A Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar

Upgrading your home with solar energy is a significant investment with both short and long-term benefits. From understanding costs to maximizing efficiency, this guide will help you make informed decisions about installing and maintaining solar panels in Colorado.

Understanding Solar Panel Costs

• Installation Costs:

  • In Colorado, residential solar systems range widely in price due to several factors.  Factors such as system size, panel quality, and installation complexity.

  • An average Colorado home is 2000 sqft in size. An average home consumes 750-900kwh per month. The average price of a project that requires no additional installation upgrades (I.E. main panel upgrades, meter relocation, Interior inverter installation, trenching, etc.) The price of a project can range from $22,000 - $35,000.
    
    

• Incentives and Tax Credits:

  • Federal ITC: Covers 30% of solar installation costs.
  • Local Rebates: Many utility companies in Colorado offer rebates to lower upfront costs. Read our other post, "Why Colorado is Perfect for Solar Panels" for state-specific benefits and incentives.
  • Grants and Loans: USDA and other organizations provide financial support for rural solar projects. 

• Financing Options: Several financiers offer loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs) to make solar more accessible. These options allow homeowners to install panels with little to no upfront cost. Your credit score will determine eligibility for different finance options. 

How to Choose the Right product, installer, finance option, and warranty

• Experience and Reputation: Choose a provider with a proven track record and strong customer reviews. Ask for references and research their industry certifications.
• Product Quality: High-quality photovoltaic cells ensure better efficiency and longevity. However, the highest price does not always mean the highest quality. Several products are high quality but also have competitive pricing. Some of the high quality, yet affordable solar equipment is produced in the United States, Germany, and Singapore.
• Pricing and Financing: Compare pricing among providers and get help to understand the terms of any financing plans offered. Be sure to include costs for installation and maintenance in your calculations. Your energy expert can guide you through this process and help choose the right finance option, and warranty for your project.
  Internal Link: Link to "FAQs About Solar Panel Installation" (if available) for common questions about choosing a provider.

Maximizing Efficiency and Lifespan of Solar Panels

• Monitoring Performance: Use monitoring systems provided by your energy expert to track energy production and identify potential issues early.
• Routine Maintenance: A good quality installation with high-quality equipment requires very little maintenance. It’s not required, but it has been proven that cleaning your panels once a year (especially in arid climates like Colorado).
• Optimizing Energy Usage: Pair your solar panels with energy-efficient appliances and consider adding battery storage to reduce utility costs during time-of-use charging or power outages.
  Include Graphic: A diagram showing how battery storage integrates with a solar panel system.

In conclusion, investing in solar panels is a smart choice for reducing energy bills and contributing to a sustainable future. You can enjoy decades of clean energy by understanding costs, choosing the right provider, and maintaining your system.

Empower your future. Contact us to schedule your consultation.

Read our other post, "Why Colorado is Perfect for Solar Panels" for state-specific benefits and incentives.