company isn’t the manufacturer. Look up the manufacturer and reviews on those specific panels. If they don’t list which panels they plan to use, make sure to ask.

Quality of the installer is almost equally as important. A quote offering you an immediate turnaround or low labor price might be cutting some corners, or have some surprises for you when that proposed timeline ends. Whether there are surprises during install or problems one year in, a project that started below $25k can quickly turn into $35k or more.

Solar panel warranties and rebates

Check what the company is offering for warranties, and make sure both labor and the panels themselves are addressed. While you can’t always predict which businesses will be around when that warranty work is eventually needed, there are some indicators of their longevity that aren’t hard to find. Ask for licensing information, including when those licenses were obtained. See if their website mentions how long they’ve been in business, particularly here in the Northern Colorado area.

Rebates are a great way to reduce the cost of your project. In Colorado, we have opportunities to combine federal and state incentives. Whether or not this is listed on your quote, your installer should know which ones you would qualify for. They should also be able to provide any necessary documentation for tax or utility purposes.

A solar system that matches your needs

There are so many reasons out there to go the solar route. Knowing what you’re trying to accomplish with solar panels will help you make sense of the quotes you’re getting. As a first step, the right company will ask you whether your goals are lower utility bills, protection during outages, going green or something else. They’ll also have an open conversation with you about any of your other questions.

The conversation shouldn’t end with the panels themselves, either. Ask about integration into your home, energy management and storage, and any other solutions you might want to consider in order to get the most out of your investment.

Depending on your goals, there are many different ways to get started with solar power – all of them buildable over time. The right company won’t give you an all-or-nothing bid upfront. They’ll help you understand all your options and then help you achieve your goals.