Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Durango, Colorado. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated leader in the Four Corners area, SolarWorks is highly regarded for its personalized service and deep community ties. They specialize in custom-designed grid-tied and off-grid systems, emphasizing high-quality components and expert installation. Their team is known for its excellent customer communication and thorough knowledge of local incentives and permitting.
As the name implies, Durango Solar Company has a strong focus on serving the city and surrounding La Plata County. They offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation and energy assessment to installation, maintenance, and repair. They have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers and offer various financing options, including leases and PPAs.
While headquartered in Denver, EcoMark Solar has a significant presence and a dedicated crew serving the Western Slope, including Durango. They are a larger, well-established company that brings the buying power and resources to offer competitive pricing and robust warranties. They are particularly strong in grid-tied residential systems and helping homeowners navigate federal and state incentives.
** The home solar market in Durango, Colorado, is robust and growing, characterized by high consumer interest driven by abundant sunshine, rising electricity costs, and a strong local environmental ethos. The market quality is generally high, with several experienced, licensed contractors operating in the area. Competition is moderate but healthy, which helps maintain service standards and provides homeowners with multiple quality choices. Typical pricing for a residential solar installation in Durango is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). This means an average 6 kW system might have a gross cost between $16,800 and $21,000. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, roof complexity, and whether battery storage is included. The presence of both dedicated local installers and established regional companies gives homeowners a range of options from highly customized local service to potentially more standardized, cost-competitive solutions.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Durango regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Durango, Colorado.
Durango's high altitude and over 300 days of sunshine annually are excellent for solar production, as clearer skies allow for stronger sunlight. Winter snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle (often steep to match our roof pitches) so snow slides off easily, and the cold weather actually improves panel efficiency. Installers use robust racking systems designed for our local snow loads and wind conditions to ensure durability.
The average home solar system in Durango ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, with costs influenced by roof complexity and energy needs. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal tax credit, the valuable local La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) rebate (which can be several thousand dollars), and net metering through LPEA that credits you for excess power sent to the grid, significantly improving payback period.
Prioritize installers who are locally based and deeply familiar with La Plata County permitting, LPEA's interconnection process, and local building codes for snow and wind. Look for established companies with strong references in your specific neighborhood and confirm they are licensed, insured, and use certified installers (NABCEP certification is a gold standard). A good local provider will handle all paperwork with the city and LPEA for you.
From contract to activation typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from La Plata County and the City of Durango (if applicable), scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the required inspections and LPEA's interconnection approval. Seasonal weather can cause minor delays, so starting the process in spring or fall is often ideal.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, so you would not have power unless you add a critical component: battery storage. Many Durango homeowners opt for a solar-plus-battery system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) to provide backup power, which is especially valuable given our rural location and potential for winter weather-related outages. Your installer can design a system with this specific resilience in mind.