Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Brighton, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Photon Solar is a highly-rated, local Colorado company specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house installation teams, and expertise in navigating local incentives and utility requirements for Xcel Energy customers.
Based in Fort Collins, Sandbox Solar is an established provider with a strong reputation for engineering and designing high-performance solar systems. They serve the entire Front Range, including Brighton, and are recognized for their technical expertise on complex projects and both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
As one of the nation's largest dedicated residential solar companies, Sunrun has a major presence in Colorado. They are a strong option for homeowners seeking various financing and leasing options (like a Power Purchase Agreement) and typically handle all aspects of design, permitting, installation, and maintenance.
** The home solar market in Brighton, Colorado, is active and competitive, largely driven by the region's high number of sunny days and the presence of Xcel Energy as the utility provider. Homeowners in Brighton benefit from strong net metering policies and access to both federal and state-level incentives. The market features a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun and Tesla) and reputable regional installers based in the Denver metro area and Northern Colorado. This competition generally leads to good service quality and a range of options for consumers. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 6 kW system might cost between $16,800 and $21,000 gross. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost typically falls between $11,760 and $14,700. Most providers offer robust financing, and the knowledge of local permitting and Xcel Energy's interconnection process is a key differentiator for the top-rated local companies.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Brighton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Brighton, Colorado.
A typical residential solar installation in Brighton ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar tax credit with local utility incentives, such as those from United Power or Xcel Energy, which often offer rebates per watt installed. Additionally, Colorado's property tax exemption for renewable energy systems means adding solar won't increase your property tax assessment, enhancing long-term value.
Brighton receives over 245 sunny days per year, providing excellent solar production, especially during the long, clear summer days. Winter snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and bright winter sun reflecting off snow can lead to strong production on clear days.
In Brighton, you'll need an electrical permit and a building permit from the City of Brighton's Community Development Department. The process typically involves a plan review and inspections to ensure compliance with the International Residential Code and the National Electrical Code. Your chosen installer should handle this process, but it's important to confirm they are familiar with Adams County and City of Brighton requirements, including any specific rules for historic districts or homeowner associations.
Look for a local or regional installer with extensive experience in Colorado's Front Range, as they will understand Brighton's specific permitting, utility interconnection (United Power or Xcel), and climate considerations. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Always check reviews on independent sites and ask for references from recent installations in Adams County to gauge their reliability and customer service.
Staying connected to the grid through a net metering program is strongly recommended and is the standard for most Brighton homes. United Power and Xcel Energy offer net metering, which credits you for excess energy sent to the grid, effectively using the grid as a battery. Going completely off-grid is technically possible but requires a very large and expensive battery storage system to handle periods of low winter sun and high energy use, making it impractical and costly for most homeowners in this area.